Program Director of Early Childhood Education

Danville Community College developed from two institutions, Danville Technical Institute and the Danville Division of Virginia Polytechnic Institute opened in 1936 as Danville Textile School, becoming Danville Technical Institute just after World War II. The Danville Division of Virginia Polytechnic Institute first began as an engineering division in 1946 and was later expanded to include the first two years of course work for all engineering, business administration, liberal arts, and science majors. Beginning in the summer of 1966, all programs taught by Danville Technical Institute were brought under the Virginia Department of Community Colleges. Effective July 1, 1968, the Danville Division of Virginia Polytechnic Institute merged with the existing community college providing the comprehensive programs now offered.
The Program Director of Early Childhood Education performs both administrative and instructional duties. As an administrator, the Program Director of Early Childhood Education supports the College mission and vision by overseeing the day-to-day management of the Early Childhood Program. This role is responsible for coaching and mentoring instructors within the Early Childhood Program as related to classroom methodology and delivery. In conjunction with the Dean of Arts, Science, and Business, the Program Director of Early Childhood Education will serve as moderator with regards to student-instructor disputes, including grade challenges. This role is also responsible for providing guidance to the subject-area instructors and for ensuring that all required record keeping and reporting are completed in a timely and accurate manner. As instructor, the Program Director of Early Childhood Education follows the position description for a Faculty Instructor.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Program Coordination

• Serve as the faculty lead for the Early Childhood Education program.
• Assist the dean with planning, scheduling, and coordination of ECE courses.
• Facilitate communication among ECE adjunct instructors and the ASB division dean.
• Coordinate program meetings and collaborative planning activities.
• Assist with development and implementation of program goals and strategic initiatives.

• Assist in maintaining NAEYC program accreditation compliance.
• Coordinate collection and documentation of assessment data and accreditation evidence.
• Support preparation of NAEYC annual reports, program self-study, and reaccreditation materials.
• Ensure curriculum and assessments align with NAEYC Professional Standards and Competencies for Early Childhood Educators.
• Maintain records required for accreditation review.

• Lead collaborative efforts to develop, revise, and maintain ECE curriculum.
• Ensure course content aligns with:
• NAEYC standards
• State early childhood workforce standards
• Transfer institution expectations
• Coordinate program learning outcomes assessment and reporting.
• Review and recommend updates to courses based on industry and regulatory changes.

• Coordinate student practicum and field experience placements.
• Maintain partnerships with local childcare centers, Head Start programs, and school systems.
• Ensure field experiences meet NAEYC clinical practice requirements.
• Monitor student progress in field placements and support site supervisors.

• Advise students regarding program requirements, career pathways, and transfer opportunities.
• Assist students in understanding pathways to credentials, licensure, or bachelor’s degree programs.
• Participate in student recruitment, orientation sessions, and program outreach events.
• Support student retention and program completion initiatives.

• Serve as a resource and liaison for adjunct and full-time faculty teaching in the program.
• Facilitate sharing of curriculum resources, instructional materials, and best practices.
• Assist with onboarding of new adjunct faculty.
• Coordinate faculty participation in program assessment and accreditation activities.

• Develop and maintain relationships with local early childhood education providers and agencies.
• Collaborate with community partners to support workforce development initiatives.
• Represent the ECE program in community events, advisory committees, and professional organizations.

• Assist with collection and analysis of program data.
• Prepare documentation and reports required for institutional and accreditation review, such as program reviews and annual program assessment.

• Teach assigned Early Childhood Education courses in accordance with college policies.
• Maintain current knowledge of early childhood education theory, practice, and policy.
• Incorporate developmentally appropriate practice and evidence-based instructional strategies.
• Teach various day, night and online courses, as needed.
• Completes Canvas and Regular Substantive Interaction (RSI) training
• Participate in professional development related to teaching and early childhood education.

• Maintain professional involvement in early childhood education organizations and initiatives.
• Stay current on state licensing regulations, NAEYC standards, and industry trends.
• Participate in college service, committees, and professional development activities.

May be required to perform other duties as assigned. May be required to assist the agency or state government generally in the event of an emergency declaration by the Governor.

• Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Development, Early Childhood Studies, Early Childhood Leadership, or Child Care.
• At least 2 years’ experience working in a related field is required.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to exercise discretion and use sound judgement in decision making.
• Ability to communicate with a variety of students and community members.
• Ability to adjust to change, meet deadlines, and perform multiple tasks as needed.
• Skilled in time management, problem solving, conflict management, adaptability, and creativity.
• Strong personnel management skills with emphasis on development of instructional expertise.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Skilled in monitoring, mentoring, and evaluating.
• Skilled in problem-solving and working effectively with administration, faculty, staff and students.
• Proven ability to function as a member of a team within established college, state, federal, and accrediting agency regulations, policies and procedures.
• Ability to utilize campus resources including software and college learning management systems.
• Ability to utilize technologies to enhance instruction.
• Commitment to teaching excellence and commitment to the community college mission.
• Ability to travel for professional development offerings.

• 3-5 years’ experience working in a child care facility or pre-K setting.
• Knowledge of institutional effectiveness, institutional planning and assessment.
• Previous teaching experience at the community college level.
• Demonstrated experience in curriculum and course design and development.

The selected candidate’s offer is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background investigation, which may include: fingerprint checks, local agency checks, employment verification, verification of education, credit checks (relevant to employment). Additionally, selected candidates may be required to complete the Commonwealth’s Statement of Economic Interest. For more information, please follow this link:  http://ethics.dls.virginia.gov/

VCCS uses E-Verify to check employee eligibility to work in the United States. You will be required to complete an I-9 form and provide documentation of your identity for employment purposes.