Director of Early Childhood Learning Center

Position: Director of Early Childhood Learning Center

Serve Christ Memorial Lutheran Church and the community by developing, coordinating, and administering an effective Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC) ministry. Provide leadership and supervision to staff and volunteers, ensuring the ECLC operates in accordance with state regulations, best educational practices, and the mission and values of Christ Memorial Lutheran Church (CML). Foster a nurturing, Christ-centered environment for children, families, and staff.

Candidates should apply by July 28, 2025.

Job Responsibilities:

• Spiritual Leadership: Integrate Christian teachings and values into all aspects of the ECLC, including curriculum, daily routines, and interactions with children, families, and staff. Coordinate chapel services and guest speakers.
• Program Administration: Oversee the day-to-day operations of the ECLC, including staff supervision, enrollment, budgeting, scheduling, and facility management. Collaborate with the Pastor, leadership team, and school board to implement the philosophy, principles, and goals of the church's children's ministry.
• Compliance: Plan and implement safety programs, including disaster and fire drills. Ensure the ECLC meets or exceeds all Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) licensing requirements and maintains National Lutheran School Early Childhood Accreditation. Keep all permits current and maintain required records and accreditation documentation.
• Curriculum Planning: Collaborate with teachers to plan and implement an age-appropriate, Christ-centered curriculum. Supervise classroom schedules, staff schedules, and the annual calendar.
• Staff Management: Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate teachers and support staff. Provide regular staff development and annual evaluations, reporting results to the board. Foster professional growth and teamwork within a Christian context. Maintain staff records for continuing education and licensing compliance.
• Family and Community Engagement: Build strong parent-school relationships and organize family events. Promote the ECLC within the congregation and broader community. Facilitate connections between non-member families and the church. Represent the ECLC within the church and community; participate in church activities and collaborate with ministry leaders.
• Crisis and Conflict Management: Address concerns, resolve conflicts, and support children and families with compassion and discretion.
• Communication: Provide clear, honest, and respectful communication to families, staff, leadership, and school board members. Ensure timely and transparent sharing of information to foster trust and collaboration.
• Continuous Improvement: Monitor program quality, solicit feedback, and implement changes to enhance the ECLC's effectiveness and faith formation.

Required Qualifications and Competencies:

• Strong Christian faith and commitment to integrating biblical principles into education.
• Director's certification as required by Texas Child Care Licensing.
• Minimum of two years' experience in early childhood education, with prior supervisory or administrative experience.
• Valid CPR and First Aid certification.
• Excellent organizational, leadership, and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with church leadership, staff, and families.
• Clear background check and compliance with all Texas licensing requirements.
• Bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field preferred but not required.

Working Conditions:

• Full-time, salaried position located at Christ Memorial Lutheran Church, Houston, TX.
• Work hours may include evenings and weekends for special events or church activities.
• Physical requirements may include lifting children, classroom materials, and participating in active play.
• Attendance at monthly Leadership Team meetings and monthly School Board meetings is required.
• Reports directly to the Leadership Team.

Salary

• Commensurate with experience and qualifications
• Benefits include paid time off, health and dental insurance, vision plan, life insurance, a Defined Benefit Pension Plan and a 403(b) plan

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $60, $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person