The Early Childhood Director is responsible for the efficient and effective operation of the Early Childhood program so that it may accomplish its purpose of providing a safe & nurturing environment for children to grow in their faith and social & academic skills. The director will use all of their gifts and talents to support the values and mission of St. James Lutheran Church & School by being fiscally responsible, serving as a liaison between church & school, maintain communications & relationships with parents, further community relationships, recruit & enroll new children, supervise & assist staff, administer all aspects of programs to ensure compliance with all state & local governing agencies and works collegially with all other staff members of St. James Lutheran Church & School.

Qualifications

• Must have a current CDA credential (Bachelors Preferred)
• Must be at least 21 years old
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 40 pounds
• Must hold and maintain a current CPR & First Aid certifications
• Must hold membership in the local NAEYC Group
• Must have prior teaching experience within an Early Childhood classroom

Models Behavior

• Lives the Christian faith, models the love of Jesus Christ, nurtures faith and shares Christ in word and action
• At all times demonstrates discernment when posting on social media and adheres to the policies set forth by St. James
• Smiles, laughs, and uses a pleasant voice
• Prays with & for others
• Acknowledges & respects others’ feelings
• Works cooperatively with others
• Compliments good behavior, anticipates & redirects inappropriate behavior with respect
• Builds & strengthens positive relationships with church & school staff, congregational members, and volunteers

Responsibilities

• Teach God’s Word Daily
• Be familiar with Indiana state regulations as well as with Program Policies of St. James Lutheran Early Childhood Program
• Provide opportunities for spiritual growth of staff
• Provide ways to incorporate the early childhood program (ECP) families into church and church families into the ECP
• Foster Christian community for staff, children, and families
• Provide environment appropriate for young children
• Plan age-appropriate, Christ-centered, faith-integrated curriculum
• Maintain positive relationships among children, teachers, parents, congregation & community
• Carry out mission & purpose of programs; further the vision of St. James Lutheran Church & School
• Recommend policies according to purpose of programs
• Participate on boards that oversee programs; ex: Board of Christian Education & Parish Planning Council
• Assist in preparing annual budget
• Operate within the budget
• Purchase equipment & supplies
• Represent ECP in congregational activities
• Inform congregation of programs orally or in writing
• Develop systematic parent-school communication (school newsletter, bulletin, social media)
• Plan/administer parent fellowship programs (Jesus’ Birthday party, Pumpkin patch, Grandparent’s Day, PK Family Fun Nights)
• Welcome visitors, provide tours, answer questions pertaining to programming
• Promote ECP in congregation & community
• Assist Marketing and Enrollment Director with interviewing parents of prospective children
• Connect families with the Financial Aid Director for financial opportunities
• Attend professional educational events
• Prepare job descriptions for teachers and aides
• Recruit & hire staff
• Periodically review staff performance; assist staff members to set goals for professional development & career development
• Arrange substitute help as needed
• Lead regularly scheduled staff meetings
• Plan and conduct periodic in-service training for staff
• Help staff in preparing program plans
• Develop & maintain resource library for staff
• Plan & implement procedures to keep accurate class records
• Prepare & update staff handbook
• Assist business office with personnel records
• Maintain liaison with local, state governing authorities in regards to early childhood to conform & exceed all regulations
• Handle all administration & conflict-resolutions related to programs
• Maintain student & program records
• Periodically evaluate own work as a director
• Plan & implement plan for personal professional growth
• Plan periodic reports related to the state of the ECP
• Keep informed of current ECP issues & developments
• Participate actively in professional organizations
• Maintain a professional library
• Plan schedule of administrative responsibilities
• Schedule use of shared space & equipment
• Schedule responsibilities of teaching staff
• Keep health history/immunization records for children & staff
• Be a liaison between families of children with special needs, staff, agencies
• Plan & purchase healthy snacks
• Monitor classroom & playground conditions to ensure safety

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $35,568.00 per year

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work setting:

• In-person
• Private school

Ability to Relocate:

• Lafayette, IN 47901: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person