Human Resources Generalist - Wonders Early Learning + Extended Day

Why Work for Wonders Early Learning + Extended Day?

Play isn't just fun, It's fundamental! Children need playtime, it is crucial for healthy development. Children learn about the world by exploring ideas, manipulating objects, investigating creative materials, and problem-solving with others. Using imagination and creativity, children take on new roles and test new concepts. Wonders teachers use observation and planning to create learning experiences that are intentional and provide meaningful context for children to practice skills and express ideas.

Join the Wonders family of caring, dedicated, and fun educators!

About Wonders

Our Mission - To create and advance high quality, diverse educational communities that teach children the foundations of life-long learning and social responsibility.

Since our inception in 1976, our goal has been to provide non-profit, quality child care to working families. Over the years, we have grown from a single center in the basement of All Saint's Church in Chevy Chase, Maryland to multiple accredited early learning, extended day, and summer camp programs across the DC Metropolitan Region.

Our programs support today's workforce, while growing the workforce of tomorrow.

Benefits & Compensation

Our benefits package includes paid time off, holidays, winter break, medical with HRA, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, critical illness, accident insurance, 403(b) retirement savings plan, Wonders tuition discounts, and professional development training. Benefits eligibility is dependent on job type status.

We provide paid pre-employment background checks, fingerprinting, medical exams, & drug screens as well as paid New Hire Orientation.

Wonders values its educators and leaders and we invest in our workforce by prioritizing compensation and nurturing meaningful careers. Our educators are regularly engaged in efforts towards continuous improvement in their skills and knowledge in the classroom. Approximately 80% of our annual budget is directed to staff compensation.

Job Summary

As a Junior Human Resources Generalist, you will play a vital role in supporting Wonders' staff in HR operations and initiatives. You will collaborate with the HR team to ensure the smooth execution of HR processes, from orientation and onboarding to employee relations and compliance.

The Human Resources Generalist plays an important role in cultivating and maintaining a professional and productive work environment. Wonders Early Learning and Extended Day is committed to investing in and supporting our workforce. We believe our educators and staff are integral to providing high quality care and learning to the children in our programs.

The Human Resources Specialist has oversight of these four areas:

• New employee onboarding, benefits administration, and HR records
• Providing HR support and guidance to all employees
• Managing employee relations and workplace issues
• Ensuring compliance with HR policies, regulations, and labor laws

Wonders Early Learning and Extended Day is committed to creating a positive and inclusive workplace environment where everyone can thrive. The Human Resources Generalist is instrumental in our efforts to recruit and retain dedicated educators and staff who are integral to the quality of our services. We nurture a culture of ongoing learning and development for all employees.

The Human Resources Generalist reports to the Executive Director and works closely with the Wonders administrative team.

Essential Functions

• Provide guidance and support to Program Directors and administrative team members on a variety of HR issues, including performance management, employee relations, and compliance with employment laws and regulations
• Conduct a thorough onboarding process, including benefits orientation and enrollment
• Support the Controller with bi-weekly payroll processing
• Administer and maintain HR training programs
• Conduct employee engagement initiatives
• Maintain compliance with federal, multi-state, and local employment laws and regulations, and all employment related requirements for corresponding child care licensing agencies
• Identify relevant metrics and perform audits of our HR processes and data
• Maintain a current and accurate employee handbook, develop policies, as needed
• Communicate relevant and timely HR information to all employees
• Oversee employee disciplinary meetings, terminations, and investigation
• Conduct offboarding and exit interviews
• Other duties as assigned

Core Competencies

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate.
• Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
• Thorough knowledge of employment-related laws and regulations.
• Proficient with ADP, Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• A minimum of 3 years of Human Resources Management experience is preferred.
• Supervisory experience is preferred.
• Knowledge of HR laws and regulations is a plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft and Google Office Suite and HRIS systems
• SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP are highly desired.

Additional Information

Job Type: Part-time (30 hours) / Hybrid

Work Location: Bethesda, MD

EEO Statement

Wonders provides equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, citizenship, current or future military status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or familial status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

ADA Compliance

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is the policy of Wonders to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact Human Resources.