Walter Ambrose Family Center Director

DIRECTOR OF EARLY CHILDHOOD – WALTER AMBROSE FAMILY CENTER 2027-2028 SCHOOL YEAR FLSA Status Exempt Work Calendar 260 Location Walter Ambrose Family Center Reports To Superintendent WALTER AMBROSE FAMILY CENTER VIDEO Primary Objective: To serve as a child-centered, equity-minded and forward-thinking leader for the Walter Ambrose Family Center (WAFC) Preschool and Parents as Teachers (PAT) program. The Director leads a Reggio Emilia–inspired, constructivist learning community grounded in Project Construct, where children are seen as capable and curious, and where families, teachers and children learn together. The Director also connects early childhood to the district's PreK–3 vision so that children's learning carries forward into kindergarten and beyond. Essential Functions: Ensure that the best interests of children are “center” to all decision-making, along with an agreed upon vision, mission and set of beliefs Lead and sustain a Reggio Emilia–inspired, constructivist learning community grounded in Project Construct, including the environment as the third teacher, pedagogical documentation, and emergent, project-based inquiry Guide authentic, ongoing assessment practices aligned to Project Construct and the Missouri Early Learning Standards, and use them to support each child and inform program improvement Collaborate with elementary principals and district leadership on PreK–3 alignment and the transition to kindergarten, in support of the district's strategic plan Oversee the daily operations of the Walter Ambrose Family Center Preschool and PAT Program Direct student registration, waitlist management, and child growth evaluations for early learning initiatives, while conducting active community engagement for prospective WAFC households Hire, develop, supervise and demonstrate high levels of care for the WAFC staff and PAT programs Support the co-creation and nurturing of physical and social environments where children are given the space, tools and support to construct their own knowledge Work in partnership with families to ensure children’s needs are met Work with program leaders and other staff to provide relevant and meaningful professional learning opportunities for staff, including Project Construct training and Reggio-inspired practices such as documentation and reflective dialogue Maintain DHSS child care licensing and any accreditation the district pursues, including health, safety, background check and state reporting requirements Ensure the PAT program meets Parents as Teachers model and affiliate requirements Work with building and district leadership to establish and monitor the budgets for the WAFC programs Work with Special School District leadership staff to coordinate preschool programming and staff in support of children with IEPs Seek out and apply for grants in support of additional funding support Facilitate building walkthroughs or school visits from other schools, organizations, etc. Collaborate with building and district administrators, community agencies, and state agencies Perform all other duties as assigned Qualifications: Required Master's degree in early childhood education, educational leadership or a related field Meet the criteria of DHSS-Childcare Licensing standards Minimum experience of five (5) years in early childhood education Demonstrated knowledge of constructivist, play-based and developmentally appropriate practice Preferred Experience implementing Reggio Emilia–inspired practice as a teacher, pedagogical leader or administrator Completion of Project Construct training and experience implementing it Experience with Parents as Teachers, early childhood special education and child care licensing Application Requirements: Complete a WGSD application online. Provide a specific example of how you have advanced equity through your leadership. Describe the challenge or inequity you identified, the actions you took to address it, and the impact of those actions on students, staff, or the school community. Position Closes on December 18, 2026