Early Learning Program Director

Early Learning Program Director Ascension Episcopal School - 4.0 Houston, TX Job Details Full-time $50,000 - $57,000 a year 1 day ago Benefits Health insurance Dental insurance 401(k) Paid time off Vision insurance 401(k) matching Employee discount Professional development assistance Life insurance Retirement plan Qualifications School experience Early childhood education center experience CPR Certification Staff supervision Teamwork Operations management Team supervision Employee relationship building Team development First Aid Certification Working with students Community relationship building Parent-teacher conferences (communication methods) Full Job Description Position Summary The Early Learners Program Director provides leadership, oversight, and daily management of Ascension Episcopal School's Early Learners Program serving children ages 2 months through 3 years. The Director is responsible for cultivating a warm, nurturing, safe, and developmentally appropriate environment where children thrive, families feel valued, and teachers are supported and empowered to excel. As the leader of the Early Learners Program, the Director oversees all aspects of program operations, including family engagement, staff supervision and development, curriculum implementation, student placement, enrollment support, licensing compliance, health and safety practices, and program administration. The Director works closely with the Head of School and AES Leadership Team to ensure the Early Learners Program reflects the mission, values, and standards of excellence of Ascension Episcopal School. Because relationships are foundational to early childhood education, the Director's highest priority is building positive, trusting relationships with students, families, faculty, and staff. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Leadership and Program Management Provide leadership and daily operational oversight of the Early Learners Program serving children ages 2 months through 3 years. Foster a positive, nurturing, and collaborative culture among students, families, and staff. Serve as a member of the AES Leadership Team and contribute to school-wide planning, communication, and decision-making. Partner with the Head of School to support strategic goals and ensure alignment with the school's mission and values. Maintain regular communication with the Head of School regarding program operations, successes, concerns, enrollment, staffing, and student needs. Promote a culture of professionalism, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement. Family Engagement and Enrollment Build strong, trusting relationships with families through consistent communication, responsiveness, visibility, and support. Serve as the primary point of contact for families within the Early Learners Program. Conduct prospective family tours and participate in admissions and enrollment activities. Schedule and facilitate family orientations for new students. Partner closely with the Admissions Director to ensure all enrollment documentation, health records, and required paperwork are completed prior to a student's start date. Support student transitions between classrooms and developmental levels. Address parent concerns promptly, professionally, and compassionately. Develop strategies to increase family satisfaction and retention. Coordinate parent conferences and developmental meetings as needed. Student Development and Well-Being Monitor student development and progress across all classrooms. Conduct classroom observations to ensure children are receiving developmentally appropriate care and instruction. Assess students as needed to determine appropriate classroom placement and readiness for transitions. Identify developmental, behavioral, social-emotional, or learning concerns and collaborate with families regarding appropriate next steps. Coordinate accommodations and support plans for children with individual needs. Ensure each child is treated with dignity, respect, and individualized care. Staff Supervision and Development Recruit, interview, hire, onboard, and retain high-quality early childhood educators. Partner with Head of School to supervise and evaluate all Early Learners Program faculty and staff. Develop and manage staff schedules to ensure appropriate classroom coverage and licensing ratios. Conduct regular classroom observations and provide coaching and feedback. Lead staff meetings and professional development opportunities. Support teachers in classroom management, lesson planning, child development practices, and parent communication. Develop performance improvement plans when necessary. Foster a positive work environment that encourages collaboration, professional growth, and employee engagement. Coordinate substitute coverage and staffing adjustments as needed. Curriculum and Instruction Oversee implementation of the Early Learners curriculum and ensure alignment with best practices in early childhood education. Support teachers in creating engaging, developmentally appropriate learning experiences. Monitor classroom environments to ensure they promote exploration, independence, creativity, and social-emotional growth. Ensure curriculum addresses all domains of child development, including: Cognitive Development Language and Literacy Social-Emotional Development Physical Development Fine and Gross Motor Skills Self-Help Skills Early Mathematics and Science Concepts Provide guidance and resources to support continuous curriculum improvement. Licensing, Compliance, Health, and Safety Maintain full compliance with all Texas Health and Human Services Child Care Licensing regulations. Ensure all required student, staff, and program records are maintained accurately and confidentially.

Oversee compliance related to:

Safe Sleep Practices Feeding Procedures Diapering and Toileting Procedures Sanitation and Cleaning Protocols Medication Administration Emergency Preparedness Child Supervision Requirements Staff Training Requirements Maintain licensing readiness at all times. Conduct routine classroom and facility safety inspections. Manage incident reports, injury reports, and required state documentation. Serve as a mandatory reporter and ensure staff understand reporting requirements. Ensure all classrooms maintain healthy, safe, and welcoming learning environments. Operations and Administrative Responsibilities Maintain student files and records in compliance with licensing and school requirements. Submit orders and manage classroom supplies, materials, furniture, and equipment. Monitor classroom inventory. Coordinate maintenance requests and facility needs affecting Early Learners classrooms. Monitor enrollment capacities and classroom ratios. Assist with long-range planning for program growth and development. Maintain accurate documentation and reports as requested by the Head of School. Community and School Culture Model the mission, values, and expectations of Ascension Episcopal School. Collaborate with faculty and staff across all divisions to foster a unified school culture. Participate in school events, programs, parent activities, and community-building initiatives. Support the spiritual, emotional, and social development of students in accordance with the Episcopal identity of the school. Promote an atmosphere of kindness, respect, inclusion, and belonging. Qualifications Required Hold current Director License with the Texas Childcare Licensing Minimum of five years of experience working in early childhood education. Minimum of three years of leadership or supervisory experience. Knowledge of Texas Child Care Licensing regulations and standards. Strong understanding of infant and toddler development. Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills. Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism. CPR and First Aid Certification. Preferred Bachelor's degree in early childhood education, child development, or related field. Experience in an independent school, private school, Montessori, or faith-based educational setting. Physical Requirements Ability to lift up to 40 pounds. Ability to sit, stand, bend, kneel, and move throughout classrooms and playgrounds. Ability to respond quickly to emergency situations involving young children. Ability to work in both indoor and outdoor environments. Core Competencies The ideal candidate will demonstrate: Relationship Building Emotional Intelligence Leadership and Team Development Customer Service Mindset Child Development Expertise Organizational Excellence Problem Solving Conflict Resolution Effective Communication Professional Judgment Collaboration and Teamwork Commitment to Continuous Improvement Success in This Role A successful Early Learners Program Director creates an environment where children are safe, loved, and thriving; families feel connected and supported; teachers are equipped and inspired; and the Early Learners Program operates with excellence, compliance, warmth, and joy while reflecting the mission and values of Ascension Episcopal School.

Pay:

$50,000.00 - $57,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee discount Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Professional development assistance Retirement plan Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person