Overview
The Director of the Olivia Haverkamp Christian Early Learning Center provides leadership and management for the program, ensuring a Christ-centered, safe, nurturing, and high-quality program for young children and families. Serving children ages 18 months through 3 years and beyond, the Director supports the social, emotional, physical, cognitive, and spiritual development of every child through developmentally appropriate practices, meaningful relationships, joyful learning, and faith-filled experiences. In alignment with the mission of Grand Rapids Christian Schools, the Director helps cultivate a learning community where children are known, loved, and encouraged to grow as image bearers of Christ. The Director oversees program operations for the ELC, GSRP classroom, Kids Care, and Summer Care programs; ensures compliance with state licensing requirements for all programs on the Evergreen campus; supports staff growth and development; and fosters strong partnerships with ELC families.
Responsibilities
- Leadership & Program Oversight
- Lead daily operations with professionalism, warmth, visibility, and servant leadership
- Admissions & Enrollment
- Help conduct tours and informational meetings for prospective families
- Staff Supervision & Professional Development
- Follow GRC hiring processes and state licensing requirements to recruit, hire, onboard, supervise, and annually evaluate staff
- Curriculum & Instruction
- Oversee ELC curriculum implementation and ensure alignment with early childhood standards, child development best practices, and age-appropriate learning experiences
- Community & Communication
- Develop and share ELC communications in collaboration with the Evergreen office for inclusion in school communications and the Home Bulletin
- Operations & Licensing Compliance
- Ensure all classrooms maintain full compliance with state licensing requirements and applicable standards on the Evergreen Campus
- Operational Management
- Manage staffing schedules to ensure compliance with state-mandated child-to-staff ratios
- Kids Care & Summer Programs
- Support the Iroquois Preschool and Kids Care Coordinator as needed to ensure the Kids Care Summer programming aligns with licensing requirements, student needs, and the mission of Grand Rapids Christian Schools
Qualifications
- Required degrees, coursework, and/or experience as outlined in R.400.8204 of the Licensing Rules for Child Care Centers through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)
- Experience in an early childhood setting
- Relevant teaching and/or administrative experience
- Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and relational skills
- Commitment to Christian education and the mission of Grand Rapids Christian Schools
- Physical Requirements:
- Ability to actively engage with young children throughout the day, including sitting on the floor, bending, kneeling, reaching, and moving quickly as needed to ensure child safety and supervision. Ability to frequently lift, carry, and assist children weighing up to 40 pounds. Ability to safely respond in emergency situations and assist with daily classroom activities and care routines. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
The Director of the Olivia Haverkamp Christian Early Learning Center (ELC) is a:
- Disciple of Christ
- Culturally Competent Professional
- Thoughtful Neighbor
- Justice Seeker
- Creative Solution Finder
- Lifelong Explorer
- Communicator and Collaborator
Applicants should complete the online professional staff application available on the GRCS website and submit it along with a resume, letter of interest, and statement of faith to Emily Jansen ([email protected]), Principal, Grand Rapids Christian Elementary, Evergreen Campus. Application deadline: Until filled
Pay: $55,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
