Director of Preschool

Description

The Director of Preschool plays a key leadership role in advancing the vision, stability, and daily operations of the preschool program. Reporting directly to the Elementary Principal, the Director is responsible for upholding the mission, policies, and values established by the Head of School and the Board of Trustees.

Requirements

Required Qualities, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Display a love for the Lord; support the mission of CAK and possess a sincere, outgoing desire to serve all those associated with CAK
• Regularly attend and actively participate in a local Christian church
• Basic word processing, spreadsheet and database skills
• Ability to operate office technology, including the use of computers and copiers
• Knowledge of organizational procedures to maintain office efficiency
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Working knowledge of the school: mission, philosophy, and day-to-day operations
• Ability to work well with others, including administrators, faculty, staff, students, parents, and the community
• Demonstrate flexibility during the busiest times of the year and when unexpected tasks arise

Curriculum Development:

• Supervise the planning/implementation of curricula
• Evaluate the academic programs in Preschool in conjunction with the Elementary Principal
• Review lesson plans of all preschool faculty 
• Lead efforts to align the scope and sequence of the curriculum across the grade levels
• Approve materials/textbook selections in conjunction with the Elementary Principal
• Research educational issues and topics
• Investigate and approve all field trip possibilities as they coordinate with the curriculum

Responsibilities to Faculty/Staff include:

• Furnish faculty with available professional development opportunities as deemed of value both collectively and individually
• Assist and offer guidance on day-to-day issues as needed by faculty/staff
• Provide evaluations of employees in conjunction with the Elementary Principal
• Orient new faculty/staff in their assigned roles
• Observe classes on a regular basis
• Lead team and staff meetings
• Prepare calendars/weekly reminders of school activities and keep parents informed of policies and procedures
• Work closely with the Elementary Principal regarding the hiring, retention, and assignment of faculty and staff
• Approve classroom purchases and communicate the budget to assigned staff 
• Build a feeling of trust and confidence among the faculty/staff members
• Gather information from staff to evaluate and strengthen the program on a regular basis

Responsibilities to students include:

• Provide guidance in areas of discipline, instruction, evaluation
• Create a nurturing environment for positive growth and development
• Set high, yet attainable, expectations for student achievement
• Ensure that safety and security policies for students are enforced, including compliance with DHS regulations for the licensing of the program
• Assist in providing individual instruction when recommended
• Attend school functions and performances focused on the student
• Participate in admissions testing/evaluation of prospective students
• Examine all progress reports prior to distribution to students
• Read all faculty reports/recommendations written about students
• Approve any written evaluations sent by faculty to specialists or other schools
• Retain records of student conferences, testing information, and progress reports
• Recommend psychological assessments when deemed necessary
• .Oversee classroom placements

Responsibilities to parents and community include:

• Communicate regularly with parents through written or digital correspondence
• Collaborate with Admissions to promote and market programs
• Provide opportunities for parents to meet with teachers/staff
• Offer parenting workshops/seminars as deemed necessary
• Meet with individual parents
• Develop mutual respect between school and home

General Administration:

• Be familiar with and adhere to all Tennessee State Board of Education standards for school-administered child care programs
• Attend all school meetings as requested
• Represent the Preschool program at various school-wide meetings, including some administrative meetings
• Inform the Elementary Principal of all matters of the School, daily as needed or through weekly administrative meetings
• Maintain records of all Preschool students, including reviewing/proofing progress reports, narratives, discipline reports, and correspondence relating to parent conferences
• Provide leadership and assistance in the admission process for the testing, interviewing, and evaluating of applicants for enrollment
• Plan with the facility manager and business officers to maintain the building and grounds
• Work closely with the Elementary Principal and other administrators
• Create a schedule for both teachers and students that maximizes learning
• Conduct audits of student safety in the program and make suggestions for improvement

Professional Growth and Development:

• Attend and participate in professional conferences, lectures or other educational events
• Attain membership in appropriate educational organizations
• Keep current on educational issues through research and study
• Maintain a current ACSI and state license required of an Early Childhood Director

Other Duties as assigned by the Elementary Principal or the Head of School

The Christian Academy of Knoxville (CAK) employee must be a spiritually sensitive individual who understands the school's mission and philosophy. The employee must be a born-again Christian with spiritual maturity and the academic and leadership abilities necessary to teach God’s truth. Skills in effective communication with diverse individuals, appropriate handling of confidential information, and maintaining a courteous, professional, and respectful attitude, along with integrity in all situations, are prerequisites.