Director/Teacher Early Learning Center

Eastern Mennonite University is a private Mennonite liberal arts university in Harrisonburg, Virginia known for academic excellence and affordability with a focus on service, social justice, and global engagement. With more than 2000 students studying at our main campus in Harrisonburg, Virginia; at our Lancaster, Pennsylvania site; and online, EMU offers rigorous academic study at the undergraduate, graduate and seminary level.

EMU encourages students, faculty and staff to live their faith and values through service to others, peacemaking, cross-cultural engagement and sustainability. EMU also offers our employees the opportunity to embrace the educational experience for themselves and their dependents through tuition discounts, a university benefit.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, EMU is committed to enhancing our community and encourages applications from qualified individuals with varied backgrounds, experiences, and ideas who would deepen the diversity of the University.

Job Title: Director/Teacher Early Learning Center

Department: School of Social Sciences and Professions

Supervisor: Program Director

FLSA Classification: Exempt

Schedule: Regular, 10 mo., PT, M-F

IPEDS Classification: 25

CUPA: 457125

Job Summary:

The position consists of working with the Curriculum Director/teacher in the general supervision and management of the school programs. The ability to work with children in a caring, nurturing manner is crucial. The Teacher of Three Year Olds provides a high-quality role model for future teachers at all times. The work year follows EMU's calendar from August to May 31.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Provide a safe and secure environment, physically and emotionally, and establishes a climate conducive to learning for all children regardless of race, religion, gender, or disabilities.

• Create a stimulating and interactive curriculum is provided for the children.

• Develop daily experiences are provided in all areas of development including, but not limited to social, emotional, cognitive, and physical (small and large motor activities, language and communication experiences, sensory experiences, art or music activities, and play acting or social living).

• Teach children at their ability level and challenge as appropriate.

• Teach using a child-centered philosophy.

• Plan and implement a fall orientation meeting for families.

• Communicate with parents through calendars, notes, and other formats.

• Plan and implement conferences with parents twice each year.

• Complete three formal written assessments of each child's progress; one is summative and will be sent home at the end of the year.

• Plan and implement a meet and greet with new student via home visit or classroom visit.

• Complete hours of professional development as required by licensing standards through conference and workshop attendance, reading, or coursework. Professional conferences may be available with some of the cost being covered by the school.

• Attend parent meetings, celebrations, and community activities.

• Participate in school in-service activities.

• Attend educational courses when requested.

• Plan and implement an orientation session.

• Respond to practicum student's written reflections weekly.

• Evaluate EMU practicum students' performance.

• Serve as a resource person to EMU's early childhood education classes.

• Provide daily direction to the assistant teacher.

• Oversee Work Study students when needed.

• Collaborate with Director of Teacher Education and EMU office staff in submitting and maintaining budget, monitoring enrollment, and making purchases.

• Forms a Parent Council to assist with fundraising and parent communication.

• Works with Park View Mennonite Church office to address rental issues and required inspections

• Collaborates with and evaluates performance of curriculum director.

• Maintains the program according to Virginia's licensing standards, and renews license when required.

• Supervises employee professional development hours in accordance with Virginia standards.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Ability to interpret and analyze information for effective decision making.

• Ability to organize

• Attention to detail for accurately preparing and maintaining accurate records, correspondence, administer test, and coordinate information.

• Ability to demonstrate excellent problem-solving and conflict resolution skills, and the ability to deal effectively with a variety of situations and constituents.

• Ability to take initiative, set goals, prioritize and organize job tasks and workload in order to meet deadlines, ability to complete work in a timely manner and communicate progress routinely.

• Demonstrated ability to think strategically, critically, and creatively.

• Ability to use a PC and software such as, Microsoft Office and Google.

• Ability to operate commonly used office equipment such as a copy machine, fax, phone, etc.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally with a wide variety of constituents.

• Ability to build relationships that balance the multiple, varying, and sometimes conflicting interest of diverse stakeholders.

• Ability to maintain confidential information and materials.

• Demonstrated commitment to high standards of customer service.

• Ability to frequently work hours outside of the normal work schedule, such as evenings and weekends.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree in early childhood education, or related field, and an understanding of early childhood education within a developmental-interactionist framework.

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit and use hands and fingers, to handle, or feel. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and climb or balance. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision. The employee must occasionally travel to meetings and conferences off campus, which may include some overnight travel.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Supervises practicum students from EMU.