Executive Director - Nature-Based Preschool

Seeds of Wonder, a nature-based Montessori-influenced preschool and toddler program in Kittery, Maine, seeks a year-round Executive Director.

Opened in September of 2022, Seeds of Wonder was established through a partnership of White Pine Programs and Brixham Montessori Friends School to expand high quality and affordable early childhood education. Brixham’s mission to honor each child’s individuality, creativity and intellectual potential through an enriched Montessori educational program aligns well with White Pine’s mission to forge personal resilience, nurture community and promote lifelong caretaking of the natural world through environmental experiences.

Our nature-based Montessori program is seeking its first, full-time executive director. This person will play an integral role in implementing the vision of our founding organizations and our board of directors. The right candidate will have a mix of experience with handling day-to-day operations such as staffing, family communications and admissions with achieving long-term goals of the program where nature and Montessori practices are seamlessly integrated into the curriculum.

Please send a cover letter, resume, official transcripts and three written letters of reference to office@seedsofwonder.org.

Education & Training:

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in education or environmental studies.
• Adept at using technology to include Google apps, Zoom, Squarespace, Mailchimp, and apps specifically designed for child care programs.
• Experience or willingness to be trained in: Positive Discipline, Nature Connection, Montessori Practices and Medicine Administration.

Prior Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of early childhood supervisory & management experience.
• Direct classroom experience is preferred but not required.
• Writing of curriculum, organizational policies, training plans, and other operational materials.
• Handling of outside services to work with students with special needs (OT, etc.)

Qualifications

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to provide honest feedback and have hard conversations.
• Attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to give and receive constructive feedback, create systems of accountability, and demonstrate commitment to program mission.
• Ability to collaborate and work in a team environment.
• Initiative, curiosity, and ability to “think outside the box”. Ready to dive into an evolving school.
• High level of comfort with the outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Genuine love of children, families and all things in art and nature.
• An inclusive, holistic and community-driven attitude and approach to teaching, operating and leading.

Role Expectations:

School Operations

• Year-round oversight of school operations, financials, staffing and students.
• Financial responsibilities include payroll, time tracking, benefits administration, budgeting, basic bookkeeping, banking functions and billing.
• Maintain personnel and child records in accordance with Maine child care licensing rules and regulations.
• Maintain the parent handbook and the policies within it. Be open to reviewing best practices and updates that serve our community.
• In partnership with teaching staff, handle all gear management, inventory control, ordering, etc.
• Supply management for office, restrooms, outdoor & indoor classrooms.
• Review program policies and protocols with new staff, substitutes and volunteers as part of the orientation process.
• Manage parent educational workshops that align with school values and curriculum.
• Daily risk assessments and management for outdoor space and curriculum.
• Manage connections and needs for outside services such as occupational therapy, speech therapy, etc.

Teachers & Professional Development

• Observe classroom communities and provide constructive feedback to teachers on areas of concern or improvement.
• Manage the teaching schedule and arrange for substitute teachers as needed.
• Hire and maintain teaching staff, substitute teachers and anticipate future hiring needs.
• Oversee teacher’s professional development plans and execution thereof.
• Participate in staff reviews and provide written feedback.

Curriculum

• Ensure curriculum goals are documented and met in regards to both Montessori teaching standards and nature-based education expectations and culture.
• Document scope and sequence, thematic overlays to curriculum and student evaluations.

Enrollment

• Meet prospective parents and guide them through the application process.
• Manage Brightwheel enrollment process and billing plans.
• Participate and contribute to fundraising opportunities such as grant proposals, community events, etc.

Community Engagement

• Liaise with community members for volunteer opportunities and service projects.
• Communicate and collaborate with the Kittery Community Center leadership team.
• Collaborate with other leaders in the community doing work in the nature-based realm. Be part of working groups as appropriate.

Accountability

• Report biweekly to the Co-Founders.
• Report operations monthly in written board reports and in person at board meetings when requested

Safety

• Follow and ensure adherence to safety and risk assessment procedures by other staff, volunteers, and students.

SOW does not discriminate, on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, creed, religion, sex or gender, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, status with regard to public assistance, or in any other way based on personal identity markers that do not relate to the capacity of an individual person to carry out the responsibilities of a role.

Job Types: Part-time, Temporary

Pay: From $28.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

COVID-19 considerations:
Masking rules are due to change at any time and will be dictated by our facility host, the Kittery Community Center.

Application Question(s):

• Have you taught in an outdoor environment before? What is your experience specifically?
• What experience do you have working with children?
• Do you currently live within 45 miles of Kittery, Maine?
• Are you willing to have a background check upon hire and at any point during your tenure with Seeds of Wonder?
• Have you worked in a Montessori environment before?

Experience:

• Childcare/Teaching: 3 years (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $28