Preschool & Extended Care Director

1. The Director will understand the vision of the congregation and the purpose of the school. The Director is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the school and reports directly to the Senior Pastor. All staff members report to the Director.
2. Spiritual leader:
   1. participate actively in a Christian church, preferably an LCMS church
   2. provide avenues for incorporation of school families into Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (GSLC) and GSLC members into the school
3. School environment:
   1. plan for equipping indoor and outdoor areas to reflect a Christian environment
   2. provide an environment appropriate for young children; foster positive relationships among students, teachers, parents, congregation and community
4. School management:
   1. appoint a School Advisory Team (SAT). Appointments are subject to approval by the Senior Pastor, who is copied on all SAT materials
   2. develop and implement policies, procedures and practices in accordance with the purpose of the school
   3. draft proposed annual budget for review by the church Business Manager and SAT. Submit to the Senior Pastor for approval
   4. operate within the budget
   5. manage the school checkbook by paying all bills and balancing the account monthly, providing balanced checkbook to church Business Manager who will create the monthly financial statements
   6. verify the monthly and yearly financial reports prepared by the church Business Manager against the checkbook before sharing with the SAT
   7. collect fees and tuition and maintain records
5. Liaison between congregation and school:
   1. represent the school in congregational activities
   2. communicate the school program to the congregation using personal and printed communication
6. Public relations and communications:
   1. maintain active parent-school relationships by interacting with the parents daily and sending frequent communications to them concerning upcoming events, reminders and happenings at the preschool and church (using newsletters, calendars, links, emails etc.)
   2. Periodically provide appropriate parent education information the Director feels will be helpful to parents, some of which may be provided by the county or the Department of Education
   3. ensure that teachers keep parents informed of progress and special needs of their children
7. Recruitment and admissions:
   1. market and promote the school in the congregation and community
   2. answer questions of prospective parents and make sure their child meets all requirements, and confirm we are able to provide all that is needed for their child
   3. create/use enrollment materials that reflect the philosophy of the school
   4. provide promotional brochures and activities
   5. orient newly enrolled students
8. Administration:
   1. work with state and local regulatory agencies and conform to regulations
   2. responsible for resolving all issues that arise related to the administration of the school
   3. prepare and retain records, including: staff and student files, Department of Education annual reports, teacher certifications, payroll (payroll is processed by the church business manager)
   4. supervise/modify/create classroom schedules and the school calendar
   5. develop and document staff responsibilities
   6. arrange for necessary repairs and maintenance with the Good Shepherd Property Team
   7. order and/or manage space, supplies and equipment
   8. keep health records as required by state regulations
   9. keep personnel records as required by the state
   10. develop new or amend staff job descriptions; review with the SAT
   11. maintain referral information for children with special needs
   12. plan for and conduct disaster, crisis management (shelter in place), and fire drills (“Quick Exits”)
   13. keep informed of the school's legal responsibilities and liabilities; for example when reporting changes from the Dept of Social Services to the Dept of Education or changes to health inspections etc.
   14. check regularly for safety of all space and equipment
   15. plan and manage Preschool Summer Camp
9. Curriculum development:
   1. plan and maintain a curriculum that is appropriate for the developmental stages of the children and meets the stated purpose of the school, in some cases in conjunction with the Lead teachers and/or the SAT
   2. schedule weekly preschool chapel leaders which include the Pastors, some teachers and the Director
   3. plan and conduct special events/outings (i.e. Back to School Night, Family Day and end of year Family picnic), special visitors (fire department, dental visits, puppet show etc.)
   4. Ensure Parent/Lead Teacher conferences take place 1-2 times per school year where Lead Teachers communicate to parents their evaluations of the students’ school progress, abilities, and special needs
   5. encourage sound nutrition and manage allergy policies
10. Staff development:
    1. responsible for all staff hiring and conducting orientation for new staff members (see “New Staff Orientation List)
    2. In addition to daily communication, and emails, conduct periodic staff meetings which can be done as frequently as monthly
    3. maintain awareness of professional resources
    4. plan and implement programs for safety training and professional growth for the staff as needed
    5. keep abreast of research procedures and practices and new developments in the field of early childhood education
    6. participate in professional organizations as needed or when possible; (i.e. NAEYC, local preschool director group or others that you may become aware of)
    7. keep staff personnel records as required by state regulations and good administrative practices

Required:

• Ability to work onsite M-F
• A spiritually mature Christian, diligent in leading a life of committed discipleship and an active member of a Christian church
• Support for the mission of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
• A Bachelor’s degree
• Experience with preschool-aged children
• Strong organizational skills, as well as effective written and verbal communication skills
• Must demonstrate good listening skills and have a warm and welcoming personality

Preferred:

• Experience as a preschool director
• Experience in a Christian school
• A degree in early childhood education or related field