POSITION DESCRIPTION: DIRECTOR

POSITION DESCRIPTION: DIRECTOR Position Title Director, Anne Sgro Children s Centre Award / Pay Classification: Professional Childcare Standard 2015, Director Level 3 (60 to 79 children) as minimum. Salary may be negotiated commensurate with experience and qualifications EFT: The position is full-time, however part-time pro rata will be considered Benefits: 9.5% superannuation 20 days annual leave (includes leave during two-week annual Centre closure Dec/Jan) Probation Period: 6 month probation review Reports to: Anne Sgro Children s Centre Committee of Management Reports: 2IC/s, Kinder Teacher/s, permanent and casual educational staff, cook and students Centre Licensee: Moreland City Council Centre Location: 45-47 May Street, Coburg 3058 External Liaison: Bookkeeping service, various regulatory agencies, and other providers of goods and services necessary for centre operations ABOUT ANNE SGRO CHILDREN S CENTRE At Anne Sgro Children s Centre we strive to provide a quality, interest based program that reflects and collaborates in accordance with the Victorian Early Years Learning Framework. We aim for all children to have a strong sense of belonging to our centre. Through our program and Early Years Educators we aspire for all children to have a strong sense of identity and wellbeing, become involved and confident learners, be effective communicators and feel connected to our community. Anne Sgro Children s Centre is a community based not-for-profit children s centre opened in 1985 to cater for the needs of families who work, study or live in the city of Moreland. The Centre building and property is owned by Moreland City Council which is also the Licencee. The Centre is governed by a Committee of Management made up of parents. The bright, attractive Centre, staffed by caring and skilled workers, is open 6am to 6pm Monday to Friday. It currently provides long day care for up to 50 children from 3 months to 6 years old, including a 4- year-old Kinder program. Right now the Centre is undergoing significant refurbishment including the addition of a dedicated Kinder room. From 2016 Anne Sgro Children s Centre will increase its capacity to 75 places. We are looking for an experienced Director to lead the Centre and its staff into this new phase of growth. QUICK LINKS Role of Director Duties and Responsibilities Job Requirements Key Selection Criteria How to apply Position Description: Director, Anne Sgro Children s Centre August 2015 Page 1 of 6

ROLE OF THE DIRECTOR The Director is responsible for the overall management and day-to-day operation of the Centre and leadership of the staff. The Director leads the Centre in building effective partnerships, developing organisational culture and pedagogical and curricular development. This role reports directly to the Committee of Management. The Approved Provider is Moreland City Council. The Director liaises with the Approved Provider on behalf of the Committee of Management. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES All key responsibilities are based on the National Law and Regulations, the Principles, Practices and Outcomes detailed in the EYLF, VEYLDF and FSAC, and the NQF Quality Areas, Standards and Elements. All educators are expected to have a working knowledge of these documents, which should underpin their pedagogy and, together with the Centre philosophy, directly reflect their relationships with children, families and co-educators. Lead the planning and implementation of a quality educational program: (NQS Quality Area 1: Educational program and practice) Lead the team of educators to plan, implement, assess and review a high quality and diverse educational program based on appropriate curriculum frameworks and with reference to the NQS, considering the developmental needs, interests and abilities of all the children attending the service. Lead the team of educators to actively support every child to participate in the program and ensure that the program promotes children s agency, choices and influence. Guide the team of educators in the development and delivery of effective and valuable documentation of children s learning in accordance with the service philosophy and the learning outcomes (EYLF, VEYLDF and FSAC). Support the team of educators to utilise a variety of teaching strategies including intentional teaching and reflective practice in their daily work. Lead the promotion of health and safety of all staff and children: (NQS Quality Area 2: Children s health and safety; Quality Area 3: Physical environment) Oversee the implementation of effective health and hygiene practices, including meeting all regulations relating to food safety and preparation, medical management plans, and risk management plans, policies and procedures. Oversee the Centre s delivery of nutritious food and fresh drinking water to children. Oversee the promotion of health, wellbeing and physical exercise in the Centre. Oversee the Centre s delivery of a safe and stimulating environment where all staff and children are protected from hazards or harm. Lead the team to build positive relationships with all stakeholders: (NQS Quality Area 4: Staffing arrangements; Quality Area 5: Relationships with children; Quality Area 6: Collaborative partnerships with families and communities). Lead the educator team in developing and maintaining respectful, supportive, collaborative and responsive relationships with children and their families. Build and maintain strong links with local networks, resource agencies and other relevant organisations. Ensure all stakeholders are informed of all relevant matters affecting the operations of the service. Work productively and cooperatively with Moreland City Council as Licencee to deliver a quality service for children and families. Position Description: Director, Anne Sgro Children s Centre August 2015 Page 2 of 6

Manage all Centre Staff: Develop and implement an effective staff management process with a view to maximising continuity of staff and maintaining high level of staff satisfaction: Ensure all practices of all educators are in accordance with the NQS and reflect the philosophy, policies and procedures of the service. Drive regular staff and leadership meetings to engage staff in decision-making and delegate responsibilities effectively across the staff group. Oversee rostering that complies with relevant requirements and standards, considering a balance of early and late shifts, rostered days off and consistent planning time, and manages overtime and leave fairly and responsibly. Develop and maintain individual professional development plans, including annual staff appraisals, for all staff to assist in the ongoing development of staff, assess professional development needs, and encourage further qualifications when appropriate. Actively manage any arising performance issues or staff concerns. Lead the recruitment process of suitably qualified staff who fit with the Centre s philosophy and culture, and ensure appropriate orientation, induction and probationary review processes are undertaken. Be regularly available on the floor to actively supervise and provide regular feedback to all staff. Liaise with relevant early childhood support services and other professional services and organisations within the community. Ensure appropriate supervision of work placements and volunteers. Lead the effective administration and management of the Centre (NQS Quality Area 7: Leadership and service management) Manage centre consistent with the purpose/mission of the constitution. Lead and promote an understanding of the NQS, the NQF and the curriculum framework documents within the Centre community including the Committee of Management, educators, families and children, as appropriate. Lead the continuous improvement of the Centre and the development and maintenance of the service Quality Improvement Plan. Drive and implement business administration processes which will streamline processes to ensure Centre administration is run as efficiently as possible. Manage Child Care Benefit (CCB) and Child Care Management System (CCMS) administration in accordance with Centre policies and procedures and all relevant funding agreements. Ensure appropriate and timely collection of data, medical or other records required, and produce reports in accordance with the Centre s policies and procedures, NQS, the federal Department of Education and the Victorian Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD), and any other relevant legislation or obligations. Respect the confidentiality of information relating to parents and children and to comply with the Centre s privacy policy. Provide written reports as required by parents, Committee and government departments. Develop, implement and review policies and procedures in accordance with the NQS, and National Law. Ensuring policy and procedures are followed and the service operates in line with the decisions set by the Committee and regulatory requirements. Actively build and engage with local networks and encourage other educators to be involved, where appropriate. Report to Moreland City Council on both urgent and ongoing maintenance requirements and ensure that maintenance is completed when it is required. Position Description: Director, Anne Sgro Children s Centre August 2015 Page 3 of 6

Ensure maximum utilisation and effective enrolment procedures: Effectively manage waiting lists and demand to ensure the Centre meets its utilisation targets. Lead an effective process of induction and orientation for new families and children. Working with the Committee of Management (COM) Provide reports for, and attend, monthly meetings of the Committee of Management. Implement decisions made by the Committee and ensure staff are informed of decisions, as appropriate. Ensure the Committee is informed and involved in all major decisions involving the Centre according to the agreed Extent of Authority. Work with the COM to develop and implement a comprehensive strategic plan that ensures the successful delivery of the programme and services of the Centre. Provide information and assistance to COM as required. Lead the effective financial management of the Centre: In consultation with the Treasurer and the Centre s bookkeeping service, assist in the preparation of the annual operating budget. Manage and monitor the Centre s operating expenditure in line with the budget and report any variances to COM. Effectively manage income and expenditure and financial records Ensure the day-to-day maintenance of families accounts including collection and recording all payment of fees from families and CCB/CCR and maintaining up to date financial statements on the income position of the Centre. Work with the Centre s Treasurer, Auditor and bookkeeping service to achieve timely annual audits and compliance reporting. Work with COM to develop and implement a financial plan for the Centre. REQUIREMENTS OF THE JOB Skills and Experience Experience working in a leadership role a childcare centre or similar service. Experience maintaining and enhancing accreditation under the National Early Years Framework. Proven experience in developing comprehensive centre policies in relation to all staff, children and regulatory issues. Experience in the establishment and/or management of a kinder program within a long day care environment. Demonstrated experience in the education and care of children aged 0 to 6 years old. Demonstrated experience in managing, mentoring and developing staff. Demonstrated effective communication channels when reporting to a Board or COM. Qualifications and Training An extensive background in early childhood education including appropriate qualifications including one of the following: - Relevant Degree - AQF Advanced Diploma - Diploma in Children s Services - Diploma in Out of School Hours Care Provision of a current working with children check, which demonstrates suitability for employment in a children s service, both on commencement of employment and at the time of license renewal of the Centre. Current Police Check. Hold appropriate First Aid Training, Asthma Management and Anaphylaxis Certificates, which complies with the relevant regulatory requirements. Position Description: Director, Anne Sgro Children s Centre August 2015 Page 4 of 6

Knowledge A working knowledge of appropriate curriculum frameworks and an ability to develop and implement a high quality educational program that reflects the diverse nature of the centre, local and wider community, based on the curriculum frameworks A working knowledge and understanding of the developmental needs of children aged < insert children's age range as applicable e.g. 0-5 years >, including children with additional needs. A working knowledge of the National Quality Standards, the Education and Care Services National Law Act 2010 and the Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011 Personal Skills Excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to communicate effectively with staff, parents, professionals and children. Ability to plan and manage time effectively and without direct supervision. Ability to work cooperatively and flexibly within a team environment. Ability to work with families, children and educators in a culturally competent manner. KEY SELECTION CRITERIA Qualifications and Training 1. Appropriate qualifications in Early Years Education / Children s Services. 2. Current Working with Children and Police Checks 3. Anaphylaxis/ Asthma/ CPR and First Aid Certificates or a willingness to update or renew as required. Skills and Experience 4. Extensive work experience in early childhood education including a minimum two years experience in a leadership team in a larger or similar size centre. 5. Demonstrated experience in leading, managing and developing a team and experience in implementing performance review processes. 6. Excellent understanding of, and commitment to, contemporary early childhood practice that is informed by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), National Quality Standards (NQS), Social Justice and inclusive practices. 7. Knowledge and experience in managing utilisation and business administration, including an understanding of financial management, within a childcare centre environment. 8. Demonstrated experience in working with, and reporting to, a committee of management or similar governing body. 9. Excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to communicate effectively with staff, parents, professionals and children, both verbally and in writing. 10. Well-developed organisational skills, ability to plan and manage time effectively and work without supervision. 11. Excellent computer skills and familiarity with all Microsoft Office programs. Continue to application details. Position Description: Director, Anne Sgro Children s Centre August 2015 Page 5 of 6

HOW TO APPLY Send your application to committee@annesgro.com.au by 5pm Monday 7 September, with the subject heading: Application: ASCC Director, your name. Your application must include: 1. a one-page covering letter; 2. your responses to the Key Selection Criteria (directly above); 3. your CV, and 4. names, positions and contact details for three professional referees. Please note, applications that do not include all required information will not be considered. Enquires about the position or application process can be directed to: Lara Sten (Chair, Committee of Management), 0403 396 815 Rohini Sharma (Vice Chair, Committee of Management) 0424 657 542 committee@annesgro.com.au Position Description: Director, Anne Sgro Children s Centre August 2015 Page 6 of 6