LATC - Educare Education Director
Lake Area Technical College, Watertown, SD, United States
Position Overview
The Educare Education Director supports the overall leadership, planning, and daily operation of the Lake Area Technical College’s Educare Center in partnership with the Lead Teacher/Assistant Director. This position ensures the delivery of high‑quality, developmentally appropriate curriculum and programming across all classrooms, while maintaining compliance with licensing regulations and Educare’s mission and philosophy. The Education Director plays a key part in fostering strong relationships with families, supporting staff development, and creating a safe, engaging, and enriching learning environment for all children. This position also provides leadership and direct oversight of before‑and‑after‑school programming, as well as summer programming, ensuring consistency, quality, and alignment with the center’s educational approach. Qualifications
Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field preferred. South Dakota Child Development Associate (CDA) credential may be considered depending on experience. Minimum of three (3) years of experience in a licensed childcare or early learning setting required. Experience in curriculum development, program coordination, or educational leadership preferred. Strong understanding of child development principles and developmentally appropriate practices. Knowledge of state childcare licensing regulations. Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities, timelines, and programs. Ability to work collaboratively with staff, families, and community partners. Competency in basic computer systems for communication, documentation, and program planning. Performance Responsibilities
Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of curriculum across all classrooms. Ensure curriculum aligns with early childhood best practices, developmental standards, and licensing requirements. Support and coach teaching staff in lesson planning, classroom instruction, and student engagement. Observe classroom environments to ensure consistency in high‑quality, developmentally appropriate practices. Program Development & Student Experience
Plan and coordinate center‑wide educational programming, including seasonal activities and enrichment opportunities. Organize and oversee field trips, including logistics, staffing, and safety procedures. Ensure all programming is inclusive, engaging, and aligned with Educare’s philosophy. Oversee and support before‑school and after‑school programming, including scheduling, staffing, and activity planning. Collaborate with the Lead Teacher/Assistant Director to provide leadership and support to teaching staff and student interns. Provide feedback, coaching, and professional development related to curriculum and instruction. Assist in maintaining appropriate staffing coverage and ratios within classrooms. Assume leadership responsibilities in the absence of the Director and Assistant Director as needed. Family & Community Engagement
Serve as a primary point of contact for families regarding educational programming and activities. Develop and distribute monthly or quarterly calendars outlining events, curriculum highlights, and key dates. Communicate effectively with parents/guardians regarding children’s development, programming, and center activities. Build strong relationships with families, college departments, and the Watertown community. Compliance & Program Coordination
Ensure all programming meets South Dakota licensing requirements, health and safety standards, and internal policies. Maintain accurate documentation related to lesson plans, activities, and program implementation. Assist with inspections, audits, and quality improvement efforts. Support implementation of food program requirements in alignment with federal guidelines. Operational Support
Assist in enrollment support, family orientation, and program promotion efforts. Collaborate with the Director on program planning and continuous improvement initiatives. Support budget awareness related to programming, materials, and events. Represent Educare at campus and community events. Additional Expectations
Promote a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment for all children and staff. Uphold the mission and philosophy of Educare and Lake Area Technical College. Demonstrate professionalism, collaboration, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Other duties as assigned. Terms of Employment
Salary and benefits are set by the Watertown School Board. Shift Type
Full‑Time Location
Lake Area Technical College – Educare Center 200 9th St NE PO Box 730 605-882-6312 605-882-6327
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The Educare Education Director supports the overall leadership, planning, and daily operation of the Lake Area Technical College’s Educare Center in partnership with the Lead Teacher/Assistant Director. This position ensures the delivery of high‑quality, developmentally appropriate curriculum and programming across all classrooms, while maintaining compliance with licensing regulations and Educare’s mission and philosophy. The Education Director plays a key part in fostering strong relationships with families, supporting staff development, and creating a safe, engaging, and enriching learning environment for all children. This position also provides leadership and direct oversight of before‑and‑after‑school programming, as well as summer programming, ensuring consistency, quality, and alignment with the center’s educational approach. Qualifications
Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field preferred. South Dakota Child Development Associate (CDA) credential may be considered depending on experience. Minimum of three (3) years of experience in a licensed childcare or early learning setting required. Experience in curriculum development, program coordination, or educational leadership preferred. Strong understanding of child development principles and developmentally appropriate practices. Knowledge of state childcare licensing regulations. Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities, timelines, and programs. Ability to work collaboratively with staff, families, and community partners. Competency in basic computer systems for communication, documentation, and program planning. Performance Responsibilities
Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of curriculum across all classrooms. Ensure curriculum aligns with early childhood best practices, developmental standards, and licensing requirements. Support and coach teaching staff in lesson planning, classroom instruction, and student engagement. Observe classroom environments to ensure consistency in high‑quality, developmentally appropriate practices. Program Development & Student Experience
Plan and coordinate center‑wide educational programming, including seasonal activities and enrichment opportunities. Organize and oversee field trips, including logistics, staffing, and safety procedures. Ensure all programming is inclusive, engaging, and aligned with Educare’s philosophy. Oversee and support before‑school and after‑school programming, including scheduling, staffing, and activity planning. Collaborate with the Lead Teacher/Assistant Director to provide leadership and support to teaching staff and student interns. Provide feedback, coaching, and professional development related to curriculum and instruction. Assist in maintaining appropriate staffing coverage and ratios within classrooms. Assume leadership responsibilities in the absence of the Director and Assistant Director as needed. Family & Community Engagement
Serve as a primary point of contact for families regarding educational programming and activities. Develop and distribute monthly or quarterly calendars outlining events, curriculum highlights, and key dates. Communicate effectively with parents/guardians regarding children’s development, programming, and center activities. Build strong relationships with families, college departments, and the Watertown community. Compliance & Program Coordination
Ensure all programming meets South Dakota licensing requirements, health and safety standards, and internal policies. Maintain accurate documentation related to lesson plans, activities, and program implementation. Assist with inspections, audits, and quality improvement efforts. Support implementation of food program requirements in alignment with federal guidelines. Operational Support
Assist in enrollment support, family orientation, and program promotion efforts. Collaborate with the Director on program planning and continuous improvement initiatives. Support budget awareness related to programming, materials, and events. Represent Educare at campus and community events. Additional Expectations
Promote a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment for all children and staff. Uphold the mission and philosophy of Educare and Lake Area Technical College. Demonstrate professionalism, collaboration, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Other duties as assigned. Terms of Employment
Salary and benefits are set by the Watertown School Board. Shift Type
Full‑Time Location
Lake Area Technical College – Educare Center 200 9th St NE PO Box 730 605-882-6312 605-882-6327
#J-18808-Ljbffr