Grace United Methodist Church

Job Description

Director of Grace Preschool

Date: April 2025

Introductory Statement

Grace United Methodist Church (UMC) is seeking a person to join our leadership team as Director of the Grace Preschool, which is an outreach of the church. This person will provide lead support to staff and be a resource for an excellent educational experience to prepare young children for kindergarten. The goal of this position will be to share the mission of Grace UMC through supporting high-quality early childhood education through The Iowa Early Learning Standards using best practices, including Project-Based Learning. Grace Preschool is also a partner program with the Des Moines Public School district and a Universal Preschool site. While the preschool is secular, we work with the church to support their values and vision.

The Director of Grace Preschool will work cooperatively with and receive support from the Grace Preschool Advisory Committee, the Director of Christian Education (DCE) and the Staff/Parish Relations Committee (SPRC). This position reports directly to the Senior Pastor.

Position Qualifications

The Director of Grace Preschool must meet, if not exceed, the Iowa Child Care Resource and Referral qualifications for a Center Director. They are:

• Be at least 21 years of age

• Possess a bachelor’s degree or higher in early childhood or elementary education

• Have taken at least one course in business administration or 12 contact hours in administrative-related training OR have one year of administrative-related experience

• Have a current Iowa license/certification in early childhood education

• Be familiar with or willing to learn about project-based learning and/or Creative Curriculum

• Be certified in infant, child, and adult CPR and First Aid

• Have received Mandatory Child Abuse Reporter Training

• Pass a criminal and child abuse background check

Description of Responsibilities

The Director of Grace Preschool shall:

1. Be responsible for the safety, security and wellbeing of children who attend Grace Preschool.

2. Be accountable for Grace Preschool staff management and supervision, including hiring, scheduling, development, coaching, discipline and termination.

3. Ensure that Grace Preschool meets state childcare and Des Moines Public Schools Universal Preschool requirements and obtain/maintain Quality Rating System (IQ4K) Level 3, at a minimum. Be familiar with or be willing to learn about the Iowa Quality Preschool Program Standards (IQPPS).

4. Oversee all the financial affairs, data and accounting systems of the Grace Preschool in accordance with Grace UMC policies and procedures.

5. Develop, support and implement an exciting, high-quality preschool project-based curriculum of discovery and exploration. Provide leadership to the Grace Preschool Staff and Advisory Committee for developing new strategies for growth in the Preschool, including but not limited to, continuing education, professional development, and fundraising. Attend monthly meetings of the Advisory Committee.

6. Demonstrate excellent communication with parents, families, educators and the broader community who use Grace Preschool. This includes interpersonal communication, letters, newsletters, and social media.

7. Share a commitment to Grace UMC and its mission to be a place of uncommon hospitality by encouraging, inspiring, and nurturing Grace Preschool children, their families and Grace Preschool staff. Cultivate a positive culture among the Preschool staff and church leadership.

8. Attend bi-weekly church staff meetings (or as needed) with Grace United Methodist ministry staff. Collaborate with Grace UMC in recruitment and enrollment of children.

Salary will be commensurate with education and experience; benefits package available.

Interested applicants may send a letter and resume by clicking below to contact us. Applications may also be mailed to: Office Manager, Grace UMC, 3700 Cottage Grove, Des Moines, IA 50311. The position will remain open until May 30th, with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2025.