Doesn’t matter how long you have been a centre Director, your very aware the important role you have within the service. You have massive responsibilities which impact children’s learning, experience and development. It is your decisions you make in relation to who you hire, how you support the educators, the professional Development, performance appraisals, how you structure the day, to even how you roster your educators each day, this is just to name a few. Practically every thing you do, every decision you make and even don’t make directly influence everyone in the centre. The job description you receive as a Director does cover some areas that help guide your practices, but it does not emphasis your responsibilities nor the impact you will have in the service.Here are some of the roles and responsibilities centre Directors undertake
Duties· setting the quality for the facility, · curriculum decision making · overseeing physical facilities, · Recruitment and dismissals. · Ensure compliance with all law and Regulations governing Early Childhood, · WHS physical environment and educators· manage the financials
Curriculum DevelopmentDirectors work alongside qualified educators to develop an appropriate curriculum/program that is reflective of Early Years Learning Framework and ensure that it is compliant. This role is now the Educational Leaders role, however Directors can be seen to take on this role also- this is not advised
WHS physical environmentphysical environment compliant with local, state and federal laws and are a safe and appropriate environment for children. Directors need to ensure they have the most up to date knowledge on WHS within early Childhood, and that all procedures such as certification are taken place yearly. (Fire, electrical)Before anything is purchased Directors need to ensure risk assessment take place, with evaluating the equipment, materials and supplies for the centre are safe EducatorsCentre Directors are responsible in interviewing potential educators, hiring, manage performances, develop team cohesiveness, develop job description and also dismissing the educators that are not the right fitIt is important Directors have a strong set of philosophy and values that can be shared during the interview process, to ensure candidates are aware of what the overarching philosophy will be guiding their practices. Before Educators are hired Directors need to ensure they do all the background checks, reference checks, and ensure their qualifications are valid, and if the educator will need training prior/during their time as a employee. Financial ResponsibilitiesDirectors can be responsible for the finances of the service. Some services may have an administration; however it is still the responsibility of the Director to look over all finances, manage the budget and at time develop marketing plans to ensure the service remains viable Compliance Directors are needing to be aware of the Law and Regulations that governs Early Childhood. They should ensure they have read them, understand them and know how to apply them. This is because if service Directors are found to be at breach they will be charged. On a lighter note on compliance, Directors will need to follow the National Quality Standards and ensure they have sound knowledge of the Standards, and develop a Quality Improvement Plan with Parents and educators. Then they need to make it a working document, with it being always in the for front on decision, as it is the Improvement plan the demonstrates the trajectory of the service.