Job description

Early Childhood Education Director

STATUS: Part time- 30 hours a week

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

To carry out the mission of Epworth Preschool and Kindergarten (EPK) as an extension of the children’s ministry of Epworth by offering early childhood education that emphasizes developmentally appropriate curriculum, a loving and nurturing environment, and Christ centered vision. Responsibility for the overall operation of the preschool and kindergarten. https://www.epworthunited.org/and https://www.epkgaithersburg.org/

HOURS:

You will be required to be on site from 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM on school days, with an hour allotted for lunch. It is understood that there are times when you will be off site for duties described in the job description. Summer hours are reduced to a collective 75 hours when school is not in session. You will work out your summer schedule with your supervisor. Summer hours include EPK Summer camps. You must organize all staff meetings, open house and school year training. Paid time off must be used for any missed hours. Note: Employees working over 30 hours a week are available to purchase health care, at their own expense, from the Baltimore Washington Conference.

REPORTING TO: Senior Pastor or Designate

THE VISION OF EUMC: To be a church of the community that invites, connects, disciples, and sends out people for Jesus Christ as the Holy Spirit transforms hearts, lives, and communities.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Select, implement, and support developmentally appropriate curriculum for all age levels with a Christian component to the EPK

• Work with staff to select, customize and teach appropriate curriculum that complies with state and federal requirements.
• Work with staff to maintain strong emphasis on developmentally appropriate curriculum within a loving environment
• Procure supplies and equipment needed to implement the curriculum
• Maintain a library/media collection sufficient to support the curriculum.
• Maintain professional competence as an educator to facilitate classroom instruction when and where needed.
• Work with staff to implement appropriate enrichment activities.

Recruit, Screen, Manage, Train, Supervise and Support Teaching and Administrative Staff of EPK

• Recruit staff for final SPRC team approval to hire.
• Train and supervise staff teachers and assistants.
• Conduct classroom observations twice a year.
• Prepare annual observation reports for each teacher/assistant/administrative staff.
• Meet with staff individually to share reports.
• Prepare for and lead staff meetings during the year.
• Maintain staff confidential files to ensure privacy, accuracy and compliance with state requirements.
• Advocate for preschool staff concerns.
• Manage inter-staff conflicts using appropriate conflict resolution strategies and bringing larger issues to SPRC team to discuss further
• Assign teachers to classes balancing needs of individuals, teaching teams, and needs of the school.
• Prioritize the continuance of a collegial, trusting, family environment among staff, understanding staff longevity as one of the greatest assets of the program.
• Facilitate and encourage staff professional development opportunities and continued education.
• Supervise the Administrative assistant to the preschool.
• Assist and Troubleshoot in the classroom.
• Maintain a current list of substitutes available to the teachers and assistants (and post on back of office door)
• Maintain a current list of substitutes available for acting director

Market and Publicize EPK and Epworth to the community

• Market the program through overall recruiting efforts in pursuit of full enrollment each year, including caring for the registration process in pursuit of full enrollment each year.
• Be exceptionally open and welcoming to prospective parents and children, providing information on school programs and interviewing prospective families when they are ready.
• Work with the EPK board to continually examine community needs and appropriate offerings so that EPK best meets the needs of families with young children.
• Provide clear engaging communication with families that cares for the public image of EPK.
• Communicate on EUMC website and newsletter

Manage annual financial planning and budget

• Prepare annual operating financial budget with EPK board finance representative and bookkeeper for the board’s review and approval.
• Manage EPK within established budget parameters on a month to month basis.
• Maintain open communication with board regarding budget needs and wants.
• Manage the processing of tuition and registration payments
• Collaborate with EUMC bookkeeper in all needed financial disclosures, including required annual cash review as part of EUMC financial policy.

Advocate for and Support Families served by EPK

• Advocate for family and student concerns.
• Maintain an open door and welcoming policy for students, staff and parents’ accessibility to you.
• Establish communication with parents as main point of contact for the preschool.
• Determine placement of children according to EPK placement criteria while maximizing the best combination of teacher skills/teaching style and student needs.

Support EUMC in making connections between EPK families and EUMC children’s ministry.

• Work with Family Discipleship team to relay events for EPK families to engage with EUMC families and interact with discipleship staff
• Send announcements to families in eblast, class dojo and through Facebook. Monitor what method is most effective in reaching families.
• Understand the vision and goals for EPK connection to EUMC and work towards those yearly goals.

Ensure continuance of EPK as well respected, compliant, and connected program

• Know regulatory changes, equipment recalls and general alerts regarding related policies and products utilized.
• Conduct periodic emergency drills and log maintenance.
• Conduct periodic reviews of student files to ensure record keeping accuracy and compliance with state requirements.
• Maintain Maryland State Department of Education License Compliance requirements for self, staff and overall facility.
• Maintain connections with other preschools and preschool directors for purpose of networking, learning, and sharing.
• Manage building and playground needs/repairs in conjunction with Trustees and other preschool contractors.

Prioritize connection to EPK Board and Larger church

• Support the relationship of the preschool as a ministry of Epworth United Methodist Church.
• Participate in quarterly EUMC staff meetings and monthly EUMC Disciple meetings.
• Participate in EPK monthly board meetings, including preparing and submitting a monthly directors report.
• Facilitate, encourage and support healthy relations between the board and the preschool staff.

Invest in personal professional and spiritual growth

• Participate in professional continued education event annually (documented and submitted as part of annual review)
• Attend a church worship service (does not have to e EUMC) and personal devotion or bible study

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Critical Attributes:

• Interpersonal Skills – Ability to develop and maintain healthy cordial relationships with children, staff and parents.
• Communication Skills – Ability to convey information effectively both in verbal and written correspondence.
• Leadership Skills – Ability to motivate and influence staff to strive for excellence, connect with EPK vision, create family loving environment, and prioritize safety of all through adherence to rules and regulations.
• Organizational Skills – Ability to multitask and prioritize for efficiency in achieving goals.
• Business Skills – Business savvy to understand, make and communicate tough and sometimes unfavorable decisions.
• Christ Centered – Acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and participation in some Christian community as foundation for Christ-centered vision and support for Christian components to EPK mission
• Early Childhood Education Skills – understanding of developmentally appropriate curriculum and proven experience working with teachers, students, and parents.
• Computer Skills: Word, Excel, and Access. Knowledge of QuickBooks would be helpful

Related Experience (desired not required):

• Experience as Director or Assistant Director in a Christ based preschool environment
• Experience as Director or Assistant Director in a preschool environment or,
• Experience as an Early Childhood Educator with demonstrated career progression

ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Maryland State Department of Education Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a Bachelor’s degree in related discipline with the 90 clock hours in an Early Childhood Curriculum and Development[Required][
• 90 clock hours or the equivalent of approved early childhood coursework(45 hours child development and 45 hours curriculum planning) , or Hold the Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential issued by the Council for Professional Recognition, or Approved by the Maryland State Department of Education as a teacher for Nursery – Grade 3, or Hold a teaching certificate from the MSDE or another state for Nursery – Grade 3 [Required]
• 2 years of experience working with preschoolers in an approved setting (licensed child care center, nursery school, church operated school, recreation and parks program, registered family child care home or similar setting), or If approved or certified to teach, 1 year of experience working with preschool
• 6 months to complete required training
• Annual completion of 12 clock hours of continued education
• First Aid and CPR (Adult, Child, Infant) trained and certified
• At least 9 clock hours of approved training in communicating with staff, parents and the public1 ,
• 40-45 clock hours or the equivalent of approved administrative training
• 3 clock hours in ADA Compliance

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: From $46,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Gaithersburg, MD 20877: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Experience:

• Teaching: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

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