Early Childhood Director, St. Michael, Olympia

St. Michael Parish School is a dynamic K-8 school dedicated to inspiring, educating, and preparing our students for a Christ-centered life of learning, faith, and service.

St. Michael Parish School is committed to promoting and maintaining an inclusive culture, enabling all students to perform and progress at their highest level.

St. Michael Parish School seeks a full-time Early Childhood Director for the 2024-25 school year. This is a full-time position with benefits and a competitive salary.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Early Childhood Director / Licensee is responsible for overseeing all Early Childhood program operations (PreK) and providing daily classroom instruction for one of these classes.

The Early Childhood Director / Licensee works collaboratively with other Early Childhood teachers and instructional assistants to provide a cohesive, unified program through a welcoming and nurturing environment.

The Director will help staff nurture children’s social, spiritual, & academic development while fostering a Catholic environment of mutual respect and appreciation.

The Early Childhood Director / Licensee will foster a faith-filled, developmentally rich learning environment for all students, promoting all aspects of early childhood development (social-emotional, fine motor, gross motor, cognitive, language, literacy, mathematics, etc.

Additionally, the Early Childhood Director / Licensee will assume responsibility for all paperwork, online requirements and record-keeping related to DCYF licensing.

He / she reports directly to the school principal.

PRIMARY DUTIES

• Provide a welcoming, nurturing learning environment for all students
• Plan and implement a developmentally-appropriate curriculum aligned to the Archdiocesan curriculum and the Washington State Early Learning and Developmental Guidelines
• Incorporate developmentally appropriate daily classroom activities and home learning tasks
• Regularly evaluate and document student progress towards Kindergarten readiness using a standardized developmental checklist
• Maintain the program facilities and records in compliance with the Washington State Department of Early Learning Child Care Licensing Rules
• Oversee Early Childhood program goals and implement necessary initiatives
• Manage & collaborate with other Early Childhood staff, including teachers and instructional assistants
• Foster the integration of Early Childhood students into school events and with older school students
• Maintain a physical environment that is clean, safe, orderly, and conducive to optimal growth and development of children
• Communicate students of concern to the Principal
• Assess children as required & provide regular reports to parents on student progress
• Maintain accurate student records including attendance
• Communicate with and actively involve parents / families in all aspects of student learning through conferences, informal interactions, newsletters, home learning tasks, etc.
• Facilitate parent volunteering opportunities
• Communicate weekly with the Principal providing an update on current happenings in the program

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of 3 years Early Childhood teaching experience required
• At least 1 years’ experience as Early Childhood Director / Licensee strongly preferred
• Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Education, Master’s preferred (a focus in Early Childhood Education / Administration is also preferred)
• Meets the Washington State STARS requirements for early learning programs
• Experience working within a state licensed program; possesses intimate knowledge of Washington State Department of Early Learning Child Care Licensing regulations and guidelines
• Exhibits successful classroom management skills and use of instructional strategies with diverse student populations
• Demonstrates and oversees use of ongoing regular assessment (i.e. developmental checklists) to drive student learning in an Early Childhood setting
• Possesses strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Exhibits strong managerial and leadership capabilities
• Demonstrates the dynamic personality and a visionary capacity needed to expand a growing program and maintain a strong Early Childhood team
• Experience teaching in a technology-enriched environment preferred
• Strong references from current and / or previous administrator(s)

Salary : The range is $48,733 - $91,805 Any offered salary is determined based on internal equity, internal salary ranges, market data, applicant’s skills and prior relevant experience, degrees, and certifications

Benefits : A comprehensive package of benefits is offered including two medical plan options, dental, vision, life, accidental death and disability, long term disability, pension, 403(b), HSA, FSA, and generous sick leave, vacation, and holidays.

For teachers in the first 5 years of their careers, we offer the opportunity to apply for affordable, innovative housing options, based on availability.

Interested candidates should complete an online application with the Office for Catholic Schools on Applitrack and e-mail a resume and cover letter to Dana Lashley, Principal, principal@stmikesolympia.

org . We will continue to accept applications until the right candidate is selected.