Early Childhood Program Director

The Early Childhood Program Director at St. Charles Borromeo Academy will be responsible for developing and implementing activities that encourage both spiritual and mental growth for young children. Additionally, this role involves regular evaluations of children's development, managing the ECC budget, ensuring that staff maintain high behavior standards, and collaborating with school administration to support a Classical, Catholic education.

To qualify for the Early Childhood Program Director role at St. Charles Borromeo Academy, candidates must have a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field, and at least 24 months of responsible experience in a childcare setting. Additionally, candidates should be trained in Protecting God's Children and have up-to-date certifications compliant with laws and regulations.

The Early Childhood Program Director plays a crucial role in promoting spiritual growth by planning activities that align with the Catholic Church's teachings. This includes integrating faith-based lessons and fostering a nurturing environment where children can learn and emulate the values of love and kindness taught by Jesus.

St. Charles Borromeo Academy is committed to the professional growth of its educators, including the Early Childhood Program Director. The role comes with opportunities for ongoing training and certification, ensuring that the director remains current with the best practices in early childhood education and complies with Diocesan standards.

The Early Childhood Program Director at St. Charles Borromeo Academy will enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, which includes medical, dental, and vision plans, full paid STD/LTD, retirement plans including a 403b and defined benefit pension plan, and generous paid time off for vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

To create a positive learning environment, I would implement structured routines that foster security and stability, utilize engaging and diverse teaching methods, and cultivate strong relationships with children to make them feel valued and safe, encouraging open communication and exploration.

In handling conflicts, I would first listen to each child’s perspective to understand the situation, then guide them in expressing their feelings and finding a resolution. I believe teaching mediation skills empowers children to resolve conflicts respectfully and collaboratively.

I believe in building strong partnerships with parents through regular communication, inviting them to participate in classroom activities, and providing resources to support learning at home. Engaging parents fosters a sense of community and encourages their involvement in their child's educational journey.

My philosophy centers on the belief that early childhood education should nurture the whole child—socially, emotionally, and academically—within a safe and loving environment. Each child is unique and should be encouraged to explore and express themselves while developing foundational skills for lifelong learning.

I use a combination of formal and informal assessments to evaluate student progress, including observational assessments, portfolios of work, and communication with families. This holistic approach allows me to tailor my teaching to meet each child’s individual needs.

I regularly attend professional development workshops, read current research on early childhood education, and engage with professional networks. Staying active in the field helps me bring innovative ideas and techniques back to my classroom.

In my previous role, I identified a need for more play-based learning opportunities, which I addressed by incorporating more hands-on, exploratory activities into the curriculum. This shift significantly increased student engagement and creativity, and I received positive feedback from both parents and staff.

Play is essential in my teaching methodology; it is how young children learn and engage with the world around them. I design activities that are fun yet educational, fostering creativity, problem-solving, and social skills through play.

I maintain a thorough understanding of licensing and accreditation requirements, conduct regular reviews of our policies and procedures, and ensure that all staff are trained and informed. I believe in proactive measures to keep our program compliant and exemplary.

I emphasize positive reinforcement, establishing clear expectations and routines that encourage good behavior. Offer praise for positive actions and provide guidance and support when challenges arise, helping children learn appropriate behavior in a safe environment.