Job Responsibilities
 

• Arrive on time and greet children and parents upon arrival.

• Contribute to a happy, clean and relaxed atmosphere while maintaining classroom routines.

• Be familiar with and comply with NAEYC Accreditation Standards. Demonstrate an understanding of child development principles.

• Be alert to the need to smooth transitions.

• Supervise bathroom routine. Change children and/or support potty training as needed in a pleasant manner.

• Use positive approach to discipline consistent with Center policy.

• Assist in preparing and implementing developmentally appropriate curriculum (social studies, science, math & logical thinking, nutrition & health, music and other arts) through the selection of theme topics, the use of interest centers and planned activities.

• Support all Center policies. 

• Maintain confidentiality.

• Perform such other duties at the Center as assigned by Director, Assistant Director, or Lead Teacher.

 

Qualifications:
 

• Have completed high school or GED

• Meet the minimum requirements set by the State of Alaska for individuals providing care.

• Have first aid and CPR certification, and Alaska Food Handler Permit; or complete upon hire.

• Willingness to complete further training.

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Assistant Director

Job Description

Overview:

Gold Creek Child Development Center (Gold Creek or the Center) seeks a dedicated Assistant Director to join the leadership team at its early childhood center in Juneau, Alaska. Gold Creek is fully accredited through the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and is federally sponsored, operating in the Juneau federal building. At Gold Creek, we believe all children deserve to be loved, respected, and appreciated. We value each child as an important and capable individual and strive to create developmentally appropriate environments that stimulate curiosity while allowing children to learn through self-chosen play.

 

Gold Creek offers a warm, friendly, and professional environment, with countless opportunities to positively impact children's lives. Gold Creek is a

non-profit, independent child development center for children ages 6 weeks to five years. At full enrollment, the Center serves approximately 60 children with a staff of 20 talented and passionate educators and administrators. The quality of Gold Creek is rooted in a strong community that promotes communication across administrators, teachers, families, and the Board of Directors. For more information about Gold Creek, please visit https://www.goldcreekchilddevelopment.com.

 

 Qualifications:

The Assistant Director must meet the following qualifications, experience, and qualities:

• Hold a current child development associate (CDA) credential from the Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition; or a Montessori certificate issued by a program accredited by the Montessori Accreditation Commission for Teacher Education; or have at least 12 semester hours of college credit in early childhood development, child development, child psychology, or the equivalent.

• Meet or be willing to obtain all requirements under Alaska law. See 7 A.A.C.

 § 57.300 (Qualifications of an Administrator).

• Have current, or be willing to obtain within 6 weeks, First Aid and CPR certifications.

• Experience managing staff or working in close collaboration with a team.

• Have an understanding of child development, the ability to care for children, and the skills to work effectively with children, family members, staff, and community agencies.

• Possess a deep and proven commitment to the success of all children and a strong belief in the potential of every child.

• Be able to relate meaningfully and effectively with children, parents, and staff of

diverse backgrounds.

• Possess strong communication and customer service skills.

• Have a demonstrated ability to manage processes, including attention to timelines, due dates, tasks to be completed, and solving problems that arise unexpectedly.

• Have or be willing to obtain general knowledge of and familiarity with Alaska Early Learning Guidelines and either NAEYC Professional Standards and Competencies for Early Childhood Educators or Alaska’s Early Care and Education Core Knowledge and Competencies.

• Be willing to obtain NAEYC qualifications for a director/program administrator, including having a bachelor’s degree in (1) early childhood education, child development, elementary education, or early childhood special education; or

(2) another major with at least 36 college credits in early childhood education, child development, elementary education, and/or early childhood special education; or (3) state public school certification to practice as a teacher for children from birth to eight years old.

• Be at least 21 years of age.

 

Applicants will be required to apply for and must be able to pass a State of Alaska background check as well as a Federal background check. Support in this process will be provided by the Executive Director.

 

Duties and Responsibilities:

Gold Creek’s Assistant Director reports to the Executive Director and manages the daily operations, along with the Executive Director, of Gold Creek. To continue Gold Creek’s success and improve the education and services it provides its children and families, the Assistant Director will:

 

 Support teachers in planning and implementing developmentally appropriate curriculum

 and creating a positive and nurturing classroom. The Assistant Director will support teachers in planning and implementing developmentally appropriate curriculum and activities. They will provide guidance and will aid teachers in the classroom so they may focus on the children and minimize and quickly address disruptions. They will work as a team with the staff to ensure classrooms are tidy and filled with engaging and appropriate learning materials. 

 

The Assistant Director will regularly meet with administrative and classroom leadership to ensure consistency and transparency regarding curriculum delivery, assessment, accreditation progress, and the general workings of the Center. As needed, they will assist the Executive Director in assessing organization-wide training needs and be responsible for arranging, coordinating, creating and/or delivering all professional development for the Center staff. 

 

 Communicate and work effectively with the Gold Creek community. The Assistant Director will help families feel welcome and involved at the Center and assist with answering parent questions and concerns. They will share ideas and resources for child development with staff and families. They will develop strong relationships with families, acting as partners in the children’s growth. Support in these endeavors will be provided by the Executive Director.

 

Support the Executive Director in maintaining accreditation and general compliance. The Assistant Director will support the Executive Director to ensure Gold Creek is compliant with all rules and regulations, including health and safety standards, and maintenance of Gold Creek’s NAEYC accreditation. They will attend all relevant accreditation training and meetings for meeting and maintaining accreditation objectives. They will also track and request updates from families and staff as needed in maintaining up-to-date and accurate records.

 

Compensation and Benefits:

Gold Creek aims to provide a competitive compensation and benefits package. Qualifying administrators may earn up to $5,900 yearly in addition to salaried wages from the HEARTS award. Additionally, Gold Creek offers up to a 5% performance-based compensation increase. Other benefits include assistance in health care benefits, paid annual and sick leave, paid holiday leave (outside of the accrual of paid time off), a childcare discount, and on-site fitness center membership.

 

You will enjoy a workplace in the heart of downtown Juneau, within walking distance to coffee shops, restaurants, and nature trails. We strive to maintain a friendly work environment and support work/life balance. This position is supported by a dedicated and skilled Executive Director, Board of Directors, bookkeeping and accounting professionals, and a loyal and devoted staff of teachers. Gold Creek is known for excellence in early childhood education and is a truly dynamic and exciting work environment. Further training and professional development opportunities, especially for those seeking to fulfill the above-mentioned requirements, will be provided. The Center is excited to support the growth and development of a passionate, caring, and skilled professional selected for this position.

 

Application Instructions:

To apply, email a cover letter and resumé to goldcreekcdc@gmail.com, addressing why you are interested in this position and our Center, why you believe yourself to be a good fit, and if you are located outside of Juneau at present, your willingness and ability to relocate and potential start date. Please put in the subject line of the email “Application for Assistant Director.” Gold Creek Child Development Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

The position is open until filled.