Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice Statement: Wildflowers Preschool strives for a school community that represents the vibrant diversity of our South Seattle community. We believe that prioritizing anti-bias work and incorporating a spectrum of lived experiences, values, and backgrounds lays a foundation for welcoming and respectful learning environments that promote access, opportunity, and justice for each member of our community.

Our School: Wildflowers Preschool is in its fourth year of providing child-centered, nature-based learning opportunities in South Seattle for students ages 3 to 5. We help prepare children to become responsible, thoughtful and contributing members of a group, creating a foundation for school success, while engaging families in the learning process.  We are currently a fully outdoor program, using our garden classroom at the Columbia City Church of Hope as a launchpad to explore neighborhood urban greenspaces. Our approach emphasizes play and guiding questions, following the interests of our students to foster the development of self-regulation and a foundational appreciation for the wonders of the natural world.

Position Purpose: This position is responsible for leading all aspects of our school year and summer camp part-day nature preschool programs. This position is an integral member of a close-knit collaborative team, and will focus on daily school operations, family communication, supervising and mentoring the classroom teaching team, and creatively guiding the school according to our mission and vision. This position is a 40 hour per week role; required onsite hours are 12:00 - 5:30pm, with the ability to work partially remote if desired. The start date is flexible; as soon as late October, and no later than December 13th, 2021.

General Responsibilities:

• Manage daily operations of the school, including: tracking program enrollment, responding to prospective family inquiries, monitoring and replacing class supplies, running payroll, receiving and recording tuition payments, tracking budget, updating website with current events, maintaining social media accounts (30%)
• Work with Board Members to creatively guide school according to mission and vision, overseeing program offerings, location, program hours, and potential licensing (15%)
• Hire, manage, and mentor teaching staff, providing opportunities for professional development (15%)
• Plan, prep, and oversee summer camp operations (15%)
• Communicate regularly with school families, including: addressing family concerns, sending class announcements, and sharing school updates (10%)
• Serve as first line of support during program hours, 12:45pm - 5:15pm M-F (10%)
• Plan and execute school events, including year-end celebration, classroom work parties and social events, and alumni engagement events (5%)

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent AND 3 years of experience working in a Director, Assistant Director, or equivalent position in an educational organization
• Foundational knowledge of best practices in early childhood learning and development
• Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and justice work
• Excellent organization, creative problem solving, and planning skills
• Motivation to work independently; flexibility to work within a collaborative team
• Ability to demonstrate a warm and caring attitude towards a diverse range of children and families; understanding of the different relationships and comfort level youth and families may have with the outdoors
• Current First Aid/CPR (or willingness to obtain before start date)
• Dedicated to supporting the mission and vision of Wildflowers Preschool
• Up to date on vaccinations, including COVID vaccine

Desired Qualifications: 

• Knowledge of local environments, flora, and fauna, or willingness to learn
• Connections to local organizations and resources that can foster a sense of belonging within the South Seattle community
• Dispositions of curiosity and desire to learn, grow, and improve teaching practice
• Passion for unique personal talents, hobbies, and interests that you are excited to share with our community

Compensation: $25 - 30/hr, dependent on experience. 40 hours per week year-round. 15 days paid time off (5 days during school Winter Break, 10 days of employee’s choice). 10 paid holidays. Paid Sick & Safe Leave. Monthly QSEHRA contribution. Paid inservice days and professional development opportunities. Annual gear stipend.