JOB POSTING - CENTER DIRECTOR

What we’re seeking 

Little Peaks Preschool & Early Childhood Center (Little Peaks) is seeking a full-time, NY State-qualified Center Director to manage the overall program, including day-to-day operations, staff and facility needs, and future planning. 

In this role you will serve as the official point-of-contact and leadership for the Center and maintain responsibility for oversight of all operational components. To thrive in this role, you will have excellent communication skills (both written and verbal), a genuine love for children, and a commitment to early childhood education, with a focus on nature and play. 

The Center Director will report directly to—and work collaboratively with—the Executive Director of Little Peaks. You will also work with the Board of Directors on special projects. 

We encourage all applicants who believe they would thrive in this role to apply, even if you do not yet hold all requirements or have experience with all the responsibilities listed in this posting. Consideration will be given to an appropriate candidate willing and able to complete any unmet requirements while serving as Center Director, with the expectation that they will complete in-service training, degree and/or certification conferral. 

About Little Peaks Preschool & Early Childhood Center 

We are located in Keene, NY, in the heart of the High Peaks region of the Adirondacks. Founded in 1993 as a not-for-profit corporation by dedicated community parents, the preschool program grew significantly in 2023 when we opened the doors of our new state-of-the-art Preschool & Early Childhood Center. Today, we provide a program for 30 infants, toddlers, and preschool children (ages six months to five years) that is rooted in our natural surroundings. We offer a rich learning environment where diversity is celebrated, where kindness and sincerity are used to solve everyday problems, and where children’s questions drive independent learning. 

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement from Little Peaks, Inc. 

*adapted, in part, from Columbia College Child Care and Early Education Centre 

We are committed to promoting and supporting a learning community where young children, families, and staff can learn and work together in a safe and secure atmosphere free of fear, bias, discrimination, and other negative treatment. We affirm the right to freedom of thought and expression of opinion within the bounds of courtesy, sensitivity, responsibility, and respect to others with different views. 

We seek to foster understanding and respect among individuals and groups through education and constructive approaches for resolving conflict. We are committed to treating persons of all ages with dignity and respect in an open, honest, fair, and friendly manner. 

Equal educational opportunities are available for children, without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, gender and gender identity, ethnicity, religion, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state or local laws and in keeping with the capacity of our Center. 

We foster a work culture led by kindness and respect, and free from discrimination and harassment. We value a diverse workplace and encourage people of color, LGBTQIA individuals, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and others from minority groups and diverse backgrounds to apply. 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

Center and Program Operations, which include the coordination and management of: ● Student recruitment and enrollment processes. 

● Compliance with NYS regulations and licensure, health and safety regulations, and other applicable laws, requirements, and educational standards. 

● Operational budget for staff, materials and supplies, and facility expenses. ● Facility oversight with regard to routine inspections, permitting, code compliance, and maintenance oversight (together with Building & Grounds staff). 

● Brightwheel, our childcare management app, and the evaluation of existing and new digital tools needed for efficient operations and communications. 

● Little Peaks’ unique Food Program (together with our Food Program Coordinator). 

Staff and Curriculum Leadership 

● Build, grow and retain a dedicated team of teachers and staff. 

● Manage scheduling to preserve daily classroom ratios. 

● Provide overall leadership and direction to the staff, ensuring effective teamwork, best practices in early childhood education, staff development, and a positive work environment. 

Communications 

● Serve as liaison for county offices and all compliance communications. Develop strong working relationships with state licensing authorities and other relevant organizations. ● Create and execute a cadence for regular programmatic communications to all Little Peaks stakeholders, including families, staff, the Board, and the broader community. ● Serve as one of the spokespersons for Little Peaks at events and in related community activities and communications. 

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS 

Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to build professional and collaborative relationships with colleagues and members of the community-at-large. 

Proven leadership skills, including the ability to delegate responsibilities as needed across the school. 

Education, Training, and Licensing 

● Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field required; Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field preferred ● New York State Children’s Program Administrator Credential required ● NYS Teacher Certification (in Early Childhood Education or related field) preferred ● Minimum of two (2) years experience of full-time teaching experience in a child care center, family or group family day care home or other early childhood program ● Minimum of two (2) years of experience supervising staff in a child care program or a related field of work 

● Must have current Adult, Infant and Child CPR and First Aid certification ● Continuing education and training as required by NYS: 

https://ocfs.ny.gov/programs/childcare/training/requirements.php#dcctraining 

Additional Requirements 

● Medical clearance, clear TB test, COVID-19 vaccination 

● Pass the NYS background check 

● Ability to lift up to sixty (60) pounds 

● Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and/or Google Workspace 

● Knowledge of social media platforms and websites to post Center updates ● Preferred: Experience with day care center management software (e.g., Brightwheel) 

Compensation / Benefits 

● $64,000 - $72,000 salary commensurate with experience, with benefits ● Generous paid time off and professional development opportunities 

● Flexibility to perform some job duties offsite and outside of regular Center hours, in this primarily on-site position 

Please submit cover letter and resume to: 

Janelle A. Schwartz, Executive Director 

janelle@little-peaks.org 

Candidates will be considered on a rolling basis. 

JOB POSTING: ASSISTANT COOK:

Location: Little Peaks Preschool & Early Childhood Center
Position: Assistant Cook
Employment Type: Full-time
Salary: $18.00-$20.00/Hour

About Us:
At Little Peaks Preschool & Early Childhood Center, we believe that nutritious meals are essential for healthy growth and development. We are committed to providing delicious, wholesome food for our children and fostering a positive eating environment.

Position Overview:
We are looking for a dedicated and enthusiastic Assistant Cook to join our team. The ideal candidate will assist the lead cook in preparing meals, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and ensuring that all food safety guidelines are followed.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in the preparation and cooking of meals and snacks for children.

• Help with menu planning, ensuring meals are nutritious and appealing.

• Maintain cleanliness and organization in the kitchen and dining areas.

• Follow food safety and sanitation protocols at all times.

• Assist in serving meals and cleaning up after meals.

• Work collaboratively with staff to accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences.

• Assist with inventory management and ordering of supplies as needed.

• Act as lead cook, when needed, in their absence.

Qualifications:

• Previous experience in a cooking or food preparation role preferred.

• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage time effectively.

• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

• Passion for working with children and promoting healthy eating habits.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance; Paid Time Off; Professional Development Opportunities

• Supportive work environment with a focus on teamwork

• Opportunities for growth and advancement

• Beginning 10/1/24, we will provide a signing bonus for any new hire contingent on having completed 90 days of service in the amount of $500

How to Apply:
If you are passionate about cooking and want to contribute to a positive learning environment for young children, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter to director@little-peaks.org.