Department Summary

The Fisher Early Learning Center is one of the most distinctive early childhood learning centers in Colorado. As a part of the Morgridge College of Education (MCE) at the University of Denver (DU), we are uniquely positioned to provide a high quality learning environment that is specifically designed to deliver evidence-based programming for infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children and their families, as well as a model program that supports the growth of early childhood professionals. Fisher is an inclusive setting that values diversity, professional development and collaboration across the early childhood ecosystem.

Position Summary

The Director of Fisher Early Learning Center will lead the implementation of the mission and goals of the Center. The Director will create and maintain an environment that supports the overall education and well-being of enrolled children, supervise and support teachers and staff, and lead a variety of constituent groups efficiently and effectively. The Center Director is ultimately responsible for maintaining and advancing the Center's integrity, success and effectiveness through appropriate and innovative leadership, management and supervision with the support of MCE leadership.

Essential Functions:

Overall Program Leadership, Management and Supervision

• Oversee all educational and administrative aspects of the program from daily operational management to the Center's long term vision. Ensure adherence to policies and procedures, coordinate educational and administrative activities, understand business operations, directly execute or delegate all necessary duties, and supervise and support all staff members. Program Leadership

• Provide a clear and well-rounded philosophy and vision for the Center that articulates the current mission of the program and plans to maintain and advance program goals in the best interest of children, families and staff.

• Demonstrate knowledge of best practices in early childhood general and special education and integrate those practices in short and long term plans for and goals of the Center.
• Establish a culture of respect, professionalism, collaboration and inclusion.
• Lead administrative team on all special projects, including curriculum development, accreditation and program development.
• Establish and advance Fisher's relationship with the Morgridge College of Education (MCE) and the University of Denver (DU).
• Collaborate with Dean of MCE and Fisher's Associate Director to evaluate significant programmatic needs and establish plans to address needs. Develop strategy and communication around rate and financial aid
• Develop, guide and implement a strategic vision and direction for the school in collaboration with key staff and stakeholders.
• Identify resources and efficiency opportunities to meet strategic plan and vision.
• Develop and maintain relationships with stakeholders at various levels to support the Center's mission.
• Collaborate with Center's Curriculum Specialist to develop program pedagogy and curriculum, inclusive methodology, developmental best practices, and professional development.
• Engage in reflective supervision to support individual staff members and teaching teams in self-evaluation, teaming, collaboration and successful educational and professional practices.
• Lend leadership assistance to mentor teachers in developing problem-solving strategies for use with teaching teams and families.
• Coordinate and lead Center committees that include staff in addressing goals and initiatives for the Center.
• Provide and promote Center's inclusive philosophy and oversee all aspects of the Fisher Inclusion Team (FIT).
• Report directly to University leadership, starting with the Dean of MCE and up to the Offices of the Provost and Chancellor
• Participate as a member of the Morgridge College of Education and collaborate with Fisher's Fac lty Liaison from MCE to support the Center's inclusive philosophy and strategic vision.
• Complete annual performance self-appraisal identifying areas of strength, areas of growth/improvement and areas of need.

• In collaboration with key stakeholders, develop a strategic plan that will increase funding and support for Fisher priorities. Program Management

• Provide a consistent and stable management presence for the Center.

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with all immediate Fisher, MCE and DU administrative team members (Associate Director, Enrollment Coordinator, Program Manager, Business Officer) to support Center's operations and short and long term goals.
• Collaborate with Associate Director to ensure adherence to CO state licensing regulations, in regards to health and safety policies and procedures.
• Maintain national accreditation with the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) through annual reporting requirements and reaccreditation every 5 years.
• Coordinate with various departments at DU to ensure program needs are met and in alignment with University standards and requirements, including, but not limited to Human Resources and Inclusive Community, University Advancement, Athletics and Recreation, Ricks Center for Gifted Children.
• Provide budgetary oversight and identify budgetary needs in collaboration with MCE's Business Officer. Evaluate and revise budget priorities and policies.
• Develop and evaluate annual enrollment plan (including Summer Camp), oversee admissions, financial aid and scholarship policies and procedures with Center's Enrollment Coordinator.
• Collaborate to support daily and annual program operations, including,