Center Director (Birth - 5)

Title: Center Director (Birth - 5)

Employment Status: Full Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Reports to: Employee Relations and Staffing Coordinator

Supervises: Center Staff

Support for Early Learning & Families (SELF) seeks an experienced, engaging, and dedicated Center Director to join our educational community. This is a full-time, non-exempt position reporting directly to the Employee Relations and Staffing Coordinator. This position is based in Vancouver, WA.

Who is SELF? Support for Early Learning & Families (SELF) is a nonprofit organization founded in response to the question, “How can we work to improve opportunities for our community’s children?” This question is at the heart of the work that we do.

SELF Mission: Support for Early Learning & Families envisions a Southwest Washington where every child thrives through equitable access to quality, affordable early care and education—powered by a united community of families, educators, leaders, and advocates.

We work in partnership with the Educational Service District (ESD) 112 to staff and facilitate numerous childcare centers in the southwest Washington area. Our programs are designed to support children at ages ranging from birth, to preschool, to school age. We have program types to support children of all backgrounds and needs. We pride ourselves on fostering a community that helps our mission by helping each other.

General Description of Position:

The Center Director is responsible for providing leadership and the successful delivery of program services within a Child Care Center. The Center Director oversees the daily operations of the Center and will create and maintain an environment that is developmentally appropriate for children and utilizes the most effective methods to engage children and families. Through the establishment of a trusting and respectful collaboration, Center Directors will support teachers in their own professional development, through a process of observation, coaching, training, modeling, communication, goal setting, and plans for implementation as they build on their existing knowledge and develop new skills in supporting quality early childhood practice. The Center Director works in partnership with ESD 112 to ensure compliance with the Washington Administrative Code and state licensing and that programmatic needs are being met.

What could you bring to SELF?

• Energetic, and mission-focused with a passion for early childhood development, learning, and fun!
• Professional and positive disposition that demonstrates a strong work ethic, integrity and reliability.
• Passionate about supporting the growth and development of children through child-lead pedagogy.
• Collaborative, positive, and team oriented.
• Proactive in actively contributing to the learning and work environment and demonstrating the ability to handle multiple priorities and emergent program needs.
• Appreciation for and commitment to supporting children and families with diverse ethnic and economic backgrounds.
• Interest in professional development and growth.

What could SELF offer you?

• A competitive compensation package with an hourly position range. This position is eligible for overtime.
• Medical, Dental and Vision
• A 401(k)-retirement savings plan with up to 2.5% employer match.
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid holidays
• Life Insurance- $10,000.
• The general work schedule is Monday through Friday business hours, with some work hour flexibility as needed.
• Availability is requested occasionally for paid in-service meetings or professional development events, or other work needs.
• Discounted childcare for preschool.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Quarterly passes to Columbia Sportswear and Adidas employee store.
• A collaborative, mission-focused organizational culture with continuous professional development opportunities.
• An opportunity to make a difference in our community!

Qualifications and Skills:

• Associate's or Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, preferred.
• In lieu of a degree, must have a minimum of 45 credit hours in early childhood education, or equivalent aligned or related to early childhood education. Or, the Washington State ECE State Certificate with a minimum of 47 aligned credits.
• Minimum of 1 year demonstrated experience in management, supervision, or leadership.
• Effective written and verbal communication
• Possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities to train staff members for each position within the Center.
• Possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities to accurately assess the performance standards for all Center staff positions. Identify and provide staff with reflective supervision, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.
• Demonstrate the ability to delegate tasks, create staff schedules, and responsiveness when managing shifting staffing needs.
• Demonstrate cooperative teamwork through flexibility in working with other Center operations, including staffing support for other Centers throughout SW Washington.
• Demonstrate the ability to maintain composure while handling stressful situations and respond immediately to any emergent situation.
• Must present a professional demeanor in behavior and dress.
• Demonstrate an understanding and appreciation for ethnic and economic backgrounds of families served.
• Ability to work early mornings and occasional evenings as needed.
• Demonstrates integrity and discretion when handling confidential information.
• Comply with Support for Early Learning and Families Employee Handbook of policies and procedures.
• Understand and comply with the rules and requirements as defined by the Department of Children, Youth & Families and the Educational Services District 112 program standards.
• 21 years of age or older.

Agency Coordinated:

• Enrollment in DCYF background check system - https://apps.dcyf.wa.gov/MERIT/Home/SignInRegister – FREE
• A valid WA Food Handlers Card. More information: https://www.foodworkercard.wa.gov/
• Completion of Washington State HIV/Blood Borne Pathogens – FREE
• Participation in Washington’s State Training and Registry System (STARS) program required – (enroll within 45 days of hire date)

All Initial Health and Safety Requirements are Agency Funded and Facilitated:

• A valid CPR/First Aid certification - child/infant.
• Negative Tuberculosis (TB) test – Valid testing within previous 12 months.
• Documented immunity to Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR).
• Initial health exam completed by medical provider.

Application Process: For consideration, please complete the application at the following link: www.selfwa.org Reference and background checks are conducted with finalist candidate(s) as part of our interview process. The Center Director position is available immediately and will remain open until it is filled.

SELF is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, marital status or any other protected characteristic. Our organization is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $28.02 - $30.50 per hour

Ability to Commute:

• Vancouver, WA 98661 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Vancouver, WA 98661: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $28 - $31