Arnold & Porter has an opening for a Director of Children’s Center in the Washington, DC office.  The Director ensures that the Center complies with all applicable laws and regulations and NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) Accreditation Standards, including health requirements, proper staffing, record maintenance, and license renewal requirements.  Working with the Chief Human Resource Officer, the Director assists in developing policies and procedures administering these policies.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

 Leadership and Management

• Ensuring the Center’s compliance with applicable laws and regulations and NAEYC accreditation standards. Ensuring the Center maintains accurate records, documentation, and reporting as required by local, state, and federal authorities.
• Developing and administering policies and procedures in conjunction with the Chief Human Resource Officer that ensure the smooth operation of the Center in alignment with the firm’s values including a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Recruiting, retaining, and supervising qualified staff who will support and embrace the mission and vision of the Center.
• Providing performance management and professional development opportunities to the staff. Ensuring the staff meet the DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education’s minimum educational requirements. Staying informed about current early education trends, research, and best practices.
• Developing and maintaining plans for emergency situations including fire evacuation, sick child plan, and staff development.
• Monitoring program quality and making adjustments as needed. 

Financial Compliance

• Developing and managing the Center’s business affairs including participating in the development of the firm’s annual business plan, developing the Center budget, ordering supplies, maintaining monthly tuition and extra fee deduction lists for the accounting department, and reconciling monthly operating statements.
• Ensuring consistent enrollment that will align with budget projections.

Communication and Advocacy

• Building strong relationships with all internal stakeholders including parents, firm leadership, and other internal departments.
• Building strong relationships with external stakeholders such as OSSE, NAEYC, and other advocacy agencies to support high quality early education in Washington, DC.
• Ensuring there is open and effective communication with parents and staff, and between all staff.
• Maintaining an awareness of community resources available for staff and families.
• Attending meeting pertaining to issues in DC relevant to childcare.
• Maintaining membership with various professional organizations such as NAEYC, the Director’s Exchange, and others.
• Advocating for quality in the early care and learning community.

Qualifications:

• Four-year degree in early childhood education or related field with a minimum of 15 credit hours in early childhood education required.
• Minimum five (5) years in a supervisory position in a childcare program.
• Prior experience as a Director of an early education facility with a minimum of 40 students enrolled with children 5 years of age or younger.
• Basic familiarity with Microsoft word, Excel, PowerPoint, Microsoft Teams and Zoom programs.
• Strong leadership skills and excellent communications skills (oral and written).
• Ability to work independently maintaining deadlines.
• Highly organized with a keen attention to detail.
• Demonstrated knowledge of state licensing rules and regulations.
• Demonstrated experience with NAEYC accreditation.
• As required by OSSE regulations, all early education staff must provide documentation of an annual health exam, and bi-annual PPD testing. All early education staff must provide proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. in connection with the handling of children for the facilitation of programs, child safety, and potential emergency situations. 

The anticipated base salary for this position is  $90,000 to $120,000. The actual base salary offered will depend on a variety of factors, including without limitation, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and if applicable, the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job.