Employment

Leadership and Administration:

• Provide overall leadership, vision, and direction for Guiding Light ELC as a lead teacher
• Ensure alignment of the center’s programs with Christian values and principles
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate staff members, ensuring they are well trained and supported in their roles
• Develop and manage the center’s policies, procedures, and standards based on best practices and Christian teachings
• Maintain compliance with state and local regulations for early childhood education and licensing requirements
• Develop and manage the center’s budget, ensuring efficient use of resources including food service with the Board of Directors
• Collaborate with the Board of Directors to write grants for the center
• Perform general office duties including reading mail and email, making and receiving phone calls, filing documents, managing database systems, and overseeing all office activities
• Arrange substitute help and fill in for absent staff positions as needed
• Attend meetings with the Board of Directors and give a director’s report
• Report directly to and receive approval from the Board of Directors

Curriculum Development and Oversight:

• Oversee the planning, implementation, and assessment of educational programs, ensuring they meet both developmental and spiritual growth goals 
• Work with teachers to implement a balanced curriculum, incorporating social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development, as well as spiritual formation
• Foster a nurturing environment that encourages children’s curiosity, creativity, and relationship with God
• Model Christian faith and behavior for staff, children, and families, reflecting the values of the center’s mission
• Promote and integrate spiritual development through daily prayer, Bible readings, and age-appropriate religious activities

Staff Management and Development:

• Prepare job descriptions for staff and seek Board of Directors approval 
• Hire, train, and evaluate teaching and administrative staff (annually), ensuring they are qualified and meet the center’s standards of excellence 
• Lead staff meetings and professional development opportunities, provide ongoing education and support, ensure staff are well prepared for their job duties
• Encourage collaboration and teamwork among staff, ensuring a positive and respectful work environment
• Promote a Christian-centered culture, ensuring that staff members embody Christian values in their teaching and behavior

Parent and Community Engagement:

• Build strong relationships with parents and caregivers, providing regular communication about their child's development and activities
• Encourage parental involvement in the center’s activities, events, and Christian-based programs
• Plan and host events that foster a sense of community among families, such as parent-child activities or holiday celebrations
• Serve as a liaison between the center, church, and local community, promoting the center’s mission and services

Health, Safety, and Compliance:

• Work directly with health consultant to ensure that the center maintains a clean, safe, and healthy environment for children and staff
• Implement health and safety procedures, including emergency protocols, food safety, and sanitation standards
• Conduct regular safety drills and ensure all safety equipment is in place and operational
• Ensure that the center complies with all licensing and accreditation requirements, maintaining up-to-date records
• Certified in first aid and CPR

Marketing and Enrollment:

• Develop and implement strategies for enrollment and marketing the center’s services to the community
• Maintain an updated website and social media presence that reflects the Christian identity and programs of the center
• Conduct tours and informational sessions for prospective families
• Track and manage enrollment and student attendance records

Educational Background

• Hold a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education

Experience

• Prior experience as a lead teacher in a daycare center or classroom setting

Skills and Attributes:

• Strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to work effectively with staff, children, and families
• Passion for early childhood education and a commitment to providing a nurturing, Christian environment
• Ability to make decisions, solve problems, and manage conflict in a positive, respectful manner

Personal Characteristics:

• A deep commitment to Christian faith and values
• Compassionate, patient, and understanding nature when working with children and families
• Visionary thinking with the ability to lead a team toward a common goal

Work Environment and Schedule:

• Full-time position with typical work hours during the business week (may vary based on the center’s hours of operation)
• Regular interaction with children, staff, and families in a classroom or administrative setting
• Occasional evening or weekend hours for special events or meetings