Temporary Extended Day Assistant Director of Tompkins Hall Nursery

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Hours Per Week: 20
• Salary Range: $37.00-$42.00 per hour

Position Summary

Reporting to the Associate Director, Tompkins Hall Nursery and Childcare Center, the Temporary Assistant Director is responsible for assisting with daily operations as well as pedagogical and administrative aspects of the school. The Temporary Assistant Director must exhibit professionalism, patience, and "people first" in all interactions with teachers, students, and parents/guardians and assist in maintaining an environment that is sensitive and responsive to the needs of the school's internal and external communities. This person will also represent and be the lead administrator of the school in the absence of the Associate Director. As part of a very small administrative team, the Temporary Assistant Director must be flexible, dedicated to teaching children and developing teachers, a leader in both demeanor and behavior, and a creative problem-solver and thought partner to the Associate Director.

This position is currently considered temporary but may be extended, depending on the school's needs.

Tompkins Hall Nursery and Childcare Center is a unit within the Office of the Provost at Columbia University and located close to Columbia's Morningside campus. Founded by faculty in the 1930s, Tompkins Hall is a progressive learning environment for children aged three months through five years, with deep roots in constructivist curricular approaches and influenced by the philosophy of Reggio Emilia, both of which center on children and childhood. Its students grow and learn through interacting with interests of their own choice with the guidance of nurturing facilitation from their teachers. The Center's days are full of art, music, books, and open-ended periods of play as well as extensive outdoor explorations.

Responsibilities

Day to Day Operations:

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  • The Temporary Assistant Director will have a regular schedule (likely Monday - Thursday of either 8:00AM - 12:00PM or 1:30PM - 5:30PM, depending on candidate able be determined in consultation with the Associate Director) as well as availability to substitute for the Associate Director during an absence.
  • Serve as Acting Director when required, including managing all details pertinent to the operation of a school, establishing office protocol, resolving issues with staff or families, and overseeing programs and activities.
  • Manage communications with parents in partnership with the Associate Director.
  • Maintain an effective customer service approach.
  • Assist in classrooms as needed.
  
  
  
  

Regulatory Compliance:

• Onboard all new Child Care Workers (substitute teachers) and full-time teachers' records according to New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene ("DOH") guidelines and University requirements.
• Onboard new students, ensuring creation of complete student files.
• Maintain all records for students and staff in compliance with DOH requirements.
• Manage necessary teacher certifications and renewals to ensure 100% compliance.
• Report Immunization survey annually to DOH.
• Provide guidance and support to teachers to ensure compliance with University and DOH procedural and documentation requirements.
• Maintain up to date lists of allergies and medical conditions for all students in all classrooms at all times.

Administrative Responsibilities:

• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; at least 5 years related experience with a background in Early Childhood Education or related field.
• Initial NY State Certification in Early Childhood Education (Birth to Grade 2) with acquisition of graduate degree and Professional License in Early Childhood within seven years of the issuance of Initial NY State Certification.
• Continued employment will be contingent on evidence of progress towards graduate degree and Professional License within the seven year timeframe and will be a continued requirement of the role until degree and License are acquired.

OR

• 
  Master's Degree in in Early Childhood Education and Professional License in Early Childhood Education, birth to 2nd grade and a minimum of 4-6 years of classroom experience in a school environment, including a minimum of two years' experience as a Lead Teacher
  
• Excellent interpersonal, analytical, and organization skills.
• Demonstrated fluency in early childhood development, along with the ability to interact with children in a developmentally sensitive manner.
• Demonstrated excellence at follow-through.
• Ability to think and work independently, with multiple tasks and projects, and to identify priorities.
• Flexibility, diplomacy, collegiality, professionalism, ability to remain unflappable in high-pressure situations.
• Absolute discretion and the ability to maintain confidentiality of all parties at all times.
• Demonstrated excellence at understanding of administrative and operational services.
• Passion for excellent customer service, commitment to exceptional quality, and demonstrated professionalism in school and classroom environments.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office and Excel.
• Ability to quickly acquire a detailed knowledge of Columbia University's financial systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Growth mindset and dedication to lifelong learning.
• Familiarity with Columbia University's accounting system or a similar system.

**Applicants must submit a cover letter, resume, and a writing sample.**

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.