Early Learning Center Director

Job Title: Early Learning Center Director

Reports to: Executive Director

Status: Exempt, Full-time

Hours: 40 hours, weekdays, schedule dependent on staffing needs

Salary: Range 9, DOE ($60,638 - $81,260)

Benefits: 3% Retirement Match, $3,000 annual healthcare stipend, PTO accrued per handbook, 8 paid holidays annually

Essential Responsibilities:

Compliance & Licensing

• Independently maintains compliance with licensing standards, health and safety standards, and operational requirements
• Oversee health, safety, and emergency protocols, and maintain compliance with state regulations and licensing requirements for childcare facilities
• Maintain and update accurate records using digital tools, including staff certifications and regulatory documentation

Staffing

• Hire and supervise all Early Learning Center staff
• Maintain a schedule for all Early Learning Center staff
• Serve as a lead teacher or classroom aide until the team is fully staffed
• Fill in as a substitute teacher as needed to maintain consistent open hours for families
• Provide professional development opportunities for staff

Family & Community Engagement

• Meet with parents and staff to discuss students progress
• Build and maintain positive relationships with community members to further the mission, vision, and strategic goals of the organization
• Coordinate family engagement events and activities

Daily Operations

• Design, implement, and evaluate a high-quality, developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned with early childhood best practices

• Collaborate with the museum team to maintain general upkeep of preschool facilities

• Develop and manage the Early Learning Center budget
• Oversee tuition invoicing
• Establish policies and communicate them to staff and parents

Strategic Leadership

• Work with the Executive Director and the design team on completing classroom build-outs
• Collaborate with the leadership team to integrate FCMs exhibits and resources into programming to enrich learning experiences
• Develop and implement 2 to 5 year strategic plans to enhance the Early Learning Centers educational programs and ensure long-term financial feasibility
• Foster an inclusive and engaging environment that supports all learners
• Assist the Development Director in fundraising efforts as appropriate, and provide support for grant applications and reporting when applicable
• Maintain preschool enrollment at 90% or higher

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Meet state requirement of at least 12 semester hours of college credit in early childhood development, child development, child psychology, or the equivalent, or hold a current CDA credential, or Montessori Certificate
• Bachelors degree or higher in Early Childhood Education or related field, or comparable experience
  
• Minimum 5 years of experience in early childhood education
• Strong knowledge of early childhood development principles
• Proven experience in curriculum development and implementation
• Proven experience with rules and regulations put forth by DHSS
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Experience managing resources and program budgets

Preferred Qualifications:

• Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field
• Experience in establishing a successful childcare or preschool program
• More than 5 years of experience in early childhood education
• Experience in management/leadership in early childhood education