Preschool Director
Essex Junction, VT
Full Time
Manager/Supervisor
Essex Junction Recreation & Parks (EJRP) is seeking a warm, caring, passionate, kid-advocate, educator, and program administrator to be our next director for the EJRP Preschool. Entering its 17th year this fall, our wonderful preschool is located in the historic Park Street School where we have three beautiful classrooms, a gross motor space, office space for the director, and an amazing playground. As the director, you will be the teacher in our 4/5 room from 7a.m.-12p.m. and have administrative time from 12-3p.m. to manage our bustling program. We also have a 2/3 and 3/4 classroom with tenured head teachers. Our founding director is moving on and our program is poised for the next leader to nurture, teach, and love our kids, families, teachers, and community. The director sets the tone for our program, sending off our children to kindergarten with the social, emotional, and intellectual abilities to be curious, confident, caring, problem-solvers. They also are the guide, resource, and supervisor for our six full-time staff. The ideal candidate will have an early childhood or elementary education degree, classroom experience, be enthused about teaching in the 4/5 room, and have a desire to be the coordinator, leader, and face of our amazing preschool program. Must meet VT licensing qualifications to be a Preschool Director.
Pay/Wages: Annual starting salary $61,250 - $67,250
Benefits:
Must possess the ability and temperament to work in a busy, changing work environment and effectively handle and complete multiple duties and assignments. Exhibit a proven and responsible work ethic, communication, organization, and group work skills. Show commitment, dedication, patience, and ability to communicate the mission, goals, and purpose of Essex Junction Recreation and Parks Department and the Preschool Program.
Language Skills. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from supervisors, parents, and the community.
Mathematical Skills. Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
Computer Skills and Experience. Proficient with Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Good data entry skills. Experience with data management systems.
Reasoning Ability/Mental Requirements. Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret various instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
Communication & Interpersonal Skills. Ability to communicate courteously, efficiently, and effectively with a variety of individuals, including students, faculty, administrators, parents, and representatives of outside organizations. Ability to work cooperatively, effectively, and flexibly with co-workers, subordinates, supervisors, parents, and outside agencies.
Supervisory Responsibilities. Trains and plans, schedules, assigns, and is responsible for the quality of work of Teachers, Teacher Associates, and Teacher Assistants; plays a key advisory role in evaluation, hiring, firing, and compensation. Coordinates, assigns and oversees volunteers assigned to the program.
Work Environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to high, precarious places. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The employee is regularly required to handle stressful situations and resolve conflicts.
Physical Demands. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; talk and hear. The employee is frequently exposed to moderately stressful situations. The employee must regularly run, hop, skip, and jump while participating in student programs. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or assist in lifting or moving up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities in this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
Travel Required: Occasional travel to local, state, and regional meetings. Travel to state, regional and national conferences for professional development.
Required Education and Experience. For requirements regarding classification as both a Program Director and a Preschool Teacher, please refer to the current Vermont State Licensing Regulations for Center Based Child Care and Preschool Programs. Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or other appropriate discipline plus three years of relevant experience (including experience as a Preschool Teacher), or a combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills are acquired.
Preferred Education and Experience. Valid Vermont Professional Educator’s License with an Early Childhood Education endorsement preferred.
Additional Eligibility Requirements. Current First Aid and CPR certification required.
Affirmative Action/EEO Statement
The City of Essex Junction embraces and is committed to diversity and equal opportunity. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are as a team, the better we can serve the community of Essex Junction.
Pay/Wages: Annual starting salary $61,250 - $67,250
Benefits:
- Vacation time is accrued at the following rates:
- New Hire to 5 Years: 3 weeks per year
- 5 Years to 10 Years: 4 weeks per year
- After 10 Years: 5 weeks
- 14 paid holidays
- 18 sick days per year
- Retirement benefits include a pension plan (VMERS C) or a deferred compensation plan (VMERS DC), and the ability to contribute to a 457, Traditional IRA or ROTH
- Generous health insurance benefit in which the City pays 95% of the premium for medical and the first 80% of the deductible. After that, you are only responsible for the next 20%, which is not more than $600 for single plans and no more than $1200 for all other plans for covered medical expense.
- 100% employer paid for dental and vision
- 100% employer paid short-term disability and life insurance
- Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program
- Provide various materials and resources for children to explore, manipulate and use in learning activities and imaginative play.
- Attend to children’s basic needs by feeding them, dressing them, and changing their diapers.
- Teach basic skills such as color, shape, number and letter recognition, personal hygiene, and social skills.
- Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order.
- Read books to entire classes or to small groups.
- Organize and lead activities designed to promote physical, mental, and social development, such as games, arts and crafts, music, storytelling, and field trips.
- Observe and evaluate children’s performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.
- Identify children showing signs of emotional, developmental, or health-related problems, and discuss them with supervisors, parents or guardians, and child development specialists.
- Meet with parents and guardians to discuss their children’s progress and needs, determine their priorities for their children, and suggest ways that they can promote learning and development.
- Enforce all administrative policies and rules governing students.
- Lead day-to-day activities and enrichment lessons.
- Be familiar with VT preschool licensing standards and operate a program and maintain a facility that is in compliance.
- Maintain and annually renew VT preschool license.
- Create and implement a curriculum that aligns with the Vermont Early Learning Standards (VELS) and develop and maintain a STARS-accredited program.
- Develop and maintain an Act 166 (or other future versions of the Act) partnership with local school districts as necessary.
- Responsible for the safety of the children in the program at all times.
- Prepare monthly program plans and assist assistants in planning curriculum for classrooms that ensure child-centered and developmental learning.
- Communication with parents through newsletters, weekly bulletins, or daily notices on curriculum and special events occurring in the center.
- Supervise classroom staff to ensure effective implementation of program activities and adherence to EJRP program standards.
- Create staffing schedules, and hire new staff, assistants, and substitutes.
- Ensure effective and timely communication of child progress with parents.
- Adjust the program as necessary to ensure the program meets parent and community needs and expectations.
- Maintain, with the cooperation of assistants, quality, and control of the classroom that is consistent with VT licensing regulations.
- Maintaining staff/child ratios in the classroom according to standards.
- Schedule substitutes and/or directly work in the classroom as needed.
- Ensure adherence to EJRP and State of Vermont standards for classroom and facility cleanliness and safety.
- Advise the Recreation and Parks Director of any concerns regarding facilities, space, staffing, or child/staff ratios. Ensure compliance with all state licensing requirements.
- Effectively plan and manage resources. Ensure effective staffing. Ensure timely and effective use of all materials, snacks, and other classroom resources.
- Work with assistants in the completion of children’s developmental progress reports (January and June).
- Organize and lead Open Houses, Parent workshops, Fundraisers, and other special events.
- Communicate and meet with prospective families; enroll children in classrooms to maintain full enrollments; maintain waitlists for interested families for future enrollment.
- Follow all discipline policies as stated in the parent handbook.
- Follow budgeted guidelines for expenses.
- Market the EJRP Preschool Program and recruit staff.
- Communicate the goals and objectives of the Preschool Program to parents and the community.
- Participate in local/regional collaborative opportunities, including Building Bright Futures, the Early Learning Partners group, etc.
- Communicate and collaborate with other local private providers.
- Perform other related duties as assigned by Recreation and Parks Director.
- Attend all staff meetings.
- Attend workshops in accordance with Vermont State regulations (currently 12 hours/year).
- Maintain confidentiality.
- Complete incident reports in accordance with policies and procedures.
- Participate as a member of the EJRP team and contribute to the attainment of the mission.
- Help enforce all late fee and payment policies.
- Coordinate building space use, cleaning, and other related activities with the Grounds & Facilities Director and Parks and Recreation Director.
Must possess the ability and temperament to work in a busy, changing work environment and effectively handle and complete multiple duties and assignments. Exhibit a proven and responsible work ethic, communication, organization, and group work skills. Show commitment, dedication, patience, and ability to communicate the mission, goals, and purpose of Essex Junction Recreation and Parks Department and the Preschool Program.
Language Skills. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from supervisors, parents, and the community.
Mathematical Skills. Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
Computer Skills and Experience. Proficient with Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Good data entry skills. Experience with data management systems.
Reasoning Ability/Mental Requirements. Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret various instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
Communication & Interpersonal Skills. Ability to communicate courteously, efficiently, and effectively with a variety of individuals, including students, faculty, administrators, parents, and representatives of outside organizations. Ability to work cooperatively, effectively, and flexibly with co-workers, subordinates, supervisors, parents, and outside agencies.
Supervisory Responsibilities. Trains and plans, schedules, assigns, and is responsible for the quality of work of Teachers, Teacher Associates, and Teacher Assistants; plays a key advisory role in evaluation, hiring, firing, and compensation. Coordinates, assigns and oversees volunteers assigned to the program.
Work Environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to high, precarious places. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The employee is regularly required to handle stressful situations and resolve conflicts.
Physical Demands. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; talk and hear. The employee is frequently exposed to moderately stressful situations. The employee must regularly run, hop, skip, and jump while participating in student programs. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or assist in lifting or moving up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities in this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
Travel Required: Occasional travel to local, state, and regional meetings. Travel to state, regional and national conferences for professional development.
Required Education and Experience. For requirements regarding classification as both a Program Director and a Preschool Teacher, please refer to the current Vermont State Licensing Regulations for Center Based Child Care and Preschool Programs. Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or other appropriate discipline plus three years of relevant experience (including experience as a Preschool Teacher), or a combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills are acquired.
Preferred Education and Experience. Valid Vermont Professional Educator’s License with an Early Childhood Education endorsement preferred.
Additional Eligibility Requirements. Current First Aid and CPR certification required.
Affirmative Action/EEO Statement
The City of Essex Junction embraces and is committed to diversity and equal opportunity. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are as a team, the better we can serve the community of Essex Junction.
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