Children's Program Supervisor

Children’s Services Supervisor

• Department: Shelter and Community Programs
• Location: White River Junction, Vermont
• Status: Full-time, exempt
• Salary: $55,000 to $60,000 annually, benefits

About Upper Valley Haven

Since 1980, Upper Valley Haven has provided shelter, food, education, and supportive services to people experiencing poverty, housing instability, and food insecurity. Our work is grounded in respect, kindness, dignity, accountability, hospitality, and community participation.

Position Summary

Upper Valley Haven seeks an experienced and compassionate Children’s Services Supervisor to lead its Infant and Toddler, After-School, Summer, and shelter-based children’s programs. This hands-on position combines program leadership, employee supervision, and daily direct service to children. The Supervisor works alongside employees to provide safe, engaging, trauma-informed programming while overseeing program quality, compliance, resources, family engagement, and community partnerships.

The Supervisor also participates regularly in field trips, community outings, outdoor activities, and other off-site experiences, providing active supervision and support to children and employees.

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership and Direct Service

Participate daily in educational, recreational, and enrichment activities with children.

Build supportive relationships that promote children’s development, resilience, and engagement.

Plan and oversee developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed, and inclusive programming.

Provide behavioral support, redirection, de-escalation, and crisis response when needed.

Manage enrollment, attendance, schedules, staffing coverage, supplies, and daily operations.

Use observations, feedback, and outcome data to strengthen programming.

Field Trips and Off-Site Experiences

Participate regularly in field trips, community outings, outdoor recreation, and other off-site programming.

Support children during transportation, transitions, and activities in changing or unfamiliar environments.

Coordinate staffing, permissions, transportation, accessibility, safety planning, and family communication.

Ensure compliance with applicable supervision, medication, child-release, and emergency procedures.

Employee Supervision

Supervise Children’s Services employees and provide oversight to seasonal employees, interns, volunteers, and program support personnel.

Provide coaching, feedback, professional development, and performance management.

Participate in hiring, onboarding, training, scheduling, and retention efforts.

Foster accountability, collaboration, inclusion, and professional growth.

Compliance and Program Administration

Ensure compliance with applicable childcare regulations, licensing requirements, grant conditions, and Haven policies.

Maintain required records, reports, credentials, and regulatory documentation.

Reinforce child safeguarding, mandated reporting, confidentiality, professional boundaries, and emergency preparedness.

Monitor program expenses and manage resources within approved parameters.

Maintain productive relationships with families, schools, service providers, and community partners.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Education, Human Services, Social Work, Child Development, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.

At least three years of relevant experience, including supervision or program leadership and direct service to children.

Knowledge of child development and trauma-informed, family-centered practice.

Ability to meet applicable Vermont Child Development Division requirements and maintain required certifications and background clearances.

Willingness and ability to work directly with children daily and participate regularly in field trips, community outings, and outdoor activities.

Valid driver’s license and ability to meet Haven requirements for local travel.

Preferred Qualifications

Advanced education in a related field.

Leadership experience in licensed childcare, afterschool, youth-development, or family-serving programs.

Experience supporting children with varied developmental, social-emotional, or behavioral needs.

Schedule and Work Environment

This is a primarily on-site position with a schedule that varies according to program needs. Some availability outside standard business hours may be required for field trips, seasonal programming, family events, school closures, or emergencies.

The position involves regular local travel and work in childcare, shelter, school, community, indoor, and outdoor settings. It requires active participation in children’s activities, safe response to behavioral or emergency situations, and the ability to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds. Essential functions may be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

Compensation and Benefits

$55,000 to $60,000 annually. Benefits include employer-funded health, dental, and vision insurance; disability and life insurance; 403(b) retirement matching; and opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Upper Valley Haven is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating a diverse, welcoming, and safe workplace. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to any characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.