Upper School (Pre-K) Program Director / Director de Programa (Preescolar) de Upper School
Summary
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 7-8 teachers. The Program Director will collaborate with the board and leadership team of our parent organization, Apple Playschools, to support the addition of 1-3 new classrooms in 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.
Social Justice Branches (Core Values)
Recruitment process
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 three other program directors (representing Green Apple Garden Playschool, Manzanitas Spanish Immersion Playschool, and Apple Scouts School-Age Programs), our Development & Communications Manager, our Administrative Assistant, our Learning & Engagement Manager, and our Operations Director.
Schedule
This is an exempt position averaging 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. Green Apple Nature Playschool operates 12 months of the year with paid closures as outlined below.
Compensation and Benefits (Read more on our website):
Salary starts at $48,880-$52,000/year, with an increase expected as the school expands
Role Responsibilities
The Program Director holds the responsibility for these roles listed in order of importance:
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 Child Care 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/anti-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. If you have questions about this position, please contact Ashley Jones, Administrative Assistant, adminassistant@appleplayschools.org.
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 7-8 teachers. The Program Director will collaborate with the board and leadership team of our parent organization, Apple Playschools, to support the addition of 1-3 new classrooms in 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.
Social Justice Branches (Core Values)
- Respecting Authentic Childhood: Our primary goal at Apple Playschools is always to support and respect authentic childhood experiences.
- Equity & Inclusion: Equity and inclusion are integrated throughout every aspect of our organization.
- Global Citizenship: Our commitment to Global Citizenship is both local and international.
- Environmental Education, Stewardship & Justice: At Apple Playschools, we are deeply committed to both restoring and preserving the Earth.
- Collaborative Community Involvement: We believe that we actively shape and are shaped by our communities, and strive to participate and contribute meaningfully to ours.
- Learn more about our Social Justice Branches on our website: https://www.appleplayschools.org/social-justice-branches.html
Recruitment process
- In person interview with roleplays and a classroom observation
- Reference checks
- Resume and transcript review
- State required fingerprint and background check
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 three other program directors (representing Green Apple Garden Playschool, Manzanitas Spanish Immersion Playschool, and Apple Scouts School-Age Programs), our Development & Communications Manager, our Administrative Assistant, our Learning & Engagement Manager, and our Operations Director.
Schedule
This is an exempt position averaging 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. Green Apple Nature Playschool operates 12 months of the year with paid closures as outlined below.
Compensation and Benefits (Read more on our website):
Salary starts at $48,880-$52,000/year, with an increase expected as the school expands
- Medical benefits provided for full time staff with a 70-80% employer cost-share depending on the plan you choose
- Over 4 weeks of paid holidays and paid school closures throughout the year
- Accrued PTO starting at 8 days a year
- Flexible schedule opportunities (full time is required, with at least 6 hours/day in-person)
- Paid professional development including membership to the Washtenaw Early Childhood Directors’ Association, NAEYC and the North American Reggio Emilia Alliance
- Progressive, anti-bias focused, feminist workplace experience
- Learn more about our benefits and pay scale on our website: https://www.appleplayschools.org/pay.html
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 Child Care 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/anti-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. If you have questions about this position, please contact Ashley Jones, Administrative Assistant, adminassistant@appleplayschools.org.
