Head Children's Leader

The Department of Parks & Recreation, (DPR) is a fun, experiential learning atmosphere that is centered on excellent programming, customer service, and community at the Gro Preschool at James S. Long Park. We strive for excellence in the workplace within an environment that fosters creativity and learning. The Department of Parks & Recreation is seeking a PART-TIME, BENEFITTED Head Children's Leader who is a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual to teach children’s preschool programs for children ages 3 - 5 and summer camps ages 3-8.

The Head Children's Leader will have the opportunity to help shape the program as he/she provides exceptional preschool care and education. The Head Children's Leader will contribute to the department goal of inspiring life-long connections through education, play, and exploration in a premier preschool environment that supports the whole child’s development while preparing children for school, through active leadership. Class sizes will range from 8-24 children with one Head Children's Leader and two Children's Leaders. The Head Children's Leader of this premier program will be responsible for developing developmentally appropriate programming along that aligns with the Department of Parks & Recreation Preschool Curriculum.

Gro Preschool is a Natural Education Space, incorporating both indoor and outdoor classrooms. The outdoor classroom will have a variety of stations for preschoolers to explore music, movement, gardening, and the natural world around them. The outdoor classroom provides an environment for children to collaborate, be inquisitive and promotes a lifelong connection and appreciation to the children's natural surroundings.

This program is Virginia State licensed; therefore, the Head Children’s Leader is responsible for ensuring compliance with the regulations pertaining to the Department of Social Services and best practices of early childhood education. The Head Children's Leader is responsible for the health, safety, and welfare of the children they are assigned to.

About This Role

This is a supervisor leadership-level position that is responsible for supervising, leading, and supporting subordinate staff members and department operations. Reports to our full time Recreation Specialist working with and administering licensed and non-licensed children's programs. This position is located at the Gro Preschool at James S. Long Park.

The Head Children’s Leader Will Be Responsible For

• Delivering well-planned, high-quality preschool programs and summer camps. Programs are planned and implemented through collaboration with the Children Leaders and Recreation Specialist, review of current registration and surveys to better understand the needs of the programs.
• Developing and evaluating lesson plans in accordance with program curriculum. Maximizes employee performance and program effectiveness.
• Ensuring quality guest interactions. Parents, students, and staff are treated respectfully and timely. They feel their concerns have been heard and addressed fairly.
• Establishing policies within the class to ensure safety and security of staff and patrons. Monitor patron and staff injury and accident logs and follow up on how we can fix the issue.
• Ensuring all staff receive training on safety protocols and policies and procedures for the Gro Preschool building, and outdoor spaces. Monitor to ensure all are being followed and documented.
• Maintaining compliance with all state licensing requirements.
  
  

Minimum Requirements: High School Diploma or G.E.D.

Special Requirements

• The minimum age requirement is 18 years of age.
• The Department of Parks and Recreation conducts DMV records checks on all employees driving for work purposes and criminal background checks on all hires age 18 years and older. Fingerprinting required
  
  

Preferences:

• 21 years of age
• Bachelor’s Degree in a child-related field (such as education, nursing, recreation) from a college & university.
• Early Childhood certificate, child development credential, or Montessori teaching diploma.
• 3 months of programmatic experience
• 6 months of supervised programmatic experience
  
  

Work Schedule: This is a year-round position.

• Teaching in Classroom: 20 hrs. (Monday – Friday) 8:30am – 12:30pm
• Planning/Lesson Plans/Administrative: 10 hrs. (Monday-Friday) 1-3pm
• Total Hours per week: 30 hours
  
  

Starting Rate of Pay Range: $21.14 - $27.35/hr. PLUS great Benefits - see them here!This description is intended to highlight the key element of the position. Click here for the class description.

Prince William County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.