Early Childhood Director

Description

Position Objective

St. Therese North in Kansas City, Missouri is seeking an Early Education Center (EEC) Director to lead and manage the daily operations of a Catholic Early Education Center in a manner that reflects the mission and values of the Catholic Church.  The EEC Director is responsible for fostering a safe, nurturing, faith-filled learning environment that supports the spiritual, cognitive, social-emotional, and physical development of young children.  The Director provides visionary leadership to staff, ensures compliance with licensing and diocesan policies, and serves as a witness of faith to families, staff, and the broader parish and school community. This is a full time position, averaging 40 hours per week.

Essential Duties

· Coordinates all aspects of program administration, including curriculum, enrollment, staffing, scheduling, and communication. 

· Ensures compliance with state licensing, diocesan requirements, and accreditation standards. 

· Promotes enrollment in the Early Education Center by coordinating marketing materials, leading tours, organizing open houses, and maintaining positive relationships with prospective and current families.

· Facilitates communication between the EEC, parish, school, and diocesan Catholic Schools Office.

· Conducts hiring, training, evaluation, and supervision of teachers and support staff.

· Offers regular meetings with staff to foster collaboration and professional development.

· Oversees the implementation of an early childhood curriculum that aligns with developmental milestones and Catholic identity.

· Collaborates with pastor and parish business manager on the financial management of the center, including budgeting, tuition collection, and payroll coordination. 

· Monitors the classroom environment to ensure safety, cleanliness, and alignment with early childhood best practices.

· Collects enrollment documentation, health records, and staff certifications as required.

· Evaluates assessment data and parent feedback to improve instruction and operations.

· Organizes parent-teacher meetings, community-building events, and liturgical celebrations. 

· Manages staff schedules, ratios, substitute coverage, and volunteer coordination.

· Revises, edits and/or redesigns policies, handbooks, and procedures to remain aligned with Catholic teaching, best practices, and licensing regulations.

· Prepares and submits required diocesan, state, and other administrative reports accurately and in a timely manner, ensuring compliance with applicable guidelines and contributing to the effective operation of the EEC.

· Participates in diocesan trainings and meetings to remain informed of current policies, best practices, and faith-based educational initiatives,

· Manages crisis response and emergency preparedness in accordance with state and diocesan protocols.

· Communicates effectively with parents, parish staff, and the diocesan Catholic Schools Office.

· Provides weekly or monthly newsletters and updates to inform and engage families.

· Ensures that Catholic identity is visibly present in classroom displays, prayer routines, and faith-based instruction. 

· Guides staff faith formation and mission-driven hiring practices.

· Maintains an active, faith-filled presence during school hours to support staff and families.

· Updates staff development plans and center improvement goals in collaboration with diocesan and parish leadership.

· Maintains consistent and reliable attendance, reporting to work on time and adhering to assigned schedules to ensure the safety, supervision, and continuity of care for all students.

· Demonstrates and maintains a professional appearance that reflects the dignity and mission of Catholic education, setting a visible standard of excellence and respect for staff, students, and the wider school community.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

· Deep understanding of child development, early childhood education, and Catholic theology.

· Commitment to the mission and teachings of the Catholic Church.

· Strong leadership and interpersonal skills with the ability to motivate and support staff.

· Knowledge of state licensing regulations and ability to manage compliance and accreditation processes.

· Effective communication skills with parents, children, staff, and parish leadership.

· Capacity for strategic planning, budgeting, and operational oversight.

· Compassionate, faith-filled presence and ability to maintain a joyful, inclusive environment.

Basic Qualifications

· Practicing Catholic preferred or commitment to supporting the mission of Catholic education.  A Pastor's letter of reference is required.

· Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, or a related field (Master’s preferred).

· Minimum of 3–5 years experience in early childhood education, including supervisory experience.

· Certification in First Aid and CPR.

· Knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices and early childhood curriculum (e.g., Creative Curriculum, Conscious Discipline).

· Meets all state and diocesan qualifications for early childhood center directors. 

St. Therese North offers a comprehensive benefits program, including medical, dental and vision plans, STD/LTD fully paid by the employer, retirement plans including a 403b plan and a defined benefit pension plan. Paid time off includes generous Vacation and Sick leaves, plus paid Holidays. 

Note: All employees are required to consent to a background check, commit to our Code of Conduct policy, and complete online and in-person training prior to hire.