Total Child Preschool
516 Church Street
Evanston, IL 60201
Start Date: June 26, 2023
Description: The director is responsible for developing and implementing programs in support of the school’s mission, coordinating staff development, assuring financial responsibility and legal compliance, overseeing daily operations and facilities, and leading the board of directors in promoting the school and engaging with the wider community.
Mission of Total Child: The mission of the Total Child Preschool and Childcare Center, as a ministry of First United Methodist Church (FUMC) of Evanston, is to serve the greater community and support families by providing affordable, quality childcare in an environment that values and embraces economic, racial, cultural, and religious diversity. The goal of the program is to work with parents to affirm and encourage children and to nurture children’s social, emotional, intellectual, physical, and spiritual development through a child-centered, play-based and Reggio Inspired pedagogy.
Responsibilities:
To provide leadership in planning and implementing a developmentally appropriate educational program
• Articulate the center’s mission and developmental philosophy to staff, the board, parents, FUMC, and the wider community
• Champion a commitment to implementing best practices in teaching and assessment
• Adapt curriculum to meet the needs of diverse families
• Maintain NAEYC accreditation
To implement a program of staff development
• Implement and refine personnel policies and procedures
• Hire, supervise, evaluate, and mentor staff
• Stay abreast of legal issues in human resources
• Support team teaching and foster collaboration among staff
• Create schedules for staff to ensure smooth operation of the center
To oversee the financial and legal business of the center
• Work with the board to direct financial planning and the budget process to ensure the center’s financial stability
• Oversee the management of day-to-day financial operations
• Oversee board-initiated fundraising projects
• Direct the process of seeking outside funding through grant proposals
• Ensure compliance with DCFS licensing standards and other state and local regulations
• Oversee subcontracting with Childcare Network of Evanston for subsidized families
To oversee the management of program operations and facilities
• Coordinate with the director of church operations to ensure daily and long-range maintenance of the center
• Work with staff to ensure that the center’s spaces are safe, meet the children’s needs, and serve the center’s developmental philosophy
• Implement a food service plan for lunches and snacks
• Oversee the procurement of supplies and equipment
To communicate the center’s philosophy to multiple constituencies and promote community outreach
• Work with the board to develop and implement communications strategies to promote the center to prospective parents and in the community
• Create content for promotional literature and the website
• Foster effective communication with and among children, staff, parents, the board, and FUMC
• Represent the center in local early childhood organizations
To coordinate the needs of the center with the needs of FUMC’s ministry
• Build a positive relationship with the senior pastor and church staff
• Support FUMC’s mission, values, needs, and resources
• Attend weekly staff meetings and collaborate with church staff as needed
To maintain a commitment to professionalism
• Keep up with emerging perspectives in early childhood theory and practice
• Engage in ongoing activities to further professional development
• Lead development of educational programs for parents on early childhood issues
• Adhere to the NAEYC code of ethics
• Implement a participatory style of management that supports the center’s philosophy and serves as a model for parents, staff, and children
Accountability: The director reports to the board of directors and to the senior pastor of FUMC.
Minimum Qualifications: MA/MS in early childhood or the equivalent and at least ten years’ experience teaching or working with preschool children. Preferred candidates will have significant leadership experience.
Essential Functions: The director must have sufficient mobility and strength to lift a 40-pound child off the floor/ground, be able to sit on the floor to be at eye level with the children and be able to quickly reach an endangered or hurt child at a distance. The director must speak fluent
English and have visual acuity and hearing to interact with parents, children, and staff.
MA/MS in early childhood or the equivalent and at least ten years’ experience teaching or working with preschool children. Preferred candidates will have significant leadership experience.
Salary: $60,000.00 – $75,000.00 per year
Benefits:
• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance
Please send resume and cover letter with salary expectation as a single PDF file to director@totalchild.org
The mission of the Total Child Preschool and Childcare Center, as a ministry of First United Methodist Church (FUMC) of Evanston, is to serve the greater community and support families by providing affordable, quality childcare in an environment that values and embraces economic, racial, cultural, and religious diversity. The goal of the program is to work with parents to affirm and encourage children and to nurture children’s social, emotional, intellectual, physical, and spiritual development through a child-centered, play-based and Reggio Inspired pedagogy.
Kyle Davis
Board President
Board@totalchild.org
Together, we are empowering exceptional education.