Job Description

The University of Notre Dame is more than a workplace! We are a vibrant, mission-driven community where every employee is valued and supported. Rooted in a tradition of excellence and inspired by our Catholic character, Notre Dame is committed to fostering an environment of care that nurtures the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Here, you will find a deep sense of belonging, a culture that prioritizes well-being, and the opportunity to grow your career while being a force for good in the world. Whether contributing to world-class research, shaping the student experience, or supporting the University’s mission in other ways, you will be part of a dedicated team working to make a meaningful impact on campus and beyond. At Notre Dame, your work matters, and so do you!

Job Description

Position Summary
The Early Childcare Program Director is responsible for the overall management and success of the RCLC Preschool. This includes designing and implementing a high-quality early childhood education program that promotes developmentally appropriate learning, supports children’s holistic growth, and maintains strict adherence to health and safety standards.

The Director oversees all aspects of program administration, including curriculum development, staff supervision, enrollment and family engagement, fiscal management, and compliance with state and local regulations. This role also plays a key part in community engagement and outreach, ensuring that the RCLC Preschool continues to be a trusted and inclusive learning environment for children ages 2–5.

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership and Staff Supervision

• Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate full-time AmeriCorps members serving assistant teachers, as well as preschool staff and Community-Based Learning student volunteers.
• Lead regular team and individual meetings, provide coaching and feedback, and foster a collaborative, team-oriented environment through intentional team-building experiences.

Financial Oversight and Voucher Management

• Apply for and maintain eligibility for the Indiana State Child Care Voucher program and Ready to Grow St. Joe.
• Support parents in applying for child care vouchers and monitor all aspects of the voucher program, including attendance and payments.
• Track preschool income and expenses.

Program Development and Classroom Implementation

• Plan and implement a daily preschool program that supports each child’s physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development in a nurturing, literacy-rich environment.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and emergency care protocols and sanitation guidelines.
• Utilize a state-approved curriculum that values diversity, cultural awareness, and individual learning styles.
• Conduct ongoing assessments of children’s development, the classroom environment, and program quality using both observations and standardized tools.

Family Engagement and Recruitment

• Recruit and enroll up to 45 children per session, with a focus on serving low-income families.
• Develop and execute marketing and outreach strategies, meet with families, provide tours, and maintain partnerships with South Bend Community School Corporation (SBCSC) Adult Programs to recruit families in English as a New Language (ENL) classes.
• Build strong relationships with parents through regular communication, home visits, parent-teacher conferences, parent education opportunities, and daily engagement.

Community and Regulatory Partnerships

• Develop and maintain relationships with key early childhood and regulatory partners, including Indiana State Licensing, the Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning (OECOSL), Paths to Quality (PTQ), Family Connection, SPARK Learning Lab, CACFP, and the Indiana Association for the Education of Young Children (IAEYC).
• Prepare applications and reports, coordinate site inspections, meet regularly with consultants, and ensure ongoing compliance with all applicable standards and requirements.

Collaboration and Relationship Building

• Partner with RCLC staff to promote a welcoming, relationship-centered environment that supports learning and community engagement throughout the Center.

#LI-AW1

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in Education or Early Childhood Education preferred.

Experience: 3–4 years of experience in early childhood education, program administration, or a related field.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Strong understanding of early childhood development, curriculum planning, and classroom management.
• Familiarity with health and safety standards in early learning environments.
• Ability to engage effectively with a diverse population of children and families.
• Patience, flexibility, creativity, and a spirit of adventure.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and multitask.
• Proficiency with Google Suite and social media platforms.
• Bilingual proficiency is a plus.

Additional Information

Application Deadline to Apply : November 28, 2025

Hiring Pay Range : Up to $70,000 | Commensurate with experience

At Notre Dame, we know our impact depends on exceptional people, people like you. We are committed to fostering a vibrant, welcoming community. In keeping with our mission, we encourage applications from all who will help build and strengthen our beloved community. We strive to empower every employee to flourish, knowing your success propels Notre Dame to new heights of impact.

Job Tags

Similar Jobs