Childcare Manager

Hills and Dales is a non-profit organization dedicated to building meaningful lives for individuals with support of this mission the organization operates a licensed childcare that is inclusive of children with and without disabilities.


The Childcare Manager is responsible for the development administration supervision and operations of the General Childcare Center and Childcare Medical Services. This position ensures the program(s) operate at a high level of quality and meet state and federal regulations as well as the high standards of Hills and Dales mission. The role requires collaborative working relationships with all necessary departments the community regulatory officials and families in the performance of its operations.

Essential Qualifications:

1. Knowledge of the targeted client population (children) and an understanding of the proven methodologies in providing services.
2. Ability to implement and monitor the programs for the targeted population.
3. Knowledge of the day-to-day operations of the center.
4. Ability to work flexible hours.
5. Ability to take initiative to maintain confidentiality to meet deadlines and to work in a team environment are essential as well as a self starter and the ability to work independently when needed.
6. Demonstration of excellent written and oral communication skills strong interpersonal skills.
7. Demonstration of strong administrative and organization skills and close attention to detail.
8. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers and the general public.
9. Thorough understanding of general safety requirements for center.
10. Good interpersonal skills with ability to interview individuals associated with audit subject matter as well as communicate findings to management.
11. Ability to implement and monitor the childrens care practices such that performance indicators meet federal and state regulations and the quality standards established by the Organization.
12. Ability to independently handle crisis situations.
13. Ability to manage assigned employees and/or departments to high levels of performance.
14. Knowledge of federal state and local regulations.
15. Familiar with Iowas Quality Rating system.
16. Demonstration of acceptable levels of attendance punctuality and work ethic such that the job performance meets or exceeds expectations.
17. Ability to work with others in the completion of department duties; ability to work in and to develop a team environment.
18. Ability to supervise employees in the performance of their duties such that performance meets or exceed expectations.
19. Ability to develop interpersonal relationships with coworkers staff consumers families and the community such that job performance meets or exceeds expectations.
20. Familiarity with appropriate and effective internal control procedures.
21. Ability to define problems collect data establish facts and draw valid conclusions.
22. Ability to drive vehicles.
23. In all cases of physical requirements appropriate reasonable accommodations will be considered whenever possible to allow position incumbent to accomplish essential functions in an alternative manner.
    1. Regularly required to sit stand bend reach and move about center.
    2. Position can be stressful due to the level of responsibility and varying programs.
    3. Ability to work in a noisy environment.
    4. Perform behavior intervention techniques as needed.
    5. Occasionally required to lift up to 50 lbs.
    6. Ability to travel to other locations as well as transport children.
24. Bachelors or higher degree in early childhood child development or elementary education preferred; may consider an associate degree in child development or bachelors degree in a child related field or a Child development associate (CDA) or one year diploma in child development from a community college or technical school; Bachelors degree in a non-child related field or Associates degree in a non-child related field or completion of at least two years of a four year degree.
25. Free from a conviction or prior employment history of child or resident abuse or dependent adult abuse.
26. Valid drivers license and ability to drive agency vehicle.
27. Experience working in a childcare center or preschool setting preferred may consider child development related experience or registered child development home or non-registered family home provider.
28. Must complete CPR First Aid Universal Precautions Mandatory Reporting and Essentials Child Care Pre-service Series in the first three months of employment and 10 contact hours of child related training annually.
29. Be approved by DHS with Center Director Qualifications

Essential Functions:

1. Carries out the mission of the organization and is a role model operating with the highest standards of ethical practices; follows & implements the code of conduct and assures all communication with peers subordinates community families and clients is supportive & promotes the Hills & Dales mission.
2. Implements the Organizations policies and procedures in assigned areas; ensures adherence to those established policies and procedures and assures accountability to standards of quality are implemented and maintained.
3. Establishes and maintains a continuous methodology of communication with supervisor and supervisees.
4. Responsible for the day-to-day operations and management of the center.
5. Oversees enrollment of children into the center assuring physicals immunization reports and all other required records are current for Iowa Health & Human Services (HHS) survey and audit.
6. Responsible for coordinating communication strategies for and with the enrolled childrens parents/guardians to provide high quality value-added programs and services.
7. Will work one-on-one with staff to receive all lesson plans and programming schedules. Oversees the programming and has the responsibility to change or recommend adjustments as needed. The manager also runs the monthly staff meetings and shall spend some time in each of the classrooms on a regularly scheduled basis to observe the staff and their interactions with the children.
8. Approve timecard reports needed to process biweekly payroll processes weekly expense reports and submits billing and payment information to business office in a timely fashion.
9. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organizations policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing hiring and training employees; planning assigning and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints resolving problems and maintaining harmonious relations among subordinates.
10. Responsible for ordering all supplies needed for the center including those needed for projects and programming.
11. Assures that all codes are being met regarding the physical nature of the building per local and state requirements.
12. Maintain IQ4K rating by meeting key indicators of quality in areas of professional development health and safety environment family and community partnership and leadership and administration.
13. Responsible to assure that monthly life safety drills are conducted and reported.
14. Responsible for the care of the building and the functions of the center by calling attention to any physical needs of the center and any repair work that may need to be done in coordination with agency facilities manager.
15. In coordination with the direct supervisor will determine which policies need to be adopted or revised for the center on matters of staff and childcare policy charges for service food issues behavioral policies etc.
16. Maintain ongoing center communication channels for the parents/guardians.
17. Assures transportation needs are coordinated as needed.
18. Assists with the development of training standards for the center in the assigned areas and assess training needs of assigned staff and coordinates with Human Resources the development of necessary training programs; assures training requirements of staff are met in accordance with department regulations.
19. Oversees the documentation process to ensure compliance with federal state and local regulations.
20. Participates in and supports the development and monitoring of center budgets in conjunction with supervisor and agency leaders. Implements changes and strategies in center enrollment and expenditure to maintain adherence to budgets.
21. Engages in information sharing service promotion marketing and referral strategies across agency departments to increase awareness and capacity for children and adults in need of services from Hills and Dales.
22. Serves on assigned committees for the successful operation of the Organization and implementation of Hills & Dales strategies.
23. Suggests and implements changes in working conditions and use of equipment to increase safety and efficiency of the assigned areas and employees.
24. Provides ongoing reports and updates to supervisor and others as necessary regarding overall operations status.
25. Remains current on technological and the latest business trends in the industry.
26. Performs other duties as assigned

Required Experience:

Manager