Mannahouse Christian Academy Vancouver Preschool Director Vancouver, WA · Full time Company website

Apply for Vancouver Preschool Director

For more than 50 years Mannahouse Academy has been providing the finest in academic excellence in a wholesome Christ-centered environment within NE Portland and SW Washington. MCA offers preschool through 12th grade and has been serving many local families and the larger Christian community. It offers an excellent educational experience in a vibrant, Spirit-filled environment. At MCA, we understand and we work alongside parents to help prepare children academically, spiritually, and inter-personally. Our curriculum is presented in the context of a Christian worldview. Along with providing an excellent academic foundation, the staff and faculty work along side parents to develop strong moral character in the student’s lives.

PURPOSE AND SUMMARY

The Preschool Director oversees the daily operations of the preschool program, ensuring a safe, nurturing, organized, and Christ-centered environment that supports the spiritual, social, emotional, physical, and academic development of young children. This role provides leadership for preschool staff, program operations, licensing compliance, and family engagement while promoting professionalism, accountability, teamwork, and servant leadership.

The Preschool Director ensures compliance with Washington State licensing regulations, company policies, and applicable health, safety, labor, and childcare requirements. This position also fosters strong communication, staff development, collaboration, and connectedness across preschool teams, school leadership, and families.

The Director is a strong, experienced leader who demonstrates moral, spiritual, ethical, and empathetic leadership; values transparency and teamwork; communicates with wisdom and care; and confidently addresses challenges and conflict with professionalism and compassion. This position supports the mission and values of the school and requires a commitment to contributing positively to a Christ-centered educational environment.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

• Reports directly to the Superintendent
• Supervisory responsibility for Preschool Teachers and Aides

RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership & Staff Management

• Lead, supervise, schedule, train, and evaluate preschool staff using fair, consistent, and professional practices
• Foster a Christ-centered culture of teamwork, accountability, professionalism, and mutual respect
• Provide coaching, performance management, conflict resolution, and ongoing staff development
• Maintain appropriate staffing coverage and child-to-staff ratios in compliance with licensing requirements
• Facilitate staff meetings, training, cross-training, and team-building initiatives

Compliance & Operations

• Oversee compliance with Washington State DCYF licensing, WAC 110-300 requirements, company policies, and applicable laws
• Maintain required records related to students, staff, incidents, licensing, and operations
• Ensure staff maintain required trainings, certifications, background checks, and licensing documentation
• Oversee facility safety, cleanliness, emergency preparedness, and operational readiness
• Support licensing visits, inspections, audits, and corrective action follow-up

Program & Family Engagement

• Support implementation of developmentally appropriate curriculum and classroom practices
• Maintain strong, professional relationships with families, staff, and leadership
• Communicate clearly regarding student progress, program updates, enrollment, and expectations
• Support enrollment, tours, registration, and onboarding processes
• Address concerns with professionalism, empathy, and timely resolution

Administrative Responsibilities

• Support budgeting, purchasing, and inventory oversight
• Coordinate facility maintenance and operational needs with appropriate departments
• Maintain confidentiality, professionalism, and sound judgment in all duties
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Must be an active member in good standing of Mannahouse or like-minded church, including consistent attendance, ministry participation, and tithing
• Meets or is able to meet Washington State DCYF qualifications for a Child Care Center Director under WAC 110-300
• Strong knowledge of early childhood development, curriculum practices, and licensing regulations
• Minimum of 2 years of early childhood experience and prior leadership/supervisory experience preferred
• Demonstrated experience in staff leadership, scheduling, compliance oversight, and operational management
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to lead difficult conversations with professionalism, empathy, and clarity
• Ability to remain composed and effective in fast-paced or high-pressure situations
• ECE credential (CDA/equivalent) preferred or obtainable within required timelines
• Current or ability to obtain required trainings, MERIT registration, CPR/First Aid, and background clearance
• Strong professionalism, confidentiality, and ethical judgment

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, or related field
• Experience leading a licensed preschool or childcare program
• Experience in a Christian education environment
• Familiarity with Washington State Early Achievers standards and participation requirements

REQUIREMENTS

Leadership Expectations

• Lead with integrity, humility, transparency, and emotional maturity
• Demonstrate teachability, confidence, and a solutions-oriented mindset
• Communicate clearly and effectively while seeking to understand and care for others
• Address conflict and challenges directly, respectfully, and constructively
• Build trust, collaboration, and connectedness across teams and leadership
• Model Christ-centered servant leadership in all interactions
• Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement

Faith Requirement

• This position supports the mission and values of the school. Employees are expected to demonstrate a commitment to Christian principles and contribute positively to a Christ-centered educational environment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to move throughout the preschool environment throughout the day
• Ability to supervise children indoors and outdoors
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 40 pounds
• Ability to respond quickly in emergency situations
• Regular attendance and punctuality are essential functions of this role

ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Ensures full compliance with Washington State DCYF licensing requirements, WAC 110-300 regulations, and applicable laws and policies
• Maintains required staffing ratios, supervision standards, and operational readiness of the preschool program
• Ensures staff compliance with training, certification, and licensing requirements
• Maintains accurate and timely records in alignment with licensing and organizational standards
• Upholds a safe, organized, and developmentally appropriate learning environment
• Ensures consistent professionalism, communication standards, and Christ-centered culture across staff and families
• Supports overall program stability, staff effectiveness, and operational integrity

BENEFITS

• Tuition remission for eligible employees’ children (6 weeks–12th grade; reduced tuition for toddler programs where applicable)
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, retirement, life insurance, and disability coverage