Preschool Director

Wake Forest United Methodist Church is seeking a Director for the church preschool. The preschool operates half-day, Monday – Thursday, following the Wake County Schools traditional calendar. We would like the new director to serve/observe several weeks in May before preschool ends, then begin as Director in August.

The Preschool Director oversees all aspects of the church’s preschool to ensure a high-quality, Christian preschool education experience. This role nurtures the spiritual growth of children, provides leadership to staff, ensures operational excellence, and strengthens collaboration between the preschool and other ministries of Wake Forest United Methodist Church.

• Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or a related field.
• Prior work experience in early childhood education or a related field.
• Genuine love for children and a passion for strengthening their faith development.
• Enthusiastic, energetic, and professional work ethic; warm-hearted and a team player.
• Ability to treat coworkers, congregation, visitors, and children with dignity and respect.
• Self-starter with the ability to see what needs to be done and complete tasks independently.
• Commitment to the mission and vision of Wake Forest United Methodist Church.
• Required certifications include CPR and First Aid.

• Strong leadership and staff development skills.
• Ability to plan and implement age-appropriate, mission-aligned curriculum.
• Strong organizational and administrative abilities.
• Ability to recruit, train, and lead staff and volunteers effectively.
• Effective communication skills with parents, staff, church leaders, and the community.
• Knowledge of preschool licensing, health, and safety requirements.
• Ability to manage budgeting, financial oversight, and operational systems.
• Skilled in social media, digital communication platforms and Microsoft Office.

• Maintain up-to-date job descriptions for all preschool positions.
• Recruit, hire, train, and equip staff needed to operate the preschool effectively.
• Maintain a substitute teacher list and assist staff in securing substitutes.
• Prepare annual contracts for preschool staff, including pay rates and calendar details.
• Conduct staff observations and annual performance evaluations in collaboration with the Preschool Committee Director and Senior Pastor.
• Address and resolve staff performance concerns promptly and appropriately.
• Encourage participation in professional development, workshops, and continuing education.
• Recruit, train, equip, and celebrate the work of Little Chapel Preschool staff.
• Maintain the WFUMC Little Chapel Preschool Handbook.

• Ensure curriculum aligns with the church’s mission and is developmentally appropriate (using NAEYC guidelines, WNCC, UMC, W.I.S.E., etc.).
• Prepare the annual staff calendar, including weekly themes, Bible curriculum, and special events.
• Ensure programming promotes kindergarten readiness.
• Oversee Chapel Time with support from church staff.
• Facilitate opportunities for arts, field trips, and special programs.

• Manage student registration, including preparation of materials and the parent handbook.
• Maintain enrollment and ensure parent compliance with registration requirements.
• Prepare the annual operating budget in collaboration with the Preschool Committee.
• Operate the preschool within the approved budget.
• Review monthly financials and provide summaries to the Preschool Committee and WFUMC Finance Committee.
• Ensure all financial procedures are followed in coordination with the WFUMC Financial Manager.
• Ensure the preschool program meets all North Carolina state and local licensing and safety regulations, including fire, health, and environmental inspections.
• Maintain appropriate equipment for each age group, in the classrooms and playgrounds, ensuring all equipment is properly maintained.
• Oversee fire and weather safety drills.
• Ensure compliance with the WFUMC Safe Sanctuary.

• Oversee the inclusion and balance of church members and preschool parents on the Preschool Committee to strengthen…