Director ofEarly Childhood Education Center

TreeHouse Director

St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, St. Louis, MO

Mission: to be a place of Worship, Refuge, and Outreach

Treehouse is a faith-based early childhood learning center.

Director for TreeHouse Learning Center

TreeHouse Learning Center is looking for a Director to lead their student and family centered program that is based on Project Construct theories. The school is located in the Oakville community and is a ministry of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ. We have 130 students, who are 6 weeks old to pre-kindergarten age, and a staff of over 30 full and part time employees. We are a full day, year round program.

Candidates for this position should hold at least a B.S. in Education degree, preferably a degree in Early Childhood. Experience in a Preschool or childcare setting is also preferred. Knowledge of, or certification in Project Construct would be beneficial. Leadership and management skills are necessary for this position. We are looking for someone with excellent communication and organizational skills. The ideal candidate needs to be professional, flexible, positive, spiritual, and have emotional maturity to relate to children, staff and families. The candidate must be able to support teacher growth, create and maintain relationships with parents, and work in partnership with the church and the TreeHouse Board. The director needs to be fiscally responsible and be able to delegate responsibilities appropriately and fairly. The director will oversee and assist the Preschool Staff in administering, planning, and evaluating activities and lesson plans that promote developmentally appropriate learning using Project Construct strategies.

To apply: Please submit a resume, cover letter, documentary evidence of academic degrees/license/certifications, two letters of professional reference and answers to the following questions;

1.   Describe an ideal preschool classroom. What would it look and sound like?

2.   Who are the stakeholders you need to work with to run a preschool? How would you build relationships with these stakeholder groups?

3.   What are the benefits of using Project Construct in preschool classrooms?

4.   Describe your leadership style.

5.   Why should we choose to invite you to have an interview?

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.

Salary $45,000 , commensurate with experience, education

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Job Description:

The TreeHouse Director is a full-time position and will be expected to lead in word and action in several areas including but not limited to safety, communication, leadership, administration, and maintaining the church TreeHouse relationship. The Director will report to the supervising Pastor.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Safety is always the first priority. 

·        Ensure that the children are in a nurturing environment where they are safe from physical and emotional harm.

·        Monitor and practice appropriate discipline

·        Ensure the buildings and grounds are secure, clean and maintained

·        Supervise all employees to be sure they are following policies related to safety.

·        Review and revise Safety policies periodically to ensure these policies meet the needs of Treehouse.

·        Policies pertaining to safety must be clear and concise.

·        Employees and students must be trained in safety policies, and these policies must be followed.

·        Keep Treehouse in compliance with state regulations and report any issues to the state, the supervising Pastor and the TreeHouse Board.

Communication is a key component of this position.

·        Excellent communication skills, oral and written are vital

·        Maintain timely, appropriate, and respectful written and verbal communication with students, families, staff, Pastors, the TreeHouse Board, and the church

·        Representing TreeHouse as the Director is a constant duty of the job.

·        All communications will be clear, transparent and professional

·        Honor privacy, and be sure that you are clear about the level of confidentiality of all information with all who are involved.

·        Keep the website current utilizing Media Coordinator as appropriate.

Leadership

·        Lead by example, modeling good judgement, honesty and transparency, and a professional attitude in all interactions.

·        Be professional in all interactions

·        Educate parents of our expectations for their children, the staff, and them.

·        Rules and policies must be followed consistently and justly with all children and staff

Administration (many of these tasks may be delegated with the Director’s oversight).

·        Maintain all licensing and certifications

·        Maintain records on the staff and children

·        Schedule and conduct tours for potential families

·        Attend monthly TreeHouse board meetings and prepare director’s report and any other documentation needed/requested.

·        Ensure staffing is appropriate and maintains ratio

·        Working with the TreeHouse board, Church Administrator and Treasurer create and maintain the budget and all financial transactions

·        Faithfully and transparently follow all financial policies and procedures, keeping all required documentation.

·        Maintain high ethical standards at all times, regarding financial practices, educational and safety practices, and staff supervision.

·        Interview, hire and fire staff, with the supervising Pastor

·        Be knowledgeable in Project Construct

·        Encourage and support staff in reaching their own goals.

·        Support the staff in working with challenging children, parents and situations

·        Visit the classrooms daily

·        Provide annual formal evaluation for each staff member

·        Secure support as needed for children with special needs or staff growth opportunities

Church Relationship

·        Communicate regularly with the congregation concerning Treehouse

·        Let the church members know what Treehouse needs

o  Volunteers

o  Material supplies

o  Special expertise

·        Communicate appreciation for what the congregation is doing for Treehouse.

·        Work with the Board to build a strong relationship

·        Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

·        Excellent communication skills

·        Self-motivation

·        BA in early childhood or a related field preferred

·        At least 5 years of relevant experience

·        Experience in a leadership position

·        Ability to work full time on site

·        Competence with computer programs such as ProCare and Brightwheel"

Personal Characteristics:

• Ability to work as a productive staff team member and to lead a team
• Skills to resolve conflicts in a respectful and purposeful manner (constructive and instructive)
• Ability to treat others with respect and dignity at all times
• Willingness to develop strong, positive relationships with pastors, staff, and members of the congregation
• Use of excellent problem solving with the ability to work independently and/or with the team to accomplish tasks
• Use of a proactive approach to responsibilities and assigned tasks
• Support of the mission and ministries of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ