POSITION TITLE: Director of the Olivia Haverkamp Christian Early Learning Center (ELC)

POSITION SUMMARY

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Leadership & Program Oversight

• Lead daily operations with professionalism, warmth, visibility, and servant leadership
• Foster a collaborative, respectful, and Christ-centered culture
• Ensure a safe, nurturing, developmentally appropriate, and play-based learning environment
• Conduct classroom observations and support strong instructional and curriculum practices
• Maintain consistent quality and program expectations across all classrooms
• Lead with both compassion and clarity, balancing accountability with encouragement and support

2. Admissions & Enrollment

• Help conduct tours and informational meetings for prospective families
• Collaborate with the Elementary Director of Admissions on enrollment planning and retention efforts
• Maintain clear and effective communication with families regarding enrollment, expectations, and program updates
• Support admissions practices that align with the mission and values of Grand Rapids Christian Schools

3. Staff Supervision & Professional Development

• Follow GRC hiring processes and state licensing requirements to recruit, hire, onboard, supervise, and annually evaluate staff
• Provide ongoing coaching, encouragement, professional development, and spiritual support to help staff grow professionally and personally
• Lead staff meetings and foster a collaborative culture of communication, accountability, growth, and shared responsibility
• Address performance concerns with clarity, consistency, and grace while upholding GRC policies and expectations
• Conduct regular staff observations, evaluations, and coaching conversations that provide meaningful feedback and support professional growth
• Plan, coordinate, and lead a minimum of 16 hours of annual professional development to support licensing requirements and program excellence

4. Curriculum & Instruction

• Oversee ELC curriculum implementation and ensure alignment with early childhood standards, child development best practices, and age-appropriate learning experiences
• Conduct classroom observations and provide instructional coaching that supports nurturing, engaging, play-based, and Christ-centered learning environments
• Support teaching staff in observing and documenting children’s growth and development through assessments, portfolios, and family communication
• Collaborate with instructional coaches and teaching staff to strengthen curriculum planning, classroom practices, and continuity across the early childhood program

5. Community & Communication

• Develop and share ELC communications in collaboration with the Evergreen office for inclusion in school communications and the Home Bulletin
• Foster strong partnerships and communication with families, staff, and the broader school community
• Support opportunities for family engagement and community connection within the ELC program

6. Operations & Licensing Compliance 

• Ensure all classrooms maintain full compliance with state licensing requirements and applicable standards on the Evergreen Campus 
• Oversee licensing processes, inspections, documentation, and the accuracy of all student and staff files on the Evergreen Campus 
• Conduct regular licensing walkthroughs and ensure timely implementation of corrective actions when needed on the Evergreen Campus 
• Maintain policies, health and safety standards, and overall organization of programs on the Evergreen Campus
• Ensure ongoing compliance with all GSRP requirements, including documentation, reporting, program implementation, and collaboration with district and state partners

7. Operational Management

• Manage staffing schedules to ensure compliance with state-mandated child-to-staff ratios
• Oversee daily operational needs of the ELC, GSRP classroom, and Kids Care 
• Coordinate annual handbook updates and program documentation
• Collaborate with the building principal to develop and maintain the yearly ELC calendar
• Oversee the ELC budget, including monitoring program expenses, purchases, and resource allocation in alignment with program needs and approved budgets

8. Kids Care & Summer Programs

• Support the Iroquois Preschool and Kids Care Coordinator as needed to ensure the Kids Care Summer programming aligns with licensing requirements, student needs, and the mission of Grand Rapids Christian Schools
   

• Required degrees, coursework, and/or experience as outlined in R.400.8204 of the Licensing Rules for Child Care Centers through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)
• Experience in an early childhood setting
• Relevant teaching and/or administrative experience
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and relational skills
• Commitment to Christian education and the mission of Grand Rapids Christian Schools
• Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to actively engage with young children throughout the day, including sitting on the floor, bending, kneeling, reaching, and moving quickly as needed to ensure child safety and supervision. Ability to frequently lift, carry, and assist children weighing up to 40 pounds. Ability to safely respond in emergency situations and assist with daily classroom activities and care routines. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
     

The Director of the Olivia Haverkamp Christian Early Learning Center (ELC) is a:

• Disciple of Christ
• Culturally Competent Professional
• Thoughtful Neighbor
• Justice Seeker
• Creative Solution Finder
• Lifelong Explorer
• Communicator and Collaborator
   

READY TO APPLY?

Applicants should complete the online professional staff application available on the GRCS website and submit it along with a resume, letter of interest, and statement of faith to Emily Jansen (ejansen@grcs.org), Principal, Grand Rapids Christian Elementary, Evergreen Campus. Application deadline: Until filled