Preschool Director

Are you an experienced, enthusiastic Director who would love to collaborate with amazing parents, families, and children? Do you believe that a solid foundation in social emotional skills is the base for academic success and personal happiness? If so, then please consider leading our program at St. James Preschool which is a 4-star Colorado Shines program that serves children 2 ½ to 5 years of age. St. James offers a 4-hour day with 2-, 3-, 4- and 5-day options from September through May. Our program’s foundation is in social emotional development with a holistic, hands-on, play-based approach to learning. The Director we are seeking must have a background and experience in Early Childhood Education, strong collaborative leadership skills and the ability to build nurturing, positive relationships with children and adults. Previous director experience and a director certificate are requirements.

OUR MISSION STATEMENT As a ministry of St. James Presbyterian Church, our school mission is to provide a play-based program with a safe, loving, Christian environment where children ages 2 1/2 -5 years can grow physically, intellectually, emotionally, socially, and spiritually. By nurturing children in these areas, we will be God’s instruments of transformation for the children themselves, their parents, extended families, and our community. OUR CORE PURPOSE is “To equip children with tools that will provide a strong foundation inspiring a lifetime of learning.”

OUR CORE VALUES The following core values form the framework that guides St. James Preschool: • Rooted in faith. • Grounded in the significance of early childhood development (a unique time). • Cultivate nurturing relationships. • Provide a caring, supportive environment. • Believe in the power of play.

THE SUCCESSFUL DIRECTOR CANDIDATE WILL: • Possess excellent communication and leadership skills which allow collaborative work with, teachers, preschool board, parents and church staff. • Have strong administrative skills to manage all aspects of the preschool, including human resources, student recruitment, teacher supervision and evaluation, curriculum, and financial oversight. • Believe in a child-centered, play based educational approach that emphasizes development of social & emotional skills. • Embrace the mission and philosophy of St. James Preschool which includes a focus on social/emotional competence in the early years. ESSENTIAL DUTIES • Lead a staff of 8 early childhood professionals. • Recruit new staff members. • In collaboration with the staff, develop curriculum and schedules for the school and professional development opportunities for the staff. • In association with the board, make budgeting and policy decisions for the school. • Report to Church Head of Staff and Session as a member of the church staff. • Oversee a budget of more than $240,000. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS • Colorado Director certification • Three years or more experience in Early Childhood Education • Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science or associate degree in early childhood education or related field. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS • Administrative Experience • Familiar with Pyramid Colorado and/or Conscious Discipline • Experience implementing Pyramid and/or Conscious Discipline in an ECE program. • Experience with Colorado Shines Quality Rating Process POSITION DETAILS: • Starts May 2024 or before. • Starting pay range is $46,000 to $50,000. • This position is 10.5 months (August through mid-June) paid on a 12-month schedule. Summer Camp (if held) is additional pay. • Benefits including a menu for either healthcare or retirement contributions, personal and professional leave, paid holidays, and breaks. Qualified applicants should send a letter of intent, a resume, a statement of educational philosophy via email to: careers@sjpreschool.org Equal Opportunity Employer