Director

Reports To: Owner/Executive Director

Location: Explorers Learning Academy - NE (ELA-NE), 8212 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97220

Employment Type: Full-Time, Salaried

Base Salary: $52,000 annually

Bonus Potential: Up to $33,000 annually (performance-based)

Position Overview: The Childcare Director will be responsible for the overall leadership, compliance, performance, and operational excellence of Explorers Learning Academy. This includes maintaining a high-quality, luxurious environment inside and outside the center that reflects excellence, cultural pride, and attention to detail. Ensure that: All spaces are intentionally designed to be clutter-free, soothing, and conducive to learning. Classrooms follow Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, with accessible materials, flexible learning spaces, and visual supports that promote independence and inclusivity for all children. Indoor and outdoor areas reflect a sense of pride, safety, and warmth for children, families, and staff. Ensure full enrollment capacity of 49 children (36 preschool, 13 infants/toddlers). Lead SPARK documentation and site visits to achieve and sustain a 5-star rating. Monitor all ProCare and Kaymbu data to ensure compliance in child files, ratios, family communication, and licensing documentation. Manage staffing, family engagement, curriculum fidelity, state compliance, and quality improvement initiatives like SPARK and Preschool for All (PFA). Minimum QualificationsOregon Registry Step 9 or Higher (Required) Minimum of 3 years’ experience in managing a licensed early childhood education program Proven experience with: Staff recruitment and retention Oregon's SPARK Quality Rating and Improvement System Child Care licensing requirements Implementing curriculum with fidelity (HighScope, Montessori-Inspired Environments, Second Step, etc.) Contract compliance for publicly funded programs (e.g., PFA, CCI, ERDC) Marketing Program OversightEnsure full enrollment of 49 children (36 preschool, 13 infants/toddlers) Maintain compliance with licensing standards and safety regulations Lead SPARK documentation and site visits Implement monitoring systems via Playground and other tools to track child files, staff credentials, and program metrics Maintain compliance with all Preschool For All rules and regulations Staff ManagementThe Childcare Director is responsible for maintaining a fully staffed team of11 core employeesand themselves. The staffing structure reflects a balance of credentialed professionals across early childhood age groups and support roles, ensuring optimal adult-child ratios and consistent high-quality care. Team Composition: (2) Lead Preschool Teachers– Oregon RegistryStep 8 (2) Assistant Preschool Teachers– Oregon RegistryStep 7 (2) Infant Teachers– Oregon RegistryStep 7 (1) Toddler Teacher– Oregon RegistryStep 7 (2) Floaters– Oregon RegistryStep 7 (1) Bus Driver– Must hold a valid driver’s license, complete Safety Set, and pass ODE background check (1) Substitute Director– Oregon RegistryStep 8.5 The director is responsible for the recruitment, onboarding, and retention of all staff members. Each classroom team must meet Oregon Child Care Licensing adult-child ratios and Step-level requirements at all times. Floaters will support across classrooms during breaks, transitions, and absences. The Substitute Director/Cook provides operational and culinary support and must be prepared to assume administrative leadership when the Director is off-site. Maintaining 100% staffing levels is a performance-based compensation indicator, evaluated quarterly. Family & Community EngagementOversee the delivery of three annual Parent-Teacher Conferences per child Ensure ASQ and ASQ: SE screenings are completed within 45 days of enrollment Plan and host a minimum of six family engagement events annually Monitor family satisfaction and ensure survey ratings are ≥ 85% Educational QualityLead the fidelity implementation of HighScope, Learning Without Tears, and SecondSteps. Monitor classrooms for intentional teaching practices and documentation Support team with ongoing coaching, training, and mentoring Strategic Enrollment Planning: Develop and execute comprehensive enrollment strategies to attract and retain families Analyze enrollment trends and adjust strategies to meet enrollment goals Organize and conduct monthly open houses and facility tours for prospective families Attend community events with a marketing table to promote ELA's programs Distribute marketing materials monthly within the community to increase visibility Maintain a waiting list Marketing & Communications: Create and manage daily social media posts to engage current and prospective families Develop and implement marketing campaigns across various platforms (social media, print, digital) Collaborate with the Owner/Executive Director to ensure consistent branding and messaging Community Partnerships: Establish and maintain relationships with local organizations, schools, and community groups to support enrollment efforts Represent ELA at community meetings and events to build awareness and partnerships Performance-Based Incentive Bonus StructureBase Salary:$52,000 annually

Maximum Bonus Potential: $33,000 annually Total Compensation Potential:$85,000 annually Performance Indicator Bonus Frequency Annual Value Payout Breakdown 100% Student Enrollment (49 slots filled) Monthly $6,000 $500/month 100% Staff Team Employed and at Required Step Quarterly $3,000 $750/quarter On Time Monthly Reports Quarterly $2,000 $500/quarter SPARK Quality Rating Maintained Annually $2,000 Annual payout Zero Licensing Violations Bi-Annually $3,000 $1,500 every 6 months Curriculum Implemented to Fidelity Quarterly $3,000 $750/quarter Community Engagement Events (6/year) Bi-Annually $2,000 $1,000/every 6 months Family Engagement Events (6/year) Bi-Annually $2,000 $1,000/every 6 months ASQs & ASQ:SE Completed Timely Quarterly $2,000 $500/quarter 3 Parent-Teacher Conferences (100% Completed) Quarterly $2,000 $500/quarter All payable submitted prior to the 1st of each month Monthly $2,000 $167/month All Public Contracts Enrolled (PFA, ERDC, CCI) Bi-Annually $2,000 $1,000 every 6 months All bonuses are tied to verifiable documentation, audits, and administrative reviews.

Employee Benefits: At Explorer Learning Academy (ELA), we honor the value of leadership and the personal investment required to nurture high-quality early childhood education. Our benefits package reflects our belief in work-life balance, wellness, and long-term commitment.

Paid Time Off: 40 hours of paid sick leave annually, accrued in accordance with Oregon law. Vacation Leave (Based on Tenure): After 1 year of employment: 1 week (5 business days) of paid vacation After 3 years of continuous employment, 2 weeks (10 business days) of paid vacation

Paid Holidays: All federal programmatic holidays are observed with pay, including but not limited to: New Year’s Day Martin Luther King Jr. Day Memorial Day Independence Day Labor Day Thanksgiving Day & the day after Christmas Day Insurance Coverage: Health Insurance– Comprehensive medical coverage Vision Insurance– Annual eye exams and corrective lenses Dental Insurance– Preventive, basic, and major dental care Life Insurance– Employer-paid life insurance policy for added security Oregon Registry Training Support: All employees are expected to complete 30 hours of Oregon Registry-approved training annually. Training opportunities are supported by the program.

Tuition Reimbursement Program: Eligible after one full year of employment Reimburses up to $1,000 per year for out-of-pocket tuition expenses related to coursework applicable to Oregon Registry advancement Lifetime cap of $5,000 per employee Student Loan Repayment Assistance: Available after three years of continuous employment Up to $5,000 annually in tax-free student loan repayment support for qualified education loans Intended to reduce the financial burden of higher education and support career sustainability in the early childhood field