Preschool / Early Childhood Center Director

Preschool Director

Position Summary

The Director of the Preschool will lead a vibrant and growing preschool ministry that seeks to connect children and their families to Jesus. The Director of the preschool will give vision, direction and leadership to the entire preschool ministry in keeping with the mission of St. Paul's Lutheran Church.

Supervisor

Preschool Administrator

Accountable to

Board of Christian Education

Curriculum Goals

• To provide a warm, Christ-centered, safe and loving environment
• To create meaningful and productive experiences and activities that help children grow socially/emotionally, physically, cognitively/intellectually and spiritually
• To help children get along well with others
• To help children become enthusiastic learners
• To encourage independence, develop self-confidence, respect individuality

As Leader of Early Childhood Program

Serves as a spiritual leader

• Provides opportunities for spiritual growth of staff
• Provides opportunities for preschool families to connect with St. Paul's
• Fosters Christian community among staff, families, children and congregation
• Schedules and coordinates music and speakers for weekly chapel

Establishes early childhood environment

• Equips indoor areas to reflect Christian environment
• Provides environment appropriate for young children
• Plans age-appropriate, Christ-centered, faith-integrated curriculum
• Maintains positive relationships among staff, children, parents, congregation and community

Carries out purpose and mission of program; furthers vision

• Recommends policies in accordance with purpose, mission and vision of program
• Evaluates purpose, mission, goals and vision on a regular basis
• Seeks to grow the programs of the preschool and adapt the preschool's ministry and programs to the ever-changing environment
• Seeks to enhance the preschool ministry through implementation of up-to-date early childhood education models that are also philosophically sound

Duties As Director of Preschool

Assumes responsibility for finances

• Arranges for tracking of tuition
• Prepares annual budget (with Administrator)
• Operates within budget
• Purchases equipment and supplies
• Prepares annual re-registration materials by March 1st

Serves as a liaison between congregation and programs

• Submits reports to St. Paul's Board of Christian Education and Church Council as required
• Represents preschool at various events
• Keeps congregation informed of preschool events
• Is actively involved in the life of the St. Paul's congregation
• Schedules preschool singing in church several times a year
• Develop other programs to connect the church and preschool

Maintains communication and relationships with parents

• Develops systematic parent-school communication (newsletters, bulletins, email)
• Orients parents to school policies and procedures
• Plans/helps administer parent education/fellowship programs
• Maintains a parent resource center
• Informs parents of progress and special needs of children (informally, formally at conferences)

Enhances community relationships

• Welcomes visitors in a warm and friendly manner
• Attends professional educational events and community functions
• Maintains liaison with local, state and federal agencies so as to remain informed about early childhood issues

Recruits and enrolls new children

• Actively promotes the preschool within congregation and community
• Meets with parents of prospective children
• Provides enrollment materials
• Creates and maintains publicity materials
• Develops and maintains preschool website/webpage (in cooperation with St. Paul's Webmaster)

Supervises and assists staff

• Prepares job descriptions for teachers and assistants, to be approved by Board of Education
• Recruits and hires staff; invites Administrator and Pastor to meet with prospective candidates
• Oversees the staff of the preschool and provides active coaching, direction and encouragement to preschool staff members
• Annually reviews staff performance; assists staff members to set goals for professional growth
• Leads regularly scheduled staff meetings
• Develop and train a pool of competent substitute teachers and aides

Administers various aspects of program

• Contacts state and local regulatory agencies; conform to all regulations and requirements
• Maintains student and program records
• Defines policies of admission, attendance, payment of fees, educational goals along with Board of Education
• Updates and maintains preschool database (Jackrabbit)
• Prepares and updates annually parent handbook, to be approved by Board of Education
• Keeps personnel (staff) records
• Plans and implements procedures to keep accurate classroom records

Maintains proper conditions for health and safety

• Keeps health history/immunizations for children and staff and submits required reports
• Maintains referral system for children with special needs
• Monitors classroom and playground conditions to ensure safety

Personal Growth

• Annually evaluates own work as Director with Administrator
• Plans for personal professional growth

· Seeks to enhance knowledge, skills and abilities through participation in conferences/workshops

Qualifications

Required:

· Must have experience as a Preschool Director or Assistant Director

· The Director of the Preschool must be committed to Christ and the growth of His kingdom

· A spiritually mature Christian, diligent in leading a life of committed discipleship and must be a member of a Christian church

· Support for the mission of St. Paul's Lutheran Church

· A Bachelor's degree or Associate's degree

· Possesses the requisite qualifications for directing a preschool under California regulations

· A skilled leader of other people

· Willingness to cooperate in a multiple staff ministry

· Strong organizational and group facilitation skills, as well as effective written and verbal communication skills

· Must demonstrate good listening skills and have a warm and welcoming personality

Preferred:

· Experience in a multiple staff ministry

· A degree in early childhood education or related field

· Member of St. Paul's or another LCMS church

· Formal instruction in Lutheran Doctrine and teaching the Christian faith from a Lutheran Perspective (LCMS commissioned minister); could be completed after start date (Colloquy)

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $ $28.00 per hour

Expected hours: 25 – 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• Preschool Director or Assistant Director: 2 years (Required)

Work Location: In person