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Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare
Also called : Childcare Director, Early Head Start Director, Education Coordinator, Education Director, Education Site Manager, Preschool Director, Preschool Program Director, Principal, Site Coordinator
What they do
Plan, direct, or coordinate academic or nonacademic activities of preschools or childcare centers and programs, including before- and after-school care.
On the job, one would
- Confer with parents and staff to discuss educational activities and policies and students' behavioral or learning problems.
- Monitor students' progress and provide students and teachers with assistance in resolving any problems.
- Recruit, hire, train, and evaluate primary and supplemental staff and recommend personnel actions for programs and services.
- Teach classes or courses or provide direct care to children.
- Set educational standards and goals and help establish policies, procedures, and programs to carry them out.
KNOWLEDGE
- Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
- Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
- Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
- English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
SKILLS
- Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
- Coordination
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
- Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
- Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
- Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
ABILITIES
- Written Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
- Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
- Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
- Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
- Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
PERSONALITY
People interested in this work, will do well at jobs that need;
- Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
- Stress Tolerance
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
- Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
- Self-Control
Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
- Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
- Independence
Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
- Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
- Concern for Others
Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
- Leadership
Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
- Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
TECHNOLOGY
- Accounting software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Desktop communications software
- Desktop publishing software
- Electronic mail software
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software
- Instant messaging software
- Internet browser software
- Office suite software
- Presentation software
- Spreadsheet software
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
- Preparation
Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
Four-year bachelor degree
- Experience
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupation
- Jobtraining
Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.