Children's Program Director

ABOUT US Easterseals West Georgia is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in Columbus, Georgia. We provide high-quality programs and services designed to empower children and adults with disabilities to achieve their maximum independence. Our commitment to fostering inclusivity and support transforms lives, helping individuals reach their personal goals and thrive within our community.

Position: Children’s Director

Reports to: VP of Programs and Services

JOB SUMMARY:

Is responsible for the planning, organizing, directing and quality assurance of Easterseals West Georgia, Inc.’s therapeutic childcare program. Works with President/CEO and VP of Programs and Services to assure optimum utilization of facilities, funds and human resources in achievement of program goals and objectives. Works in conjunction with the Administrative Team (President/CEO, VP of Programs and Services, Children’s and Adult Directors, VP of Facility Management and Development, Nurse/ Health and Safety Director, Assessment Specialists, Behavioral Specialist, Quality Assurance and Training Specialist, Family Support Manager) to ensure all aspects of the program development and delivery are consistent with ESWG’s mission. Assumes all duties and responsibilities of program operation in the absence of other Administrative Team members.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Directs and supervises the day-to-day operation of the program, rehabilitation, special education, preschool, early intervention and childcare for children less than 21 years of age.

A. Develops quarterly targets for the Children’s Program and ensures attainment of program goals.

B. Develops and maintains a work program schedule for staff.

C. Ensures adequate classroom ratios are maintained at all times.

D. Ensures that ESWG policies and procedures are met by all staff persons; recommends needed endorsements to manual when recognized.

E. Supervises directly: Children’s Lead Teachers, Children’s Teacher’s Aides, and Volunteers.

· Conducts initial interviewing process and selection.

· Works with the QA&T Specialist to ensures all new personnel are properly trained and new employee instructional orientation and training is provided in assigned classroom. Covering the following:

o overview of classroom and children

o IPP’s / POCs/ ISP/ Goals of assigned children

o lesson plans / progress notes

o Governing bodies rules and regulations (DECAL, Quality Rated, accrediting body, Medicaid, etc.)

· Prepares & presents staff with 1, 2, and 3-month initial evaluations and thereafter semi-annual evaluations.

· Documents all counseling sessions and reports any concern with proposed correction plan to VP of Programs and Services for approval. Ensures progressive discipline procedures are implemented.

· Works with the QA&T Specialist to ensure an ongoing training program and ensure that continuing education requirements are met for all staff annually.

· Works with QA&T Specialist to ensure annual individual development planning is conducted with each staff to promote professional growth.

· Conducts review of monthly and daily progress notes, weekly lesson plans, ISP goals and objectives.

· Organizes & conducts staff meetings monthly, with the exception of the 2 summer months.

· Be an active presence within the childcare classrooms. Provide guidance on an itinerant basis in classrooms at least 1-2 hours/ day.

· Ensures quality programming that is culturally relevant, age appropriate and maximizes independence and participant choice.

F. Ensures all aspects of new participant’s and ongoing enrollment are complete.

· Conducts parent tours.

· Enrolls all children.

· Ensures timely review and filing of new and updated applications.

· Coordinates children’s schedules.

· Ensure children’s transition to the appropriate classroom as they age.

· Assists therapists in coordinating inpatient children’s therapies.

· Maintains attendance at required levels.

G. Maintains a positive working relationship with parents and caregivers. Ensures prompt responses are provided when replying to parent/ caregiver questions, concerns, inquiries and/or replying to new family inquiries.

H. Maintains adequate records of service, which may include assisting with:

· Ensuring progress notes and planning records are maintained up-to-date and are filed in a timely manner.

· Participates in the designing of IPP/ISP/POCs within 1 month of assessment, as needed.

· Ensuring daily implementation of all IPP/ISP/POC’s.

· Ensuring all director-driven documents (e.g., participant lists, waiting lists, etc.) remain in an up-to-date status.

I. Participates in Support Intensity Scale, Individual Support Plan and Plan of Care meetings as needed to ensure an accurate reflection of the participant and his/her abilities.

J. Ensures that all aspects of Medicaid requirements are maintained and updated as needed. Assists with Medicaid related duties.

K. Works with VP of Programs and Services to ensure that ESWG meets all licensing requirements and accreditation standards. Maintains and complies with all municipal, state, and federal regulations.

L. Participates on quality improvement committees.

M. Reports activities to VP of Programs and Services.

N. Coordinates and completes children’s referrals to community agencies.

O. Works cooperatively with the Administrative Team to establish and maintain a functioning resource center. Submits materials needed to VP of Programs and Services.

P. Acts as a resource for parents, staff and volunteers.

Q. Ensures that all forms, contracts, and handbooks are current for the children’s program. This includes but is not limited to participant’s handbook; applications; service and therapy contracts; medication and emergency forms.

2. Reports any problems relating to potential Easterseals’ liability; any accidents the clients incur; any problems with staff, parents or the public to the President / CEO or VP of Programs and Services.

3. Reports any needed maintenance to the President / CEO or VP of Programs and Services for building or grounds.

4. Reports any evidence of child/adult neglect and/or abuse to the President / CEO and Administrative Team for further investigation and possible reporting.

5. Advises VP of Programs and Services on activities within classrooms affecting program objectives, staff and relationships with parents and the public.

6. Respects and preserves the dignity, personal safety and confidentially of all persons served by or employed by ESWG.

7. Works with state & local community agencies, school systems and health professionals as liaison for this program.

8. Administers medications as needed.

9. Works cooperatively with the Administrative Team to establish and maintain a functioning resource center. Submits needed materials list to VP of Programs and Services.

10. Successfully completes at least 20 hours of approved training per year.

11. Performs all other duties as assigned or requested.

WORKING EXPECTATIONS:

· Staff will always exercise professionalism in the presence of participants, visitors, and other staff.

· Staff will ensure that all activities and conversations are always geared toward what is appropriate.

· Participants are supervised at all times, under no circumstances are participants to be left unattended.

· To ensure quality of services provided, staff are expected to receive a rating of 20 (meets expectation) or higher on all performance reviews. Scoring under 20 will result in the staff member being placed on a 1-3 month probation until the level of quality is improved or termination may result.

QUALIFICATIONS:

· Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in administration and/or field related to rehabilitation, special education, or education.

· Four years experience working with children and/ or adults with disabilities.

· One-year experience in Administration.

· Good interpersonal and organizational skills. Ability to communicate well orally and in writing. Ability to interpret and carry out written and oral instructions.

· Maintains current certification in First Aid and CPR.

· Must have the ability to plan and manage resources and services with minimal supervision.