Director of Administration, Melba S. Lehner Children’s School

at  Weber State University

POSITION DETAILS

WSU’s Commitment to Diversity
Weber State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an inclusive environment by welcoming all individuals, including culturally diverse staff, faculty, and student body. WSU values every individual by embracing all identities through the promotion of belonging, creativity, and uniqueness. We strive to create environments which are welcoming, inclusive, and equitable for all. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected categories, such as disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, religion, national origin, veterans status, or others, as required by law and university policy (see Weber State University’s Policy and Procedure Manual 3-32).
Position Information

JOB SUMMARY/BASIC FUNCTION

The Director of Administration for the Melba S. Lehner (MSL) Children’s School oversees the Early Learning Laboratory Program for children ages 12 months to 5 years in the Department of Child and Family Studies (CHF) at Weber State University (WSU). This program serves approximately 75 children from families associated with our campus and within the broader community. This Director oversees all operations necessary to ensure the delivery of high-quality early education services to children and families, and the preparation of preservice teachers. Keeps up-to-date on current and future trends in child development, behavior, and relationship-focused practice.
The Director leads the implementation of a relationship-based therapeutic play approach, inquiry emergent curriculum, and observation, assessment, and documentation approaches such as making learning visible. Proactively monitors for stress, developmental delay, disability, and signs of trauma. Employs effective systems for tracking individual progress, ensuring follow-up, coordination of services, and monitoring program effectiveness.
The Director upholds the mission and values of WSU, CHF, and the MSL Children’s School. Ensures the program adheres to program and professional preparation standards including Utah Child Care licensing and accreditation and professional standards of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), infant and child mental health competencies, and inclusive classrooms.
WSU is a community-engaged university. The Director fosters collaborative relationships with campus and community stakeholders to create a rich curriculum and strengthen student capacity to transfer skills and learning to the workplace.
The Director attends to the well-being of staff, children, and families. Engages these stakeholders in advocating for themselves and one another within the program and broader community. Plays an active role in community service in local and state early childhood systems.
The Director establishes a rich collaborative community, mentoring staff and students with coaching and reflective supervision approaches. Collaborates with campus faculty, students, and community programs to facilitate research studies, and teacher or action research. Ensure classroom practice is grounded in sound research and share expertise through early childhood education course teaching.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Early Intervention, Early Childhood Leadership, or a related field required.
• Minimum of three years of experience in early childhood education leadership or a related role.
• The following certifications, or the ability to attain prior to working with young children:
• Infant/Child CPR and First Aid certification
• State of Utah Food Handlers Permit

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preferred:

• Knowledge of Utah Child Care Licensing regulations, NAEYC Early Learning Program Accreditation Standards, NAEYC Professional Standards and Competencies, and early childhood curriculum frameworks.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience in budget management, program evaluation, and staff training and supervision.
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable learning environment for young children, families, university students, and staff.

• Pre-K to 3rd-grade educator licensure.Doctorate in a related field.

One or more of the following preferred experiences:

• Infant and child mental health, trauma-informed care
• Inclusion, early intervention, special education, disabilities, or disabilities studies
• Coaching, mentoring, and/or reflective supervision with early childhood professionals
• Linguistically diverse children and families
• Teaching or supervising field experience for adult students in higher education
• Grant writing, management, and reporting
• Teacher/action research
• Academic content areas, the science of reading, and STEM

BENEFITS SUMMARY

WSU offers a generous benefits package that includes medical, dental, long-term disability, life insurance, retirement, a wellness program with release time and paid incentives, tuition benefits, free tickets to athletic and performing arts events, and paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
Posting Detail Information

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF THIS POSITION

Medium work. Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

VISUAL ACUITY REQUIREMENTS INCLUDING COLOR, DEPTH PERCEPTION AND FIELD OF VISION.

Required to perform activities such as preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; using a computer terminal; extensive reading., Required to have visual acuity to determine the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned (i.e., custodial, food services,) or to make general observations of facilities or structures (i.e., security guard, inspection).

Please refer the Job description for details