The Director of Early Childhood Programs provides strategic and day-to-day leadership for all programming serving children ages 2 through school age. This role oversees toddler, preschool, and school-age classrooms; drives curriculum quality and school readiness outcomes; ensures compliance with YoungStar quality standards and Wisconsin licensing requirements; and fosters a learning environment rooted in play-based, child-centered education. This position works in close collaboration with the Director of Infant & Toddler Programs (birth–23 months) and reports directly to the Executive Director.
YOUNGSTAR ALIGNMENT & QUALITY STANDARDS
This position directly supports Doorway to Learning's YoungStar rating through leadership across all five domain areas:
- Domain 1 – Learning Environment & Curriculum: Leads implementation of developmentally appropriate, evidence-based curriculum (e.g., Creative Curriculum, HighScope) aligned with Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards (WMELS) for toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children.
- Domain 2 – Interactions & Environment: Ensures high-quality, intentional interactions between teachers and children; conducts CLASS or ECERS-informed observations and supports continual environment improvement.
- Domain 3 – Staff Qualifications & Professional Development: Tracks teacher credentials and training requirements; develops individualized professional development plans; supports staff pursuing ECE degrees and credentials.
- Domain 4 – Family & Community Engagement: Builds meaningful partnerships with families; aligns family engagement strategies with YoungStar indicators; connects families to community resources and support services.
- Domain 5 – Leadership & Management: Leads YoungStar continuous quality improvement activities; prepares for and coordinates ECERS-3 and CLASS observations; maintains licensing documentation and accreditation requirements.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Program Leadership & Curriculum
- Oversee all classrooms for children ages 2 through school age, including toddler (24–35 months), preschool (3–5 years), and school-age programming.
- Implement and monitor developmentally appropriate curriculum frameworks; ensure lesson plans reflect WMELS domains and are aligned with each classroom's YoungStar quality goals.
- Conduct regular classroom observations using ECERS-3 (Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale) and CLASS tools; provide structured coaching and feedback.
- Lead the transition planning process for children moving between age groups and into kindergarten, including school readiness assessments and family communication.
- Collaborate with special education and community partners to support children with IEPs and developmental delays through inclusive practices.
Staff Supervision & Development
- Directly supervise, hire, onboard, and evaluate lead teachers and assistants across all 2+ classrooms.
- Develop and maintain classroom staffing schedules in compliance with DCF 251 ratio requirements.
- Facilitate regular team meetings, professional learning communities, and reflective supervision conversations.
- Ensure all staff maintain required YoungStar training credentials including 25-hour annual professional development requirements and registry documentation.
- Support staff pursuing the Wisconsin Early Childhood Education Credential, CDA, Associate's, or Bachelor's degrees; connect staff to TEACH scholarship opportunities.
- Collaborate with the Executive Director on performance management, corrective action, and annual evaluation processes.
School Readiness & Transitions
- Lead kindergarten transition planning and school readiness programming for preschool-age children.
- Implement developmental screening protocols (e.g., ASQ-3, ASQ:SE-2) and ensure results are shared with families and used to inform programming.
- Build and maintain relationships with local school districts to support smooth transitions and alignment of expectations.
- Coordinate with the Director of Infant & Toddler Programs to ensure continuity of care as children transition from the infant/toddler program.
Family Engagement & Community Partnerships
- Develop and oversee a comprehensive family engagement plan aligned with YoungStar Domain 4 indicators.
- Coordinate family-teacher conferences, family events, and volunteer opportunities.
- Ensure culturally and linguistically responsive practices across all 2+ classrooms.
- Build partnerships with community organizations (ADRC, public health, Head Start, libraries) to extend resources available to enrolled families.
Licensing, Compliance & Administration
- Maintain full compliance with Wisconsin DCF 251 licensing requirements for all 2+ age groups.
- Manage enrollment records, child files, developmental screening documentation, and required health records.
- Lead preparation for YoungStar external quality reviews, licensing visits, and accreditation site visits.
- Coordinate with the Executive Director on budget planning for 2+ program supplies, materials, and curriculum resources.
- Participate in the YoungStar self-assessment process and contribute to the Program Improvement Plan (PIP).
SHARED ORGANIZATIONAL SUPERVISORY DUTIES
In addition to age-group specific responsibilities, both Director positions carry shared organizational supervisory duties that extend beyond direct classroom oversight. These duties will be reviewed, discussed, and assigned based on individual experience and interest at the time of hire. The following is a representative — not exhaustive — list of areas that may be assigned:
- Kitchen Supervision & CACFP Compliance: Oversight of food service operations and compliance with Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) requirements, including menu documentation, meal counts, and required reporting.
- Licensing Reporting: Serving as a designated point of contact for Wisconsin DCF licensing communications, documentation submissions, and follow-up on any corrective actions or compliance items.
- Room Transition Projections: Managing enrollment projections and planning for children transitioning between age groups and classrooms to ensure appropriate ratios, continuity of care, and timely family communication.
- Waitlist Supervision: Overseeing the enrollment waitlist process, including family communications, prioritization, and coordination with the Executive Director on capacity planning.
- Head Start Supervision & Coordination: Supporting the supervisory relationship and programmatic coordination with Head Start partnerships as applicable.
This is not an exhaustive list. Additional organizational duties may be identified and assigned over time in collaboration with the Executive Director, based on program needs, staff strengths, and organizational priorities.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education (One of the following):
- Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Elementary Education, or a closely related field (required at YoungStar Level 4–5 sites); OR
- Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education PLUS a minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in preschool or school-age programming, including supervisory experience; OR
- Wisconsin ECE Credential (Level 3 or above) or equivalent state-recognized credential PLUS 7+ years of demonstrated experience in early childhood education with children ages 2–8.
Experience & Knowledge:
- Minimum 3 years of direct experience working with children ages 2–5, with at least 2 years in a lead teacher or supervisory/director role.
- Demonstrated knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices, play-based learning, and school readiness frameworks.
- Familiarity with Creative Curriculum, HighScope, or comparable evidence-based curriculum frameworks.
- Experience with ECERS-3, CLASS observations, or other quality improvement tools.
- Working knowledge of Wisconsin DCF 251 licensing requirements and YoungStar quality rating standards.
- Experience with developmental screening tools (ASQ-3, ASQ:SE-2) and IEP/IFSP processes strongly preferred.
Skills & Attributes:
- Instructional leadership mindset; experience coaching and developing teachers toward higher quality practices.
- Strong organizational and administrative skills; ability to manage multiple classrooms, compliance requirements, and staff development simultaneously.
- Excellent communication skills; ability to build relationships with diverse families, staff, and community partners.
- Proficiency with childcare management software, documentation systems, and standard office technology.
- Deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive early childhood education.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Must be able to work in an active childcare environment, lift up to 40 lbs., and move between multiple classroom spaces throughout the day. Must pass a Wisconsin Caregiver Background Check and maintain current CPR/First Aid and all required YoungStar/DCF training certifications.
Doorway to Learning is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Pay: $55,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
