Preschool Director

North American Reggio Emilia Alliance; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 55,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a passionate Program Director for a unique preschool in Portland. This full-time position offers the opportunity to lead a Reggio Emilia inspired, Italian immersion program, fostering a love for learning and cultural appreciation among young children. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, creativity, and a collaborative spirit, while being actively involved in the classroom. With a focus on professional development and community engagement, this role promises to make a significant impact on the lives of children and their families. Join a growing nonprofit that values education and cultural immersion, and help shape the future of its students.

Benefits

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

403b retirement plan

PTO

Professional development opportunities

Partially paid childcare

Qualifications

• Experience in preschool or primary school leadership is essential.
• Must have strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Coach and support teaching staff in their professional development.
• Oversee curriculum and lead teachers in a collaborative environment.

Skills

Leadership skills

Problem solving

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Creativity

Multitasking

Curriculum oversight

Bilingual in Italian and English

Experience with second language immersion

Education

Bachelor’s degree in education or similar

Child Development Associate (CDA) credential

Oregon Registry step 9

Job description

Start Date: January 2, 2024

Description, Responsibilities, & Duties

We are seeking a Program Director to begin as early as December 2024 / January 2025. This is a full-time salaried exempt position. Applicants should have strong leadership skills and be very proactive, flexible, and understand how to operate in a small school and within a budget, and actively stabilize and grow the program. The preferred candidate will be able to coach and support our teaching staff in their professional development and must be willing to be in the classroom to help. They should have references and early childhood education credentials and experience. This position will report to the StudioLingua Board of Directors.

Minimum Qualifications/Requirements

1. Experience working in preschool or primary school in a leadership position.
2. Familiarity with State licensing requirements and compliance.
3. Bachelor’s degree in education or a similar subject, or a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.
4. Combination of credentials, experience, and education must meet at least step 9 of the Oregon Registry, the pathway system for Oregon’s childcare and education professional development.
5. Experience working in a Reggio Emilia inspired school.
6. Bilingual and bi-literate in Italian and English with native or near-native Italian proficiency (preferred but not required).
7. Experience with second language immersion education and curriculum development is a plus.
8. Excellent verbal and written skills, as well as outstanding interpersonal skills.
9. Problem solving, creativity, excellent multitasking skills, and ability to thrive in a start-up environment are a must.
10. Ability to oversee curriculum, lead and guide teachers and support their professional development.
11. Excellent communication skills and ability to present in public to both parents and other educators.
12. Solid understanding of operating budgets and school finances.
13. Enjoys working with children, including ones with mild learning differences.
14. Ability to work well in a small team and in a very collegial and collaborative environment.
15. Support the Board of Directors to recruit and identify candidates for new teachers and other administrative staff.
16. Willingness to be an active, enthusiastic member of the StudioLingua community to help grow and expand the school.

Salary & Benefits

The Preschool Director position is eligible for medical and dental coverage as well as our 403b retirement plan. Other fringe benefits may include PTO, professional development opportunities, and partially paid childcare.

Salary range is $55,000 – $60,000 per year depending on qualifications and experience.

Application Procedures

To be considered for the position, please apply here with your resume, cover letter, and two professional references: [e-mail]

Program Description

Founded in 2023, StudioLingua is a small but growing 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Reggio Emilia inspired, Italian immersion preschool in Portland, Oregon. Our vision is to create a community of learners with a strong foundation in Italian language, culture, and the humanities. Our goal is to grow our school and community programs to a point where children have opportunities to continue their language and cultural immersion and humanistic education throughout their primary school education.

Contact Info

Eleonora Corsi, President - Board of Directors

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