The Debbie Leraas Children’s Center CENTER DIRECTOR

The Debbie Leraas Children’s Center

CENTER DIRECTOR

Since 1980, The Debbie Leraas Children’s Center has offered a vibrant learning community dedicated to providing a nurturing, secure environment with enriching and developmentally appropriate experiences for children. It is a place where each child’s uniqueness is celebrated, with unconditional love and support, with strong emphasis placed on:

• relationship-building
• individual learning
• emergent, child-centered curriculum
• nature immersion
• family engagement
• play-based sensorial learning
• social and emotional development

The Children’s Center offers a fully-licensed Preschool & Pre-K with full and half day options as well as before and after school care for children in Kindergarten through 6th grade during the school year. Preschool and Youth Summer Camp Programs are provided during the summer.

Position Summary.  The Director for the Debbie Lerass Children’s Center of the Edmonds United Methodist Church provides visionary leadership focusing on the overall quality of programs that deliver early childhood education for children ranging in age from preschool to kindergarten.

The Director oversees the daily operation of the Center ensuring a safe, happy, and educational environment.  This includes the Before and After School Care program and Summer Camp for children ages kindergarten through 6th grade.

The Director serves as the chief compliance officer ensuring all applicable federal and state rules, regulations, and compliance requirements are met.  The Director works closely with the Children’s Center Advisory Committee and serves as the face of the school and first point of contact for families seeking placement.  This position reports to the Director of Family Ministries and the Lead Pastor.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Program Planning and Administration. Develop policies and procedures and communicate these to parents.  Meet with the parents of prospective enrollees to determine if the Center is a good fit.  Maintain the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) license.

Fiscal Management. Provide financial oversight of the Center.  This includes operational budget development and oversight of accounts payable and receivable.  Develop and provide oversight for the marketing plan as well as public relations and advertising campaigns as required.  Evaluate and approve the purchase of equipment, supplies, and materials.  Work collaboratively with the Children’s Center Advisory Committee, the Staff/Parish Relations Committee, and the Finance Committee to secure approval of the annual operating budget, staff salary changes, and general human resource oversight.

Staff Management. Develop a staffing plan that meets the needs of classroom and support service coverage.  This includes developing position descriptions, participating in recruiting and hiring, performance reviews, disciplinary process management, and professional development.

Curriculum Development. In collaboration with the Program Supervisor and classroom staff, contribute to the development of curriculum that is in compliance with state and federal guidelines and requirements.

Facilities Management. Ensure that the Center facilities comply with local, state, and federal laws and are a safe and appropriate environment for children.  Ensure safety guidelines are followed by all staff and oversees safety inspections and certification procedures.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Provide direct supervision to the Program Supervisor.  Serve as the secondary supervisor to all classroom staff.

Other Responsibilities: Attend and participate fully in weekly church staff meetings and monthly Advisory Committee meetings.  Collaborate closely with the church administrator, church finance director, the chairs of Staff/Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) and Finance to ensure smooth coordination between center practices and church policies.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• A Bachelor degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE).
• Four years of work experience in early childhood education.
• Two years of supervisory experience and budget development and oversight.
• Knowledge of Washington Administrative Code childcare center licensing requirements.
• Knowledge of National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) standards and best practices in ECE; DCYF licensing requirements; Quality Rating and Improvement Scale (QRIS) aka Early Achievers in Washington state.
• Computer literacy that includes a familiarity with the Microsoft Office suite of applications.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS and ATTRIBUTES

• Leadership skills; organizational skills; calm demeanor.
• Ability to identify, utilize, and develop community resources.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

An equivalent combination of education and early childhood education work experience will meet the minimum requirements.

Send a current resume, cover letter and list of three professional references to aprilj@edmondsumc.org by May 17.

Start Date: Summer 2019

This program participates in Early Achievers.