A Preschool or Childcare Director manages and directs programs for very young children. Supervises child care workers and pre-school teachers. Proposes policies, program fees and budgets for approval by a program board or administrative agency or implements policies of a national organization. Meets with parents and staff to discuss the development, learning and behavior of children in the program or center. Orders supplies and monitors maintenance and cleaning at a facility. Ensures that the program or center meets state and federal guidelines.
The Preschool Manager supports all aspects of Preschool Powered by Play, including development and implementation of curriculum and environment planning, evaluation, and administrative operations, including budgeting and expense monitoring. This role is responsible for creating high-quality, play-based and educational experiences for children ages 2-5, while engaging families in the value of play as a foundation for learning. The Preschool Manager embraces the Reggio Emilia approach, demonstrates creativity, and adapts readily to changing needs.
Responsibilities:
Leadership & Staff Management Manage all facets of Preschool Powered by Play staffing, including recruitment, onboarding, scheduling, supervision, and mentoring. Mentor and coach Preschool team, currently five members, and other Greentrike colleagues on principles of the Reggio Approach, play-based learning strategies, emergent curriculum, and documentation. Lead, organize, and participate in reflective professional development, including ongoing training aligned with Reggio Emilia principles and inclusive early childhood practices. Collaborate with the Greentrike team to provide excellent programs. Budget & Fiscal Management Partner with Chief Learning Experiences Officer to develop the annual Preschool Powered by Play program budget. Approve and process purchases within budget guidelines; monitor expenditures against budget throughout the year. Flag variances and recommend adjustments to keep the program on track financially. Curriculum & Pedagogy Model emergent curriculum and project-based approaches to early learning environments and programs, inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach. Implement and model guidance methods that respect each child's individuality, including strategies that support neurodiverse children and children with varying developmental and sensory needs.. Create indoor and outdoor open-ended learning experiences. Program Delivery Facilitate daily Preschool Powered by Play classes inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy and in partnership with a co-teaching team. Documentation & Assessment Model documentation techniques, templates, and processes that honor children's learning experiences through text, photographs, and video. Implement observation and assessment tools. Family Engagement, Communication, and Enrollment Promote family engagement and learning through ongoing communication channels, training, and family partnership meetings. Manage Preschool Powered by Play email account ensuring prompt and informational responses to all inquiries. Oversee the enrollment process, including communication with prospective families, collaboration on promotional materials, tours, family events, and maintaining organized records. Strategic Growth & Partnerships Plan for program growth and service expansion in alignment with market research and strategic planning. Forge relationships with other programmatic partners. General Ensure preschool operations comply with organizational policies and procedures, safety protocols, building expectations. Other related duties as assigned to support preschool operations and Greentrike's organizational priorities.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Interpersonal skills with focus on working relationships with Greentrike staff, volunteers, community partner representatives, and families with customer service orientation. Creativity and innovation with emphasis on adapting age-appropriate activities to support Proficiency with Microsoft 365, Google Suite, plus ability to learn program management and communication tools Knowledge of children's developmental stages, particularly 2-5 years of age, including neurodiversity and inclusive practices for supporting children with varying sensory or learning needs. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Commitment to relationship-based, child-centered early learning and family partnerships. Proven creativity and ability to adapt activities for varying age ranges. Effective written and oral communication skills. Minimum (Required)
Qualifications:
18 years of age or older. Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education Special Education, Curriculum & Instruction, Human Development, Teaching through the Arts, or equivalent experience. Valid Washington State Driver's License. Reliable means of transportation and ability to be covered by Greentrike insurance. Experience working with children ages birth to five and their caregivers in an educational and/or playful setting.
Conditions of Employment:
Ability to obtain a Real ID or/passport and Joint Base Lewis McChord contractor badge upon hire. Consent to undergo pre-employment background screening upon accepting a job offer. Willingness to obtain CPR, AED, and First Aid certification training upon job offer. Willingness to complete Bloodborne Pathogen training upon job offer.
Physical Requirements:
Ability to repeatedly push, pull, lift, and carry up to 25 lbs. Ability to walk around, reach, turn, and perform precision work for 8-hour shift. Ability to physically engage in play with children at their level.
Preferred Qualifications:
Bachelor's of Arts in Early Childhood Education, Special Education, Curriculum & Instruction, Human Development, Teaching through the Arts, or related field. Child Development Associates Credential. Experience with Emergent Curriculum and multi-aged early learning environments.
