Center Director (Birth - 5)

DescriptionTitle: Center Director (Birth - 5)Employment Status: Full TimeFLSA Status: Non-Exempt Supervises: Center Staff Support for Early Learning & Families (SELF) seeks an experienced, engaging, and dedicated Center Director to join our educational community. This is a full-time, non-exempt position reporting directly to the Center Director. This position is based in Vancouver, WA. Who is SELF?Support for Early Learning & Families (SELF) is a nonprofit organization founded in response to the question, "How can we work to improve opportunities for our community's children?" This question is at the heart of the work that we do.SELF Mission:Support for Early Learning & Families envisions a Southwest Washington where every child thrives through equitable access to quality, affordable early care and education-powered by a united community of families, educators, leaders, and advocates.We work in partnership with the Educational Service District (ESD) 112 to staff and facilitate numerous childcare centers in the southwest Washington area. Our programs are designed to support children at ages ranging from birth, to preschool, to school age. We have program types to support children of all backgrounds and needs. We pride ourselves on fostering a community that helps our mission by helping each other.General Description of Position:The Center Director is responsible for providing leadership and the successful delivery of program services within a Child Care Center. The Center Director oversees the daily operations of the Center and will create and maintain an environment that is developmentally appropriate for children and utilizes the most effective methods to engage children and families. Through the establishment of a trusting and respectful collaboration, Center Directors will support teachers in their own professional development, through a process of observation, coaching, training, modeling, communication, goal setting, and plans for implementation as they build on their existing knowledge and develop new skills in supporting quality early childhood practice. The Center Director works in partnership with ESD 112 to ensure compliance with the Washington Administrative Code and state licensing and that programmatic needs are being met.Essential Functions: Center Staffing: Utilize the Applicant Tracking System to ensure applicants are screened and contacted within a timely manner. Coordinate with HR and ESD regarding the screening, interviewing, and selection of candidates to meet staff-to-child ratios. Facilitate the orientation of candidates and new employees. Demonstrate fairness, equity, and objectivity when interviewing candidates. Follow SELF and ESD standards to complete necessary documentation. Support the Center Directors in coordinating the day-to-day staffing coverage. Serve as point person for any sudden staffing changes (be on call from 5am-8pm). In coordination with Lead OCD and ESD, create and maintain staffing models for typical and modified schedules (ie: spring break, early release, holidays, summer). Utilize technological solutions that help track and streamline staff schedules, time off, and daily staff assignments. Supervise, schedule, and communicate with the substitute application pool. Staff Supervision: Support the orientation and training of new Center Directors in partnership with ESD program staff. Supervise the Center Directors assigned for the performance of job duties. Support Center licensing compliance with all rules and regulations applicable to ESD programmatic criteria and state licensing standards. Follow policy and procedure in coordination with the HR Department in supporting and addressing personnel issues. This includes coaching, counseling, and modeling strong leadership behavior. Develop and foster professional relationships with all SELF and ESD personnel and with children and families within each Center. Serve in ratio for Director, teacher, or assistant as needed for compliance with childcare licensing. Approve Center Director time off requests in partnership with other OCDs. Travel throughout SW Washington as needed to support Center Directors. Center Operations and Licensing Standards: Knowledge of applicable licensing rules and guidelines. Maintain a safe and healthy work environment by reinforcing organization standards and adhering to state and licensing regulations. In cooperation with HR, support the issuance of communications, surveys, and organizational policy and procedure changes, etcetera. Attend regularly scheduled meetings with the Educational Service District and SELF Administration. Other Duties Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a complete listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.To learn more about SELF, we invite you to visit our website: What could you bring to SELF?Energetic, and mission-focused with a passion for early childhood development, learning, and fun!Professional and positive disposition that demonstrates a strong work ethic, integrity and reliability.Passionate about supporting the growth and development of children through child-lead pedagogy.Collaborative, positive, and team oriented.Proactive in actively contributing to the learning and work environment and demonstrating the ability to handle multiple priorities and emergent program needs.Appreciation for and commitment to supporting children and families with diverse ethnic and economic backgrounds.Interest in professional development and growth.What could SELF offer you? A competitive compensation package with an hourly position range. This position is eligible for overtime.Medical, Dental and VisionA 401(k)-retirement savings plan with up to 2.5% employer match.Paid Time Off (PTO)Paid holidaysLife Insurance- $10,000.The general work schedule is Monday through Friday business hours, with some work hour flexibility as needed.Availability is requested occasionally for paid in-service meetings or professional development events, or other work needs.Discounted childcare for preschool.Employee Assistance Program.Quarterly passes to Columbia Sportswear and Adidas employee store.A collaborative, mission-focused organizational culture with continuous professional development opportunities.An opportunity to make a difference in our community!RequirementsQualifications and Skills: Bachelor's degree in early childhood education, Child Development, or Elementary Education preferred. In lieu of bachelor's degree, must have 47 credit hours in early childhood education, elementary education, family and consumer sciences, special education, or a related field required. 21 years of age or older. Minimum of 1 year of demonstrated supervisory experience required. Effective written and verbal communication skills Ability to follow directions and follow through efficiently on assigned tasks. Must present a professional and positive demeanor in behavior and dress.?? Demonstrate an understanding and appreciation for diverse ethnic and economic backgrounds of families served. Demonstrate patience, compassion, and utilize a solution-based approach to conversations. Ability to work early mornings and occasional evenings as needed. Demonstrates integrity and discretion when handling confidential information. Comply with Support for Early Learning and Families Employee Handbook of policies and procedures. Understand and comply with the rules and requirements as defined by the Department of Children, Youth & Families and the Educational Services District program criteria. Employment Requirements: Successful completion of a portable background check (PBC) and clearance through the Department of Children Youth and Families prior to working in program. Participation in Washington's State Training and Registry System (STARS) program required. Valid Food Handler's Card required prior to working in program. Completion of HIV/Blood Borne Pathogens training prior to working in program. All Initial Health and Safety Requirements are Agency Funded and Facilitated:Negative TB test completed within the previous twelve months prior to working in program. Initial health exam completed by medical provider showing you are free from communicable diseases. Documentation showing immunity to Measles, Mumps, & Rubella (MMR), either vaccination records or results of a Titer test prior to working in program. Valid CPR certification including child/infant prior to working in program. Work Environment: This job operates in a preschool and childcare environment. This job presents possible exposure to blood and bodily fluids or tissues and possible exposure to communicable diseases. Requires the ability to move or traverse about inside and outside of the childcare environment to access and meet the needs of children in accordance with WAC 110-300 Foundational Quality Standards for Early Learning Programs. Moderate or frequent exposure to loud noises, outside weather elements, and temperature changes. Workspace is at an early childcare center, as well as meetings and trainings at ESD 112 and other locations, as necessary. Physical and Mental Demands: The physical and mental demands listed here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The candidate must be able to observe center activities with accuracy in order to effectively supervise child interactions and behaviors. Candidate must be able to effectively communicate verbally with coworkers, children, and families. This position requires the candidate to engage physically and mentally in activities with staff and children. Must possess the ability to lift and/or move materials necessary to meet requirements of Essential Functions of position, which include exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, 20 pounds of force frequently, and up to 10 pounds constantly to move objects including the human body. Must be able to assist in physical behavioral interventions and/or facility evacuations in the event of an emergency. Working with young children requires sound judgment, self-control, emotional competence, and the ability to adjust cognitive patterns to meet the needs of children with diverse backgrounds, varying social-emotional skills, and behavioral challenges. Job involves sitting, standing, walking, lifting, carrying, reaching, grasping, bending, stooping, crouching, pushing, and/or pulling. Position involves physical mobility with or without reasonable accommodation to perform essential functions of the job.Application Process: For consideration, please complete the application at the following link: Reference and background checks are conducted with finalist candidate(s) as part of our interview process. The Center Director position is available immediately and will remain open until it is filled.SELF is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, marital status or any other protected characteristic. Our organization is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.

Created: 2026-04-02