Director of Early Childhood Education

Bellevue Children's Academy; Bellevue (WA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement contributions

Paid time off

Job summary

Bellevue Children's Academy in Bellevue, WA, seeks a Director of Early Childhood Education to lead PS, TPK, and PK programs, ensure DCYF licensing compliance, and partner with school leaders for a seamless PreK-to-K transition. The role drives curriculum fidelity, staffing excellence, and family engagement in a caring IB-aligned environment.

The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor's in ECE and has 5+ years in the field, including leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field required; Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in early childhood education, with at least 2 years in leadership/administrative role.
• Working knowledge of Washington State DCYF licensing regulations and MERIT system.
• IB PYP or similar inquiry-based, play-centered curriculum experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide instructional leadership across PS, TPK, and PK classrooms aligned with IB PYP Framework.
• Oversee licensing compliance as DCYF licensing lead and MERIT requirements.
• Recruit, hire, coach, and evaluate Early Childhood staff; onboard new hires to DCYF/MERIT.
• Manage ECE program budget, enrollments, and family communications.
• Represent ECE program in community outreach and partnerships.

Skills

Leadership

Staff management

Budget management

Enrollment strategy

Education

Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education

Master's degree preferred

Tools

DCYF/MERIT regulatory knowledge

Job description

Job DescriptionAt Bellevue Children's Academy, students thrive in an IB World School that blends academic excellence with innovation, global awareness, and genuine care. They question, create, and connect with peers from diverse cultures. Students spark their curiosity through a rigorous IB curriculum, strong core subjects, and engaging specialist classes. They build confidence in small, supportive communities and prepare to succeed at leading secondary schools. Rooted in Bellevue’s vibrant cultural landscape and part of International Schools Partnership, students become part of a global community with big ambitions.Position SummaryThe Director of Early Childhood Education leads BCA's Preschool (PS), Transition Pre-Kindergarten (TPK), and Pre-Kindergarten (PK) programs, providing instructional oversight, staff leadership, and licensing compliance across the Early Childhood division. This role partners with the Head of School and Director of Elementary to ensure consistent, high-quality experience for ECE families and a smooth transition into BCA's Kindergarten-Grade 4 program.The Director is the school's primary point of accountability for Washington State DCYF licensing and holds direct responsibility for keeping BCA's Early Childhood programs in full compliance with state childcare licensing standards.Essential Duties & ResponsibilitiesProvide instructional leadership across PS, TPK, and PK classrooms, ensuring curriculum and daily practice align with BCA's IB PYP framework and play-based philosophy.Serve as BCA's primary contact for Washington State DCYF licensing, maintaining full compliance with MERIT background check requirements, teacher-to-student ratios, and required health and safety documentation across all ECE classrooms.Recruit, hire, coach, and evaluate Early Childhood teaching staff, including onboarding new hires to DCYF/MERIT requirements.Own classroom staffing and substitute coverage for ECE programs, coordinating with Human Resources on leave, scheduling, and open positions.Partner with the Director of Elementary and Head of School on enrollment strategy, program growth, and PreK-to-Kindergarten transitions.Manage the Early Childhood program budget, including supply ordering and classroom material needs.Build and maintain relationships with ECE families, serving as the escalation point for program-level concerns.Conduct regular classroom Learning Visits to confirm licensing standards, safety protocols, and curriculum fidelity are being met.Represent BCA's Early Childhood Education program in community and outreach settings, including partnerships with local ECE training programs.Participate in school leadership team meetings and contribute to whole-school culture, events, and strategic planning.Education & ExperienceBachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field required; Master's degree preferred.Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in early childhood education, including at least 2 years in a leadership or administrative role.Working knowledge of Washington State DCYF licensing regulations and the MERIT system required.Experience with IB PYP or another inquiry-based, play-centered curriculum framework preferred.Demonstrated experience supervising, coaching, and evaluating teaching staff.Washington State School Administrator certificate is preferred.Physical RequirementsThis position requires the ability to move throughout classrooms and school facilities, including bending, kneeling, and standing for extended periods, and to lift up to 30 pounds as needed to support classroom and program needs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.Position DetailsReports To: Head of SchoolFLSA Status: ExemptEmployment Type: Full-TimePay Range: We anticipate the salary range to be $100,000-$130,000. An individual’s compensation can vary based on several factors which include, but are not limited to, geographic location, experience, training, education, and local market conditions.Benefits: We offer a benefits package for eligible employees that can include health benefits, retirement contributions, and paid time off.E-Verify Participation: ISP U.S. participates in E-Verify and will provide the Federal Government with your form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.ISP PrinciplesBegin with our children and students. Our children and students are at the heart of what we do. Simply, their success is our success. Wellbeing and safety are both essential for learners and learning. Therefore, we are consistent in identifying potential safeguardingand Health & Safety issues and acting and following up on all concerns appropriately.Treat everyone with care and respect. We look after one another, embrace similarities and differences and promote the well-being of self and others.Operate effectively. We focus relentlessly on the things that are most important and will make the most difference. We apply school policies and procedures and embody the shared ideas of our community.Are financially responsible. We make financial choices carefully based on the needs of the children, students and our schools.Learn continuously. Getting better is what drives us. We positively engage with personal and professional development and school improvement.ISP Commitment to Safeguarding PrinciplesISP is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All post holders are subject to appropriate vetting procedures, including an online due diligence search, references and satisfactory Criminal Background Checks or equivalent covering the previous 10 years’ employment history.ISP Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and BelongingISP is committed to strengthening our inclusive culture by identifying, hiring, developing, and retaining high-performing teammates regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender expression, age, disability status, neurodivergence, socio-economic background or other demographic characteristics. Candidates who share our vision and principles and are interested in contributing to the success of ISP through this role are strongly encouraged to apply.