Preschool Program Director / Early Childhood Director

Our dynamic, Reggio Emilia-inspired early childhood organization is seeking an experienced, child-centered, and organized leader to be the Program Director at our muddy and messy preschool. Green Apple Nature Playschool currently serves 22-30 children ages 30 months to 6 years old, and a team of 6-7 teachers. The Program Director will collaborate with the board and leadership team of our parent organization, Apple Playschools, to bring the school into its next chapter of growth and service to the community. The successful candidate will be an excellent communicator, self-reflective, and able to balance collaboration with independent problem solving. We are seeking individuals with experience in anti-bias education and supporting children with special rights. We believe a wide range of experience will prepare someone for success in this role and preference will be given to folks who have a Bachelor’s degree or higher in early childhood education, elementary education, child development, or a child-related field;at least three years teaching in a licensed child care or education setting; and have demonstrated experience with coaching and mentorship.

Supervision and Team Work

Reports To: Apple Playschools’ Executive Director

Supervises: Teaching staff

Closest Collaborators: The Green Apple Nature Playschool Program Director works closely with our highly-collaborative leadership team which includes two other program directors (representing Green Apple Garden and Manzanitas Spanish Immersion Playschools), our licensing & accreditation coordinator, the senior financial clerk, and the environmental education coordinator.

Schedule: This position averages 40-45 hours per week and requires occasional weekends and evenings for staff meetings, events, etc. Flexible scheduling can be accommodated when appropriate, though this position is required to be on site 6 hours/day when the program is in session. 

Compensation and Benefits (Read more on our website):

• Starting Salary Range: $43,940-$47,450/year
• $1000 hiring bonus paid out upon completion of orientation and clear background check
• Discounted tuition for staff children (50% discount)
• Generous paid time off after 90 days
• Health & dental care stipend of $150/month
• Paid guidance resources (psychological and financial)
• IRA match up to 3% for full-time employees
• Paid time for professional development through our orientation and in-service days
• Respectful and responsive leadership
• Feminist business practices  

Role Responsibilities 

• The Program Director holds the responsibility for these roles listed in order of importance: 
• Teacher Coach & Manager – Oversees and provides daily direct support of teaching staff to uphold quality standards of AP mission; develops, trains, and manages staff in accordance to best practices of human resources
• Financial Manager – Create, implement, and adjust annual site budget to meet the financial goals of the organization, communicate and report regularly and clearly, allocate resources wisely, contribute feedback 
• License and Compliance Manager– Oversees all site and program related licensing and accreditation policies, procedures, and processes to ensure compliance and appropriate reporting; Oversee cleaning and maintenance of school facility 
• Family & Admin Liaison  – Oversee communication to families and administrative team; support fundraising and friendraising efforts and events, advocate for children and staff

Sample of tasks and duties

• Teacher Coach & Manager (At least 50%)
• Work with HR to recruit, interview, select, hire, and employ full staff
• Onboard, orient, coach, mentor, train, and develop each teacher
• Give written feedback and evaluate teachers regularly
• Delegate responsibility and expect accountability and regular feedback
• Discipline teachers as needed
• Maintain transparent communication through weekly one-on-ones, mentor and staff meetings, ad hoc, and email
• Lead formal training as required
• Shape site culture to align with mission and vision
• Uphold a collaborative team environment 
• Financial Manager 
• Manage site budget
• Plan and allocate resources to effectively staff and accomplish the work to meet departmental productivity and quality goals
• Make business decisions that are financially responsible, accountable, justifiable, and defensible in accordance with mission and organization policies and procedures
• Review school financial performance compared to budget goals regularly
• Problem solve collaboratively when goals are off track
• Stay up to date on enrollment reporting, expense allocations, and purchasing for school resources
• License and compliance Manager
• Ensures all safety, health, licensing and policy rules are followed on a daily basis; coordinate with others on Great Start to Quality
• Takes responsibility and ownership of site
• Uses problem solving skills to find solutions w/ team & Executive Director
• Communicates needs clearly and promptly to Executive Director
• Act as Mandated reporter
• Serve as Facilities Manager (oversee cleaning, maintenance, etc.)
• Oversee record keeping
• Family & Admin Liaison
• Shares site news on a regular basis
• Communicates and coordinates staffing for various fundraising and community events
• Communicate appropriately with administrative team and Executive Director
• Support teachers and families in coordination efforts for children with special rights
• Support marketing and fundraising campaigns
• Coordination and support for site signature event
• Support Assistant Director with enrollment activities (tours, waitlist, etc.) as needed
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements for Qualification to hold Role

• Meets requirements of an Early Childhood Program Director as outlined on Page 7 of Licensing Rules for Childcare Centers Effective 12/18/2019 including 2 semester hours or 3.0 CEUs in child care administration, 30 hours of administrative training from MiRegistry, or another administrative credential approved by the department
• 21+ years of age
• 3+ years teaching experience in Early Childhood or Elementary education
• 2+ years management, coaching, or mentorship experience
• Creative and effective problem-solver focused on equity
• Excellent Customer/Client Focus
• Makes sound decisions under pressure
• Demonstrates direct and empathic leadership
• Proficient in Google Suite apps, or similar, including spreadsheets, word processing, and email
• Familiarity with anti-bias and anti-oppression concepts, and a commitment to personal responsibility for unlearning biases around race, gender, sexual orientation, age, class, etc; Willingness to engage in conversations about bias/anit-bias with colleagues and with children.
• Ethical Conduct
• Strong Financial Aptitude
• Supports collaborative, innovative, and inclusive organizational culture
• Able to pass background checks required by state licensing guidelines

Physical requirements include being able to comfortably bend, move around with young children, ascend and descend a flight of stairs, walk on uneven terrain, work outside in all weather conditions, be exposed to environmental allergens (dust, animals, etc), and lift up to 25 pounds.

Less than 1% of time supporting care and maintenance of school and site including cleaning, yard work, moving furniture, etc.

Nonprofit, administrative, and education experience a plus.

How to apply:

Please use this form to apply: https://www.appleplayschools.org/apply.html