Program Director, Early Life COMPASS Elementary

POSITION: Program Director, Early LIFE COMPASS Elementary
REPORTS TO: Executive Director
DIVISION: Early Childhood Education
CLASSIFICATION: Management Team
EXEMPT/NONEXEMPT: Non-Exempt / Hourly
SALARY: $23.00 - $27.00

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Program Director oversees the daily operations, quality, compliance, and enrichment delivery of the After-School Program. This leader ensures that all components of the program, including academic support, STEAM, arts, financial literacy, athletics, social-emotional learning, and specialized services, are implemented with excellence and in alignment with our mission and core values.

The Program Director is responsible for supervising staff, managing partnerships, ensuring regulatory compliance, supporting families, and cultivating a positive, inclusive, and innovative culture that empowers children to thrive.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Program Leadership & Administration

• Provide strong leadership to ensure the successful implementation of all after-school program components.

• Develop and monitor program schedules, staffing plans, classroom assignments, and daily routines.

• Maintain appropriate staffing ratios and ensure proper supervision of children at all times.

• Oversee arrival and dismissal procedures to ensure safety, efficiency, and positive family interactions.

• Implement systems for attendance tracking, incident documentation, recordkeeping, and compliance reporting.

2. Regulatory Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Ensure full compliance with all school-age childcare regulations, licensing standards, health and safety protocols, and organizational policies.

• Conduct ongoing classroom observations, safety checks, and quality assurance walkthroughs.

• Maintain updated certifications and documentation for staff, including background checks, health forms, mandated trainings, and professional development.

• Respond promptly to any compliance concerns and implement corrective action plans when necessary.

3. Staff Supervision, Training & Development

• Recruit, hire, onboard, and supervise program staff, including Group Leaders, Assistants, Specialty Providers, and other personnel.

• Provide coaching and performance feedback to support professional growth and ensure adherence to program expectations.

• Foster a positive, collaborative, and growth-oriented workplace culture.

• Lead team meetings, professional learning sessions, and ongoing training aligned with SEL, trauma-informed care, inclusive practices, and high-quality enrichment.

4. Curriculum & Program Implementation

• Oversee the planning and delivery of daily lessons, enrichment activities, homework support, and project-based learning.

• Collaborate with internal staff and external partners to integrate STEAM, theatre & music, robotics, financial literacy, and other specialized services.

• Ensure all activities are developmentally appropriate, engaging, culturally responsive, and inclusive.

• Monitor program curriculum to ensure it meets academic, social-emotional, and enrichment goals.

5. Partnership Management

• Serve as the primary liaison for program partners providing STEAM, arts, physical fitness, martial arts, robotics, financial literacy, theatre, music, Autism Fitness, and other enrichment offerings.

• Coordinate schedules, space, materials, and communication with partner agencies and teaching artists.

• Evaluate partner performance, service quality, and student engagement.

• Maintain collaborative relationships and identify opportunities for expanded or enhanced partnerships.

6. Family & Community Engagement

• Build strong, respectful relationships with families through daily communication, newsletters, parent meetings, and special events.

• Address family concerns with empathy, professionalism, and problem-solving strategies.

• Coordinate family engagement opportunities such as showcases, performances, exhibitions, and workshops.

• Represent the program in community events, school meetings, and collaborative initiatives.

7. Social-Emotional & Behavioral Support

• Promote a trauma-informed, SEL-centered program environment.

• Support staff in the implementation of positive guidance, restorative practices, and responsive behavior strategies.

• Assist with conflict resolution, student support plans, and coordination with families when behavioral concerns arise.

8. Operations, Materials & Budget Oversight

• Manage program supplies, snacks, curriculum materials, and equipment.

• Maintain inventory and ensure classrooms are well-resourced and organized.

• Support budgeting needs, including purchasing, monitoring expenditures, and maintaining fiscal accountability.

• Coordinate facility use with custodial teams and building administration.

CORE VALUES ALIGNMENT:

Inclusion:

Ensures equitable access, culturally responsive practices, and environments where all children and families feel welcome and respected.

Support:

Provides staff and families with compassionate, responsive guidance and ensures children have the resources they need to thrive.

Growth:

Promotes continuous learning through professional development, enriched curricula, and opportunities for student exploration.

Community:

Builds strong partnerships, fosters family engagement, and strengthens the community network of support for children.

Innovation:

Encourages creativity in programming, integrates technology and STEAM learning, and supports forward-thinking approaches.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required-

• Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Child Development, Social Work, Recreation Management, or a related field. (Equivalent experience considered.)

• Strong understanding of school-age regulations, health & safety standards, and best practices.

• Excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills.

• Experience building relationships with families, staff, and external partners.

• Ability to multitask and remain effective in a fast-paced environment.

• Proficiency with technology for scheduling, communication, and documentation.

Preferred-

• Experience with STEAM, robotics, arts integration, SEL, or specialized youth programs.

• Familiarity with Autism Fitness or inclusive/adaptive programming.

• Experience in grant-funded programs, reporting, or outcome measurement.

• CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).

EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in youth development, after-school programming, or school-age childcare.

• At least 2 years of supervisory experience.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to move throughout the facility and actively participate in youth activities.

• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.

• Extended periods of standing, walking, or interacting with children and staff.

WORK SCHEDULE:

• Primarily weekday afternoons and early evenings during program hours.

• Additional hours required for planning, events, training, and administrative responsibilities.

SUPERVISES:

• Supervises all staff members at the program site, including personnel responsible for Health, Curriculum and Instruction, Family Supports, and Administration.

DATE REVISED 8/19/26