Assistant Director, Simon Says Early Learning Center

St Louis, MO, US, 63123-6942

The Archdiocese of St. Louis Catholic Education and Formation features an expansive coalition of schools that allow our children to develop a sense of purpose and value, receive a higher quality education, join a welcoming community and feel secure in a a dynamic future.  We have a rich history, with its establishment 200 years ago by St. Rose Phillppine Duchesne.  A coalition of schools serving over 50,000 students (PreK-12) within an 11-county area.  The educational experience provided to our students and their families is rooted in a higher calling from God to honor and celebrate the gifts He has given us.

Job Summary

Job Title: Assistant Director of Simon Says Early Childhood Center
Location: St. Simon the Apostle Catholic Church Main Campus- Green Park
Job Type: Full-time
 

About Us:
Simon Says Early Childhood Center is a Catholic, faith-based early learning center where we welcome all children into a nurturing environment that fosters growth in spiritual, academic, and social development. Our mission is to provide a safe, inclusive space that is grounded in Catholic teachings while celebrating diversity and empowering young learners. We are committed to building a community where faith and education go hand in hand to support children’s development.
 

Position Overview:
The Assistant Director of Simon Says Early Childhood Center plays a crucial role in supporting the Director in managing the daily operations of the center. This is an administrative-heavy role with significant responsibility in overseeing program delivery, staff support, compliance, and fostering a positive learning environment. The Assistant Director will work closely with the Director to ensure that the center’s operations align with both Catholic values and regulatory standards while providing excellent care and education for children.
 

Job Responsibilities

Administrative Support:

  • Assist the Director in the day-to-day administrative operations of the center, including managing schedules, communications, and documentation.
  • Handle administrative tasks such as preparing reports, maintaining staff and child records, and managing schedules.
  • Act as the Director’s representative in their absence, ensuring continuity in operations and communication.

Staff Coordination and Support:

  • Assist in the hiring, training, and evaluation of staff to ensure alignment with the center’s mission and values.
  • Support staff development by coordinating professional development opportunities and providing ongoing guidance and feedback.
  • Help manage staff scheduling and resolve staffing issues as needed to ensure proper coverage and a positive work environment.

Program Oversight and Curriculum Support:

  • Collaborate with the Director to develop and implement curriculum that is in line with Catholic teachings and best practices in early childhood education.
  • Provide ongoing support to teaching staff by offering guidance on lesson planning, classroom management, and child development strategies.
  • Monitor the quality of programs and classroom activities, ensuring that they meet the developmental, emotional, and educational needs of children.

Compliance and Regulation:

  • Ensure that the center remains compliant with state, federal, and local regulations, including licensing, health and safety standards, and child care laws.
  • Assist in conducting audits, maintaining accurate records, and preparing for inspections or audits as required by regulatory agencies.
  • Support the Director in maintaining up-to-date documentation for staff certifications, child enrollment, and health records.

Budget and Financial Support:

  • Assist in managing the center’s budget by tracking expenses and ensuring that resources are allocated effectively.
  • Help with tuition billing, payments, and record-keeping to ensure financial systems are running smoothly.
  • Support the Director in identifying cost-effective solutions for maintaining or improving the center’s resources and programs.

Parent and Community Engagement:

  • Serve as a point of contact for parents, answering questions, addressing concerns, and building strong relationships.
  • Support family engagement activities and events, providing opportunities for parents to be involved in the center’s community.
  • Promote and foster a welcoming environment for all families, ensuring their needs are met and their voices are heard.

Operational Efficiency:

  • Help streamline daily operations, ensuring smooth transitions between classroom activities, breaks, and other schedules.
  • Identify opportunities for operational improvements, assisting in implementing new systems or processes that improve efficiency and effectiveness.

Faith-Based Integration:

  • Collaborate with the Director to integrate Catholic values and faith into the daily routines and curriculum of the center.
  • Support the development of faith-based activities and events that engage children and families in spiritual growth and community-building.
     

Job Requirements

Qualifications:
•    Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Administration, or a related field.
•    At least 3 years of experience in early childhood education, with 1-2 years in an administrative or leadership role.
•    Familiarity with Catholic teachings and an ability to incorporate faith-based elements into early childhood education.
•    Strong administrative, organizational, and communication skills.
•    Experience in budget management, compliance, and maintaining regulatory standards.
•    Excellent problem-solving abilities and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
•    Knowledge of child development principles and best practices in early childhood education.
•    CPR/First Aid certification preferred (or willingness to obtain).
 

Personal Characteristics:
•    A passion for early childhood education and a commitment to the mission and values of Simon Says Early Childhood Center.
•    Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively with staff, parents, and community members.
•    Compassionate, patient, and understanding, with a focus on meeting the needs of children and families.
•    Detail-oriented, organized, and able to manage administrative tasks efficiently and effectively.
•    A proactive and solution-oriented mindset, with a positive attitude toward challenges and growth.
 

The Archdiocese of St. Louis Catholic Education and Formation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital, parental, veteran or disability status.  
 
Pre-Employment Screening 
All candidates receiving an employment offer must submit a pre-employment screening. The screening will include criminal background check, Family Care Safety Registration, drug screen, employment and educational licensure/certification verification, health screening, and any other screenings deemed necessary for employment. Any offer would be contingent upon successful completion of any required screening.