Curriculum & Operations Manager

The Curriculum & Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing curriculum development, regulatory compliance, program operations, staff training, reporting, budget oversight, and quality improvement initiatives for the O-Gah-Pah Learning Center and Downstream Learning Center. This position ensures compliance with all applicable regulations while supporting developmentally appropriate educational programs for children ages six weeks through twelve years. Working collaboratively with staff, families, and community partners, the Curriculum & Operations Manager promotes a safe, nurturing, and culturally responsive learning environment and supports the mission of both learning centers.

Essential Job Functions:

• Ensure compliance with all applicable tribal, local, state, federal, licensing, accreditation, DHS/CCDF, health and safety regulations, as well as organizational policies and procedures.
• Develop, implement, monitor, and update program policies, procedures, and standards to maintain a safe, compliant, and high-quality childcare environment.
• Maintain accurate and confidential program records, including children's files, staff certifications, training documentation, attendance records, compliance reports, and other required documentation in accordance with applicable regulations and organizational policies.
• Maintain accurate financial records, including expenditures, receipts, invoices, purchase documentation, reimbursement requests, and other fiscal records in accordance with organizational policies, funding requirements, and audit standards.
• Conduct compliance audits, inspections, risk assessments, program evaluations, and emergency preparedness activities, including the development and coordination of emergency procedures and drills.
• Prepare, maintain, and submit required reports, incident documentation, regulatory filings, claims, parent documentation, and other records required by the Director of Childcare, tribal contracts, the Department of Health and Human Services, and other regulatory agencies.
• Research, develop, implement, and evaluate curriculum materials, lesson plans, and educational resources that align with Early Learning Guidelines and support the developmental needs of children in the areas of cognitive, social, emotional, language, self-help, and physical development.
• Collaborate with the Director of Childcare and teaching staff to ensure curriculum implementation, age-appropriate classroom activities, lesson planning, portfolio development, and culturally relevant learning experiences.
• Recommend and assist with the acquisition of educational materials, equipment, supplies, and resources necessary to support curriculum goals and program operations.
• Monitor program effectiveness and recommend improvements to strengthen educational outcomes, operational efficiency, and compliance standards.
• Coordinate, provide, and monitor staff training, supervision, orientations, certifications, professional development, and compliance-related requirements, including health and safety protocols, emergency preparedness, and regulatory standards, to ensure employees meet all required standards and timelines.
• Observe staff performance; provide coaching, guidance, and recommendations; identify training needs; and communicate concerns and performance-related observations to the Director of Childcare.
• Foster positive and professional relationships with children, families, staff, community partners, and tribal entities through effective communication and collaboration.
• Ensure families are informed of applicable policies, procedures, compliance requirements, program updates, and changes affecting their children, and collaborate with staff to coordinate parent-teacher conferences and family engagement activities.
• Support the Director of Childcare and teaching staff in maintaining safe, organized, developmentally appropriate classrooms and learning environments.
• Participate in staff meetings, conferences, professional development activities, and required training programs, maintaining documentation of completed training and certifications.
• Assist with and participate in program events and activities, including but not limited to Children's Powwow, Children's Halloween Party, Thanksgiving Banquet, Parent-Teacher Conferences, field trips, and other special events.
• Become familiar with all aspects of the program budget and assist in the efficient management of resources, including payroll, educational materials and supplies, food service,…