Preschool Director (Parent Cooperative)
Location: Greenbelt, MD (In-Office)
Position Type: Part-Time (Academic Year: ~30 hrs/week; Summer: ~15 hrs/week)
Salary Range: $45,000 – $55,000 (Based on experience and final scope)
Position Overview
A well-established parent cooperative school, which has been a pillar of the community since 1942, is seeking a dedicated Preschool Director. This role offers a unique opportunity to lead in a play-based learning environment that prioritizes community, collaboration, and creativity. The Director will manage a stable team of nine employees within a warm, supportive atmosphere characterized by high staff retention.
Key Responsibilities
- Operational Leadership: Partner with a parent-led Board of Directors to manage school operations and promote the organizational mission.
- Educational Oversight: Supervise teachers and ensure the maintenance of a developmentally appropriate classroom environment.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensure strict adherence to the licensing regulations of the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) and the Office of Child Care.
- Community Engagement: Maintain effective communication with families and staff, responding promptly to parent inquiries or concerns.
- Administrative Management: Oversee facility maintenance, manage equipment, and adhere to the school budget when purchasing supplies.
- Events & Meetings: Attend necessary Board meetings, membership meetings, open houses, and professional development sessions
Candidate Requirements
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a closely related field.
- Experience: * Minimum of five years of related experience in early childhood education.
- At least three years of experience serving as a Lead Teacher.
- Prior management or supervisory experience is strongly preferred.
- Cooperative Familiarity: Experience with or a strong understanding of parent cooperatives is highly valued.
- Certification: Pre-K to 3rd Grade certification is preferred.
Schedule & Compensation
- Academic Alignment: The 12-month salary is based on a 10-month academic year, following the local public school calendar.
- Flexibility: The Director must be flexible with hours to ensure operational success, including occasional early openings or parent conferences.
- Full-Time Potential: There is a possibility to expand this to a full-time role if combined with a classroom teaching position.
- Benefits: 403(b) retirement plan, paid leave, year-end bonus potential, health insurance stipend, and paid continuing education.