St. Martin’s Preschool

Job Description
Preschool Director

Mission

The vision for St. Martin’s Preschool is to become the premier preschool in Columbia, SC.

Position summary

The role of the preschool director will be to support the mission of St. Martin’s Preschool and church by engaging with church members, staff, parents and the community through clear communication, teamwork, and collaboration.

Position Description

The preschool director is responsible for ensuring the health, safety and education of all children within the center’s care. The preschool director also is charged with the task of coordinating a relationship between the preschool board and the parish’s vestry that brings the two entities into deep community with one another. The preschool director is directly accountable for overall operational management of the preschool in accordance with well-established guidelines as set forth by DSS licensure guidelines and priorities as established by the preschool board, including curriculum development, staff and facilities management, legal and budgetary considerations, and long-range planning. The preschool director ensures that the needs of the students and the goals of the center are met appropriately. The director must meet and maintain SCDSS Qualifications for a Center Director. (Attached)

Salary

Range of $45,000-$55,000 plus benefits including health, dental and matching retirement savings plan.

Reporting Relationships

The preschool director reports directly to the rector of St. Martin’s-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church, and regularly attends vestry meetings.

Additional Key Relationships

Internal: Establishment of teamwork between the vestry and the preschool board as well as church and preschool staff, supporting church members and preschool volunteers.

External: The families of St. Martin’s Preschool as well as the nearby community and cities of Forest Acres & Columbia.

Primary Responsibilities

Staff

  • Interview & hire qualified staff. Provide appropriate orientation and training.

  • Supervise staff on an on-going basis, including the development of operating procedures.

  • Maintain staff licensure requirements and inform staff of policy changes during regular staff meetings.

  • Locate appropriate training opportunities and make accommodations for staff to attend.

  • Schedule staff so that appropriate staff-to-child ratios are maintained according to DSS requirements, or higher, such as ABC Quality or NAEYC accreditation, each future goals of St. Martin’s for the preschool.

  • Follow ‘Safe Church’ Guidelines, including maintaining current certification as set by the Diocese of Upper South Carolina.

  • Maintain complete and accurate staff records (including all SC licensing required components).

  • Honor employee confidentiality.

Children & Families

  • Maintain, file and store complete enrollment information, including all SC-required documentation.

  • Ensure that records of staff and children are updated as needed according to SC regulations.

  • Ensure that the preschool remains in compliance with all SC licensing requirements, including but not limited to:

    • Health & safety standards

    • Healthy learning environment

    • Nutrition & food offerings

    • Physical safety of children and staff

    • Fire regulation

    • Evacuation plans and recurring drills

  • Establish policies & procedures that ensure the well-being of children, such as:

    • age-appropriate curriculum

    • a respectful and tolerant environment for differing child and family cultures

    • positive behavior management plans

    • safe arrival & departure procedures clearly communicated to parents

  • Establish relationships with children and families and be responsive to their needs through direct conversation, newsletters, and a parent handbook that is updated and distributed annually.

  • Provide families with information and assistance with community resources.

  • In the event of a suspected child abuse incident, follow mandated reporter protocols which will involve immediate notification of the rector, local law enforcement and the Department of Social Services.

Center Operation

  • Establish an environment that enables St. Martin’s preschool to become the premier preschool in Columbia, placing a priority on being a healthy, safe and fun community for children and staff. Manage adherence to quality standards in accordance with this vision while maintaining state and local requirements.

  • Ensure the facility is maintained in accordance with standards set forth by SC licensing standards and St. Martin’s-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church. Report maintenance issues to the church maintenance officer and the junior warden.

  • Develop and maintain personnel and operational procedures.

  • Develop and maintain a proposed annual budget, including monthly reports to the church treasurer and vestry.

  • Perform payroll reporting and maintain information for benefits packages.

  • Monitor subscriptions, fees, memberships and recurring payments.

  • Maintain preschool records, including the schedule and results of emergency drills, building, fire and sanitation inspections. Approve and oversee orders for appropriate preschool (and individual classroom) supplies and provisions.

  • Represent the preschool in the community and act as a liaison with other agencies.

DSS and state/local government agencies

Guidelines and requirements may change. The preschool director shall be responsible for ensuring any and all standards and duties are met.

  • Obtain, maintain and renew all required paperwork. Keep on file in a method which can be easily accessed and retrieved when requested.

  • Ensure designated church staff liaison continuous and full-time access to all preschool files.

  • Ensure director and staff attend required continuing education classes and maintain records of all staff credits.

  • Oversee and confirm that facilities meet all physical requirements as set forth by licensure.

Reporting to the Preschool Board

St. Martin’s Preschool is a ministry of St. Martin’s-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church (St. Martin’s). A Preschool Board will be established consisting of at least one of the following: The rector or the rector’s designee (to serve in a chief operating officer status), a treasurer (to help the director manage the finances of the preschool and to share in reporting to the parish treasurer), current parent, current preschool staff member, current St. Martin’s member, St. Martin’s staff member and/or a vestry-appointed liaison and a member of the larger Episcopal community.

  • Represent the preschool using the best Anglican/Episcopal values as a guide.

  • Abide by the conditions set forth in policies and procedures established by the administration of St. Martin’s and agree to perform duties as explained.

  • Present a detailed report for preschool board meetings, including updates on general operation, finances, enrollment and staff as well as requirements of DSS, state and local child care center regulations. This may also involve presenting needs of the preschool building and campus space used by the preschool (especially spaces shared with the church).

  • Research and coordinate student enrichment events, including, for example, chapel, music and sports. Develop and manage events designed to create community and fellowship among parents, staff and church.

  • Perform additional duties assigned in accordance with policy set by the St. Martin’s Preschool Board.