Director of Early Childhood Laboratory School and Academic Programming

Delaware State University's Early Childhood Education Lab School is home to the youngest members of our learning community. From an early start, we ignite and nurture an enduring spirit of curiosity, creativity, community, and confidence. The theme of “Learning through a Global Lens” reflects a focus on Awareness of Cultural Diversity and Perspectives, Awareness of the Connectedness to the Planet, Awareness of both Differences and Sameness, and Awareness of Self and Sense of Belongingness.
 
Housed within the Education Department in the College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences, at the direction of the Department Chair, the Director will coordinate and supervise the activities and staff of the Early Childhood Education (ECE) Lab School, maintain the goals and philosophy of the Lab School, comply with state licensing and other requirements, prepare and implement policies and procedures, manage school operations, and do related work as required. Beyond the Lab School the Director will oversee updates to the early childhood degree programs’ curriculum (associate and bachelor) and advise and plan for lab school observation experiences for students, collaborating with contracted advisors/mentors to support the programs’ effectiveness. 
 
The Lab School is scheduled to move into a state-of-the-art facility within the Early Childhood Innovation Center (ECIC), currently under construction and scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2025. This position is accompanied by a posting for the Lab School Site Coordinator and poises the leadership with a once in a lifetime opportunity to build a school from the ground up, building upon the Lab School’s long-standing legacy, while championing for progressive new approaches.

Essential Functions 
The Director will lead in these areas:
Lab School Learning Program 

• Designing the curriculum changes, aligning to the “Learning through a Global Lens” curriculum, and ensuring an aligned teaching approach and staff training.
• Designing the learning spaces to match the learning program in the new state of the art facility.
• Conduct an annual assessment of program philosophy, goals and objectives, and progress toward learning goals with an annual strategic plan.
• Hire, train, supervise, evaluate, and schedule staff to ensure an effective ECE Lab School. Observe teachers in practice and provide ongoing coaching and feedback.
• Develop and maintain classroom environments and curriculum working in collaboration with ECE staff to create a warm, interactive, intellectually stimulating, physically challenging, and emotionally secure program based on individual children's and families' specific needs, including language and cultural values which reflect and support the ECE instructional program.
• Facilitate positive intrapersonal relationships with families through positive dialogue, regularly scheduled meetings, and accessibility.

• Ensure proper record-keeping including but not limited to budget, staff employment records and credentials, student and staff attendance, enrollment, purchases, and food program.
• Ensure compliance with all DELACARE licensing requirements for staffing, health, safety, etc. 
• Create and preside over regularly scheduled meetings with staff (bi-monthly team meetings) and development of a yearly professional development plan. 
• Conduct meetings with DSU offices as needed to ensure smooth operations of the Lab School. 
• Develop/maintain an annual master calendar for center operations, in alignment with the University calendar.
• Perform duties of all ECE Lab School staff as needed in emergencies.
• Participate on University committees as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Ensure updates to curriculum and coursework in ECE degree programs, and program accreditation reporting.
• Advise ECE students; assign visiting students to the appropriate class for field experience.
• Work with Recruitment and Retention office to promote the ECE programs. 
• Serve as liaison between the University, the community, and state agencies. 
• Teach 1-2 ECE associate and/or bachelor’s degree courses/semester.
• Coordinate ECE courses with faculty and adjunct faculty.

• Current experience in principles and techniques related to administering and supervising an early childhood center-based program with multiple funding sources.
• Advanced knowledge of developmentally appropriate early childhood practices to meet cognitive, social, and physical needs.   
• Experience in personnel management and the promotion of positive relationships; development and supervision of preschool children.
• Supervision of parent-child, teacher programs: ability to motivate and support innovation in early childhood center-based programs.
• Communicate/effectively interact with all stakeholders and others encountered in the scope of the position: including parents, children, staff, representatives of government agencies, community representatives, and visitors to the lab school – in both written and oral formats.
• Provide accurate budgeting reports; maintain confidentiality of records and information regarding children and families in compliance with state licensing and reporting requirements.
• A clear history of demonstrating a collaborative and inclusive leadership style.
• A strong commitment to planning and leading initiatives in support of diversity, equity, and inclusion; attracting, developing, and retaining a talented and diverse team of faculty and staff.
• Demonstrate an understanding of and sensitivity to and appreciation for, the academic, ethnic, socio-economic, disability, and gender diversity of students and staff.
• A commitment to progressive education and driving pedagogical and programmatic innovation.
• A record of strengthening the academic and social/emotional learning experience for students.
• Demonstrated competency in managerial, administrative, and fiscal leadership, and use of variety of software programs as needed for efficiency.
• A record of success with engaging constituents, attracting philanthropy, and stewarding financial resources in support of a mission-driven organization.
• Reliable attendance and ensuring the successful completion and quality of work according to established guidelines and timelines.
• Analyze procedural and complex situations and skillfully make decisions as they arise, seeking assistance from the Chair as needed, and ensuring proper communication with the Chair.
• Exhibit the highest level of professionalism, customer service, personal integrity, and ethics.

The criteria for evaluation in this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

EEO Statement

Delaware State University is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic global community. The University is dedicated to enhancing diversity and inclusion in all aspects of recruitment and employment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. The University is committed to achieving a diverse faculty and staff and encourages members of underrepresented groups to apply.

Equal opportunity employer/program'' and “auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities''.