Job Details
Job Location
Discovery Park Environmental Learning Center - Seattle, WA
Salary Range
$28.00 - $29.75 Hourly
Description
The Associated Recreation Council is hiring for a Recreation Preschool Director . The Preschool Director is responsible for developing, implementing and managing all preschool programming for ages 3-5 years old. The director is responsible for creating and supporting a fun, safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for program participants and staff. The director establishes and strengthens positive relationships with families, participants, and ARC/SPR staff and will be the main point of contact for Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) staff. As an ARC employee, the Preschool Director takes pride in serving the community and are committed to staying true to ARCs mission, vision and values.
Pay Range: $28.00-29.75/hr DOE; non-exempt with benefits.
Schedule:

• Year-round, including summer; Monday-Friday; 30 hours/week; program runs from 9:00am to 1:30pm
• Schedule/hours subject to change based on program needs, including during the summer months

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
LEADERSHIP

• Mentors, trains, and coaches staff in the development and implementation of program
• Develops, implements and manages high quality preschool programming
• Fosters a nurturing and safe environment for children 3-5 years old
• Creates an engaging social and emotional learning environment while providing a developmentally appropriate educational experience
• Participates in a professional cooperative learning community
• Collaborates with other directors within the organization to share resources and ideas
• Collaborates with preschool team members to ensure the success of participants
• Communicates with preschool team members, families, community center staff, and Seattle Public Schools (SPS) staff
• Manages program operations by communicating effectively with staff and holding them accountable to job-related responsibilities
• Uses critical thinking to problem-solve, trouble shoot and plan to minimize risk
• Demonstrates and models desirable leadership qualities to reporting staff
• Engages staff and participants in utilizing their voice to influence program offerings
• Oversees and/or leads opening and closing procedures daily
• Addresses behavior via positive reinforcement

ADMINISTRATIVE

• Routinely audits employee files to ensure regulatory compliance
• Knowledge of ActiveNet reporting and budgeting
• Completes timecard verification, incident/accident reports, monthly activities and hot sheets
• Frequently reviews and maintains staff and child files
• Creates staff schedules
• Plans and leads staff training and meetings
• Attends all required meetings and training
• Conducts regular one-on-ones with assistant directors, lead teachers, and assistant teachers
• Communicates and collaborates often and effectively with our partners (SPR, all ARC departments and other organizations)
• Conducts interviews
• Partners with HR recruiting team to meet staffing needs
• Maintains workplace expectations and documentation (staff recognition, performance improvement needs/concerns)
• Other administrative tasks as needed

SAFETY

• Drafts and finalizes safety procedures
• Schedules regular safety drills and disseminate corresponding responsibilities to reporting staff
• Initiates the Incident Response Plan
• Utilizes proper and timely reporting procedures, including CPS reporting, Public Health notification, and area operations supervisor notification

CARE & CUSTODY

• Ensures a ratio of 1:8 (staff to children) is maintained as much as possible to ensure that children are safe and accounted for
• Cultivates a safe and welcoming environment for all families, participants and staff
• Conducts regular head counts and roll calls
• Ensures environments are well-maintained, developmentally appropriate and supports the needs of the program and its participants
• Provides positive transitions that maintain ratios/head counts to minimize the risk of unwanted behaviors
• Supports other organization sites and programs as needed

SUPERVISION
Supervises preschool program staff at designated location. This includes identifying staffing needs, hiring, developing and coaching staff to ensure work is delivered effectively.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
This job operates in a community center environment or may be at various sites. This role may routinely use standard office equipment such as computers, phones, printers, scanners and photocopiers.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:

• May sit or stand for longer than 2 hours at a time
• May be required to perform extensive work at a computer and/or laptop
• May be required to work in outside weather conditions on a daily basis
• May have to lift and/or move 25 to 50 pounds
• May have to assist or redirect a participant when required to intervene in safety issues

EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK
This is a full-time, non-exempt Monday-Friday, 30 hr per week position with occasional weekends, year-round position.
Qualifications
KNOWLEDGE |SKILLS |ABILITIES

• Skill in providing feedback, instruction, and development guidance to help others excel in their current or future job responsibilities; plan and support the development of individual skills and abilities.
• Knowledge of applicable laws and regulations
• Knowledge of community services and resources
• The ability to work collaboratively with families and partners to meet the specific needs of each participant
• The ability to understand the diversity within and across cultures and provide an inclusive, welcoming, and respectful environment where all children, youth and families can take pride in their cultural identifies, beliefs, and practices. Understand and value differences.
• Skill in establishing an environment that provides learning experiences that meet each participants needs, capabilities and interests
• Ability to collaborate and partner with families and Seattle Parks and Recreation to meet the needs of participants
• Knowledge in maintaining an environment that supports the physical safety and emotional development of participants
• Ability to serve participants and families in a professional manner and participate in the community as a representative of the child development field
• Ability to actively participate as a member of a team that moves the team toward the completion of goals.

EDUCATION | EXPERIENCE

• Preferred experience to have completed a minimum of 45 or more college credits or a combination of one-third clock hours and two-thirds college credits in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Elementary Education, Social Work, or other child-related field including, but not limited to: art, music, and dance relevant to school-age children, recreation or leisure time activities, physical education, education, psychology, social services, home economics, or nutrition
• Minimum of 2 years of experience working in preschool-related programs required
• Minimum one year of supervisory experience
• Demonstrated experience working with families, community members and partners to foster positive relationships
• If hired, documentation of current Red Cross First Aid/CPR certification, HIV/AIDS blood-borne pathogens education and training, a valid Washington State Food Handlers permit, have cleared a TB test; 30 hours STARS training is preferred
• Valid WA State driver license and clear a driving history record from DOL upon hire
• If hired, successful completion of WA State and DCYF (Department of Children, Youth and Families) Portable Background Check Certificate
• Must be 21 years of age or older

WORK AUTHORIZATION | SECURITY CLEARANCE (IF APPLICABLE)
Eligibility to work within the United States and background check required.
BENEFITS
Benefits include 100% Employer paid Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance, 401(k), paid time off (PTO), 10 paid Holidays, Pre-tax Employee/Employer Contribution Transit Plan, Flexible Spending Account, Life Insurance, AD&D, Employee Assistance Program.
EEO/ADA
ARC is an Equal Opportunity employer and values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, caste, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
This job description indicates in general the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, abilities and other essential functions (as covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act) expected of an employee. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of an employee. An employee may be asked to perform other duties as required.