First Church Preschool and Club After Program Director

Job Title: First Church Preschool and Club After Program Director

Job Group / Class: Program Staff, Full time

Reports to: First Church Preschool Board under the advisory of First United Methodist Church Pastor

Location: Port Orange, Florida

Principal Functions

The First Church Preschool and Club After Program Director oversees the daily operations and ministry of First Church’s preschool and school-age programs. This includes developing and implementing faith-based, developmentally appropriate curricula, fostering strong relationships with families and staff, and ensuring a Christ-centered learning environment. Guided by the core values of the United Methodist Church—including faith, inclusivity, social justice, and community service—the Director will integrate spiritual teachings into all aspects of the programs to support the holistic growth of children and their families.

Required Qualities

• Demonstrates a commitment to Jesus Christ and lives it through service in support of the ministry and the church.
• Exhibits strong leadership and decision-making skills.
• Maintains a positive and collaborative team-oriented mindset.
• Communicates effectively with children, families, staff, church leadership, and state agencies.
• Practices confidentiality, professionalism, and integrity in all interactions.
• Adapts to changing situations with flexibility and problem-solving skills.

Key Responsibilities

Program and Curriculum Management

• Develop, implement, and evaluates the preschool and Club After programs in alignment with early childhood education standards and faith-based principles.
• Monitor and enhance the Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) curriculum per Florida state guidelines, ensuring compliance and quality.
• Design engaging, age-appropriate, and faith-integrated learning experiences for all children.
• Plan and oversee a summer camp with an incorporated Vacation Bible School (VBS) theme and classroom involvement events.
• Ensure that all classrooms and teaching environments are well-equipped and prepared with necessary supplies and curriculum materials.
• Monitor and assess the developmental progress of preschool students
• Ensure staff provide an engaging environment for students in Club After program.

Staff Leadership and Development

• Recruit, train, and supervise qualified teachers, caregivers, and volunteers for both programs.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide professional development opportunities.
• Foster a collaborative, positive, and mission-driven team culture.
• Ensure staff and volunteers meet background checks and training requirements in accordance with Department of Children and Families and the Early Learning Coalition.
• Attend staff development meetings with church administration, as determined by FUMC pastor.

Family and Community Engagement

·       Be engaged in the life of the church by participating in church sponsored activities.

• Build strong relationships with families to support children's faith and developmental journeys.
• Facilitate parent involvement through faith-based activities, classroom involvement, and community outreach events.
• Serve as the School Outreach Coordinator for fundraiser events such as the Scholastic Book Fair, encouraging parent and community participation.
• Consistently communicate with families through newsletters, school appropriate social media, and parent teacher conferences.

Operations and Administration

• Oversee enrollment processes, marketing efforts, and onboarding of new families.
• Maintain student tuition management software program for accurate billing of tuition.
• Develop and manage program budgets and financial records to ensure sustainability.
• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations, including licensing, health, and safety standards.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and faith-enriching learning environment.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Associate’s degree in early childhood education, Child Development, or a related field (Bachelor’s degree preferred).
• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in early childhood education or school-age program, with at least 2 years in a leadership role.

Certifications & Skills

• Florida Director’s Credential
• CPR and First Aid Certification.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
• Experience with budgeting and financial management.
• Knowledge of child safety policies and Christian discipleship principles.
• Working knowledge of social media and digital communication tools.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary: Competitive, based on qualifications and experience.
• Benefits: May include paid time off, professional development opportunities, and tuition discounts for staff children.

Work Environment

The Director will work in a dynamic, child-focused, faith-driven environment that values teamwork, creativity, and continuous improvement. This role requires flexibility for occasional evening or weekend events. The ideal candidate will embody the values and mission of First Church, fostering a Christ-centered atmosphere of love, learning, and growth for children, families, and staff.