Early Childhood Co-Director

The Early Childhood Director is responsible for the efficient and effective operation of the Early Childhood program so that it may accomplish its purpose of providing a safe & nurturing environment for children to grow in their faith and social & academic skills. The director will use all of their gifts and talents to support the values and mission of St. James Lutheran Church & School by being fiscally responsible, serving as a liaison between church & school, maintain communications & relationships with parents, further community relationships, recruit & enroll new children, supervise & assist staff, administer all aspects of programs to ensure compliance with all state & local governing agencies and works collegially with all other staff members of St. James Lutheran Church & School. Qualifications Must have a current CDA credential (Bachelors Preferred) Must be at least 21 years old Must be able to lift and carry up to 40 pounds Must hold and maintain a current CPR & First Aid certifications Must hold membership in the local NAEYC Group Must have prior teaching experience within an Early Childhood classroom Models Behavior Lives the Christian faith, models the love of Jesus Christ, nurtures faith and shares Christ in word and action At all times demonstrates discernment when posting on social media and adheres to the policies set forth by St. James Smiles, laughs, and uses a pleasant voice Prays with & for others Acknowledges & respects others’ feelings Works cooperatively with others Compliments good behavior, anticipates & redirects inappropriate behavior with respect Builds & strengthens positive relationships with church & school staff, congregational members, and volunteers Responsibilities Teach God’s Word Daily Be familiar with Indiana state regulations as well as with Program Policies of St. James Lutheran Early Childhood Program Provide opportunities for spiritual growth of staff Provide ways to incorporate the early childhood program (ECP) families into church and church families into the ECP Foster Christian community for staff, children, and families Provide environment appropriate for young children Plan age-appropriate, Christ-centered, faith-integrated curriculum Maintain positive relationships among children, teachers, parents, congregation & community Carry out mission & purpose of programs; further the vision of St. James Lutheran Church & School Recommend policies according to purpose of programs Participate on boards that oversee programs; ex: Board of Christian Education & Parish Planning Council Assist in preparing annual budget Operate within the budget Purchase equipment & supplies Represent ECP in congregational activities Inform congregation of programs orally or in writing Develop systematic parent-school communication (school newsletter, bulletin, social media) Plan/administer parent fellowship programs (Jesus’ Birthday party, Pumpkin patch, Grandparent’s Day, PK Family Fun Nights) Welcome visitors, provide tours, answer questions pertaining to programming Promote ECP in congregation & community Assist Marketing and Enrollment Director with interviewing parents of prospective children Connect families with the Financial Aid Director for financial opportunities Attend professional educational events Prepare job descriptions for teachers and aides Recruit & hire staff Periodically review staff performance; assist staff members to set goals for professional development & career development Arrange substitute help as needed Lead regularly scheduled staff meetings Plan and conduct periodic in-service training for staff Help staff in preparing program plans Develop & maintain resource library for staff Plan & implement procedures to keep accurate class records Prepare & update staff handbook Assist business office with personnel records Maintain liaison with local, state governing authorities in regards to early childhood to conform & exceed all regulations Handle all administration & conflict-resolutions related to programs Maintain student & program records Periodically evaluate own work as a director Plan & implement plan for personal professional growth Plan periodic reports related to the state of the ECP Keep informed of current ECP issues & developments Participate actively in professional organizations Maintain a professional library Plan schedule of administrative responsibilities Schedule use of shared space & equipment Schedule responsibilities of teaching staff Keep health history/immunization records for children & staff Be a liaison between families of children with special needs, staff, agencies Plan & purchase healthy snacks Monitor classroom & playground conditions to ensure safety Job Type: Full-time Pay: $18.00 - $22.00 per hour Expected hours: 40 per week Benefits: Childcare Dental insurance Employee discount Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Professional development assistance Retirement plan Vision insurance Schedule: Monday to Friday Ability to Relocate: Lafayette, IN 47901: Relocate before starting work (Required) Work Location: In person