Director, Early Childhood Education Services

POSITION

Director of Early Childhood Services

TYPE OF POSITION

230-day contract
Hours may vary based on program needs

REPORTS TO

Assistant Superintendent of PK-5 Instruction

SUPERVISION

Early Childhood and Early Childhood Special Education licensed staff, itinerant and other special education licensed staff, classroom and special education paraprofessionals, clerical staff, and other school support staff in partnership with special education administration

SALARY

$115,000 - $130,000/year

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Graduate degree in Educational Leadership, Special Education, Early Childhood Education or a closely related field
• Minnesota School Administrative License (or eligibility)
• Minimum of three to five years of licensed teaching and/or relevant professional experience in early childhood or early childhood special education settings
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusive practices, culturally responsive leadership, and collaborative problem-solving

Preferred

• Director of Special Education license
• Early Childhood Special Education licensure
• Teaching license in Early Childhood and/or Elementary Education
• Experience supervising staff and leading program improvement initiatives

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Early Childhood Services is a collaborative educational leader responsible for the vision, development, and continuous improvement of early learning programs serving children ages birth through five. This leader ensures programs reflect the district's commitment to safety, belonging, collaboration, and academic excellence through high standards and high support.

The Director oversees early childhood programming, including early learning, family engagement, and early childhood special education services in partnership with special education administration. The role centers on building strong systems of support for young learners and their families, ensuring equitable access, inclusive practices, and developmentally appropriate learning experiences.

This position fosters strong partnerships with staff and families, supports high-quality instruction and intervention, and ensures compliance with state and federal requirements while maintaining a focus on whole-child development and family engagement.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Leadership & Program Improvement

• Provides vision and leadership for a comprehensive system of early childhood services aligned with district goals and strategic priorities
• Leads continuous improvement efforts to ensure high-quality, equitable early learning experiences for all children
• Facilitates collaborative goal setting, data review, and program evaluation processes
• Promotes inclusive practices that ensure children of all abilities and backgrounds experience a strong start

Curriculum & Instruction

• Guides the implementation of developmentally appropriate curriculum, assessment, and instructional practices
• Supports evidence-based early intervention and inclusive educational practices
• Collaborates with district leaders to ensure alignment between early childhood programs and K-12 instructional systems
• Plans and implements summer school and extended school year programs for special education students, as appropriate
• Advocates for learning environments, materials, and resources that support high-quality early learning

Staff Leadership

• Recruits, hires, supervises, and evaluates licensed and non-licensed staff
• Builds a culture of professional growth, shared leadership, and continuous learning
• Provides coaching and professional development aligned with district priorities
• Ensures staff understand and implement district expectations related to safety, student support, and inclusive practice

Student & Family Services

• Ensures appropriate programming, placement, and support for young learners, including those with disabilities
• Serves as an administrative designee at required meetings and supports high-quality individualized planning processes
• Promotes strong, respectful partnerships with families as essential partners in children's learning and development
• Supports smooth transitions for children and families entering school systems

Communication & Collaboration

• Communicates clearly and consistently with staff, families, and district leaders
• Promotes family engagement and shared decision-making
• Represents the district committees, regional and state committee related to early childhood education
• Collaborates with community agencies and foundations that focus on young children, parents, and families
• Supports conflict resolution and problem-solving in ways that maintain dignity, trust, and belonging
• Contributes to districtwide collaboration to ensure early childhood services are integrated into broader system planning

Operations & Management

• Oversees day-to-day operations of early childhood programs, including staffing, scheduling, and program logistics
• Develops and monitors program budgets in alignment with district priorities
• Ensures compliance with state and federal regulations and reporting requirements
• Leads short- and long-term planning to sustain high-quality early childhood programming
• Assists in the development of the strategic plan for School Readiness, ECFE, Student Services, including the Special Education Continuous Improvement plan.

District & Professional Responsibilities

• Engages in ongoing professional learning to remain current on early childhood research, best practices, and leadership strategies
• Leads through the district's collaborative decision-making frameworks
• Upholds professional ethics and district standards
• Supports district initiatives and contributes to a culture of continuous improvement

PHYSICAL FACTORS

Frequent: walking, standing, sitting, hearing, talking, and seeing

BENEFITS

We offer a comprehensive benefits package for employees working a minimum of 30 hours per week, including health, dental, and vision insurance; Flexible Spending Accounts; life insurance; AD&D coverage; and long-term disability insurance. (Temporary, seasonal, and substitute positions are not eligible.)

All employees of St. Cloud Area School District are expected to support district goals; work collaboratively and respectfully with diverse students, families, and colleagues; and actively promote a welcoming, safe, and inclusive learning environment. Employees demonstrate adaptability, professionalism, and a commitment to continuous improvement in service of student success.

St. Cloud Area School District prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator. The District reserves the right to assign staff in ways that best meet the needs of students and the school system.

For inquiries, please contact jobs@isd742.org