Director of Education

School Overview

Our Beginning Children's School is a Reggio Emilia inspired educational institution dedicated to nurturing the growth and development of children from 6 weeks to 6 years old. We emphasize a child-centered approach that fosters creativity, exploration, and a love for learning. We are seeking a passionate, experienced, and visionary Director of Education/Pedagogy to lead our teaching team and support the ongoing development of our pedagogical practices.

Position Overview:
The Director of Education/Pedagogy will be responsible for overseeing and leading our school's educational philosophy, curriculum development, and teaching strategies in alignment with Reggio Emilia and RIE principles. This role requires a deep understanding of early childhood education, particularly the RIE and Reggio Emilia approach, along with the ability to mentor and inspire educators, engage with families, and foster a collaborative learning environment for both children and staff.

Our organization includes both Christian and non-sectarian schools. The Human Resource Generalist & Admissions Coordinator must be able to work effectively in both school environments.

Faith Statement:

• We believe the Bible to be the only inspired, infallible, authoritative Word of God.
• We believe in Jesus Christ
• We believe that there is only one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit.
• We believe in creation.
• We believe in the Sabbath – Day of Rest
• We believe in the second coming of Jesus Christ
• We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by who’s indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the development, implementation, and continuous refinement of the school’s Reggio Emilia-inspired and RIE curriculums.
• Guide and mentor educators in creating rich, child-centered learning environments that encourage exploration and discovery.
• Collaborate with teaching staff to ensure that pedagogical practices are aligned with the values and principles of the Reggio Emilia philosophy.
• Act as a resource for teachers and families, providing insights and support on best practices in early childhood education.
• Foster a culture of reflective practice through ongoing professional development, observation, and feedback.
• Coordinate and facilitate regular meetings with the teaching team to discuss pedagogical practices, challenges, and opportunities for growth.
• Serve as the school’s primary liaison for families, engaging in regular communication to strengthen the connection between home and school.
• Observe and document children’s learning experiences, using these observations to inform curriculum planning and support individual developmental needs.
• Ensure a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment for all children and staff.
• Lead the admissions and enrollment process for the education and operations departments. Including, leading school tours.
• Provide leadership for admissions and enrollment for education department.
• Oversee operations of the school.

Qualifications:

• A Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Education Leadership, or a related field.
• Extensive experience (7 years) in early childhood education, with a strong foundation in the Reggio Emilia approach.
• Proven leadership experience in an educational setting, with a track record of supporting and inspiring educators.
• Strong understanding of child development and the ability to apply this knowledge in the classroom.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to build strong relationships with staff, children, and families.
• Ability to foster collaboration and create a positive and supportive school culture.
• A passion for innovative education and a commitment to lifelong learning.
• Ability to translate vague concepts into clear, comprehensive written systems and processes, ensuring clarity and consistency across the team. Must have the ability to turn abstract ideas into well-defined, actionable documentation.

What We Offer:

• A collaborative and supportive work environment where your ideas and expertise are valued.
• Opportunities for ongoing professional development and growth within the field of early childhood education.
• A competitive salary and benefits package.
• The opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of children and the educational community.

Benefits:

• 100% employer-paid base medical and dental coverage through Kaiser Permanente and Washington Dental (after 60 days of employment).
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, and a 401K program.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Paid Time Off (PTO).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Paid Winter Break
• Paid holidays

If you are ready to make a significant impact on young learners' lives and lead an innovative educational team, we invite you to apply for the Director of Education position at Our Beginning Children's School!

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and references to hr@ourbeginning.com. Please include a brief statement on your understanding and application of the Reggio Emilia approach in early childhood education.

We look forward to hearing from you! The position is open until offered/filled.

Our Beginning is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in the workplace.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $75,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Seattle, WA 98107 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Seattle, WA 98107: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $75,000 - $85,000