Position: Sand Springs Public Schools Daycare Director/Master Teacher
Location: Early Childhood Education Center
1701 East Park Road Sand Springs, Oklahoma 74063(918) 246-1570
Calendar Days/Daily Hours: 210 Days/8 hours daily/40 hours weekly during SSPS school session-will follow the SSPS academic calendar for days on and off work
Supervisor: Lisa Bank, Principal
Supervises: SSPS Daycare and (4) Teachers
Classification: Nonexempt
Benefits: Employee-paid benefits (state flexible benefit allowance of approximately $700.00)
Evaluation: Annually by Site Principal
Position Summary
The Director of Daycare is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the Early Learning Center (ELC), ensuring a safe, compliant, nurturing, and educational environment for children from infancy through preschool. This leadership role involves supervising staff, maintaining student-to-staff ratios, ensuring licensing compliance, supporting child development, engaging with families, and collaborating with site administration to align with school and district goals.
The Director must meet all requirements as defined by Oklahoma DHS licensing standards (OAC 340:110-3-284) and will serve as a key leader and support figure for students, families, and staff, upholding professionalism and the values of dignity, equity, and excellence.
Qualifications
Per Oklahoma Administrative Code (OAC 340:110-3-284), the Director must:
- Be at least 21 years of age.
- Have satisfactory work experience in early childhood care or education.
- Hold a current Oklahoma Director’s Credential (bronze or higher).
- Not be a current director or master teacher at another concurrent program.
- Have a strong understanding of licensing requirements and program policies.
Professional Development Requirements
Upon assuming the position, the Director must:
- Complete a DHS compliance review form within one month.
- Obtain and maintain CPR and First Aid certification within three months.
- Be exempt from Entry Level Child Care Training (ELCCT).
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Leadership & Administration
- Oversee daily operations of the ELC.
- Ensure the facility maintains full compliance with DHS, tribal, and STARS regulations and maintains current licensing and documentation.
- Act as the primary liaison for DHS and tribal officials.
- Conduct routine walkthroughs and ensure readiness for inspections or evaluations.
- Document and coordinate monthly safety and emergency drills.
- Serve as the program director on the Oklahoma Professional Development Registry (OPDR).
- Remain on-site at least 30 hours/week..
- Appoint qualified personnel in charge when absent, ensuring continuity of leadership.
Student Enrollment & Support
- Manage student enrollment and maintain all required documentation.
- Monitor student behavior, learning, and developmental progress in collaboration with site administration.
- Collaborate with site administration and the school nurse on addressing student health needs.
- Ensure children’s daily activities are safe, structured, and developmentally appropriate.
- Support and implement Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and accommodations for children with special needs.
Staff Management
- Interview and onboard new teachers and substitute staff in collaboration with site administration.
- Maintain, monitor, and adjust staff schedules to ensure compliance with the staff-to-student ratio.
- Provide classroom and bathroom coverage when requested or necessary.
- Oversee background checks and staff training.
- Instruct staff on timekeeping procedures and verify the completion of their timesheets (Director should not complete timesheets for staff).
- Lead staff in curriculum implementation and support their professional development.
- Communicate all scheduling changes, expectations, lesson plans, and events.
- Conduct classroom observations and walkthroughs in collaboration with site administration.
- Foster a culture of positivity, teamwork, and professionalism.
- Prohibit and address negative speech regarding SSPS staff and administration.
Parent Communication & Support
- Maintain consistent and respectful communication with parents and guardians.
- Monitor DHS swipe compliance and assist families with correcting missed swipes.
- Ensure DHS parents are not charged out-of-pocket for more than two weeks of missed swipes.
- Regularly check mail for DHS co-pay updates.
- Respond promptly to all calls, emails, and inquiries related to daycare operations.
- Coordinate and participate in parent meetings and family engagement events in collaboration with site administration..
Financial Oversight
- Maintain and update financial spreadsheets in coordination with site administration.
- Manage DHS and check deposits for both subsidized and cash-paying families.
- Track and report payment issues and ensure timely deposits.
- Assist in budget development and monitoring with site administration.
Operations & Facilities
- Maintain a safe, clean, and developmentally appropriate learning environment.
- Monitor facility needs and notify site administration of repairs or safety concerns.
- Submit and track supply requests and inventory.
Collaboration
- Work closely with site administration to ensure compliance with district policies and goals.
- Notify site administration immediately of any operational changes or incidents.
- Collaborate with site administration on staff evaluations, curriculum decisions, and strategic planning.
Physical Demands & Working Conditions
To comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), reasonable accommodations may be made.
Regular Physical Requirements
- Stand, walk, bend, twist, and reach regularly.
- Use hands and fingers for instructional tools, technology, and lifting.
- Lift/move up to 50 pounds regularly.
Occasional Requirements
- Lift/move up to 100 pounds when necessary with assistance.
Sensory Requirements
- Vision: Close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
- Hearing/Speaking: Adequate to exchange and convey information clearly and promptly.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong communication and leadership skills.
- Ability to act quickly, calmly, and effectively in emergencies.
- Patience, empathy, and professional conduct under stress.
- Knowledge of child development, classroom management, and early learning best practices.
- Familiarity with DHS regulations, tribal standards, and school policies.
- Experience working with children with special needs or IEPs.
- Proficient in maintaining confidentiality, recordkeeping, and positive public relations.
Work Expectations
- Work 8 hours per day with a 1-hour lunch break.
- Follow a 210-day school calendar.
- Maintain a professional appearance and conduct.
- Respond to all communications in a timely manner.
- Promote a positive, collaborative environment among staff, students, and families.
This position description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work expected. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or qualifications required. The Director may perform other duties as assigned to support the success of the Early Learning Center.
Sand Springs Public Schools provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.