Job Description

Start a fulfilling career that makes a difference in the lives of people with disabilities and their families. We have a variety of full and part-time jobs available and are looking for candidates who are eager to learn. Our employees receive a range of benefits including health insurance, company-paid life insurance, 401K, generous paid time-off and continuing education support!

Overall responsibility for the efficient and effective operation of KidStart, ensuring that the services offered are of the highest quality and meet the needs of its students, funders and requirements of various governmental regulators. Oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of childhood programs for children with disabilities, ensuring alignment with OCFS policies, NYS special education regulations, and Head Start regulations. Works across school districts, community agencies, and state partners to implement and evaluate programs, manage staff, and comply with federal, state, and local regulations.

Essential Functions:
• Responsible for ensuring that KidStart meets its annual financial and programmatic goals.
• Work with school administrators, special education departments, and community partners to coordinate services and ensure seamless transitions between school and program settings.
• Ensure programs meet NYS and federal compliance requirements, including staff qualifications, safety standards, and quality improvement measures.
• Responsible for ensuring that KidStart policies and procedures are in compliance with federal and state regulatory requirements and that they are updated as regulations change and that staff receive appropriate training on policies and procedures initially as they are updated.
• Oversee the preparation and submission of Head Start grant applications.
• Maintain accurate records, submit required reports, and monitor program performance metrics.
• Responsible for hiring and supervising Directors to be responsible for direct care staff and the daily operations of each department within KidStart.
• Ensure the needs of families and referral sources are met and develop mechanisms to monitor and track customer satisfaction.
• Chairs Policy Council Committee and KidStart Board Committee
• Responsible for ensuring that the requirements of funders and governmental agencies are met in a timely way including the prompt processing of contracts and production of reports.
• Working with the CFO/COO, manage program budgets, secure funding, and oversee financial operations as well as determine appropriate pricing for contracts.
• Keeps abreast of best practices and new developments in the field.
• Follows policy of confidentiality regarding child/family information.
• Participates in quality assurance and compliance activities as required.
• Supports the mission of Arc GLOW by ensuring operational excellence and compliance that enables our team to provide high-quality, individualized supports.
• Other duties as assigned.

Non-Essential Functions:
• Conducts self in a professional manner to promote the mission, philosophy, and policies of the agency.
• Participates in maintaining a healthy and safe environment.
• Attends meetings related to the job responsibilities.
• Participates in agency committees.

Reporting Responsibilities: CFO/COO

Supervisory Responsibilities: Program Directors, maintenance, kitchen, and office teams.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
• Knowledge of NYS Special Education, OCFS, & Head Start regulations
• Understanding of typical early childhood development.
• Conflict resolution – address concerns from parents, staff, or students in a timely and constructive manner while maintaining composure
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, and possess the ability to evaluate and make sound decisions.
• Must be a positive role model and possess both excellent interpersonal and leadership abilities.
• Experienced in leading, mentoring, and developing of employees to ensure program excellence and outcomes.
• The ability to effectively and clearly communicate, in both verbal and in written form, with board, staff, families, and community stakeholders.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office products, as well as the ability to work with other required computer systems, including databases, to complete documentation.
• Strong time management skills.

Physical Requirements:
• Ability to use standard office equipment including personal computer, phone, fax, copier, etc.
• Must be able to drive a vehicle
• Must be able to sit for extended periods of time
• Must have the physical abilities and stamina to participate in children’s play and sustain active work throughout the day. Work with children requires:
◦ Ability to walk or run quickly
◦ Ability to bend at the waist, kneel or crouch to maintain eye contact with children
◦ Ability to move between sitting on the floor, kneeling, squatting, stooping and standing while working with children
◦ Ability to walk on rough or uneven ground
◦ Ability to lift children (30lb min.)
◦ Ability to manipulate and carry large therapy equipment including therapy balls, barrels, bolsters and bags of toys
• Ability to maintain the safety of the environment and children
• Must be able to move quickly and react calmly in response to an emergency

Working Conditions:
• Working conditions are typical for a childcare setting
• Exposure to bodily fluids, potentially infectious material and communicable diseases

Minimum Requirements:
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a field related to business, administration and/or education AND,
◦ New York State teaching certificate for classroom teaching services to students with disabilities, birth-grade 2, or certification in early childhood education, OR possess New York State certification or licensure in speech-language pathology, psychology, occupational or physical therapy or another related service field AND,
◦ New York State certification in School Building Leader or School District Leader or School Administrator/Supervisor.
• Reside within a reasonable geographic distance from the Program.
• Valid NYS driver’s license