Sunflower Farm Director of Education

Sunflower Farm Director of Education

Position Description

Sunflower Farm is seeking a creative, dynamic, and experienced Director of Education. Qualified applicants should be well versed in CDHS licensing rules and regulations along with Boulder County Public Health and have a good working relationship with them. Applicants must enjoy working outdoors and familiar with farm animals. The director is an integral team member on the farm so effective communication skills are required.

Who We Are:

Sunflower Farm is a 55 acre working farm in Southwest Longmont. Our program mission is to cultivate an appreciation for farming, nature, and our sustainable future by providing a place of mindful education and memories through daily farm routines, experiential play, relationships and stillness. Our curriculum is inspired by Richard Louv's ongoing research and his book "Last Child in the Woods”. Following the natural rhythm of the seasons we have a set curriculum of harvesting and planting as well as animal education. We incorporate meaningful academics into every aspect of our program.

Position Summary

The Director is a key individual who is responsible for programming on the farm. Sunflower Farm has a preschool and school age school year program, a preschool summer camp, and a school aged summer camp. The director is responsible for all operations of these programs. An applicant must possess a high level of open and honest communication. The Director of Education is the main contact for staff, families and governmental agencies. The director coordinates schedules, develops on going curriculum as needed, training, etc. The Director provides the Farm Manager and Owner with information needed to keep the preschool operating in accordance with the Colorado Department of Human Services and the school’s vision. The director also assists the preschool teachers with instruction, guidance and subbing as needed.

We are seeking a Preschool Director who:

· Possesses excellent communication skills and conflict resolution skills in both children and adults.

· Must be willing to listen to teachers, children and families and take information into account and make solid decisions and stand behind their decisions.

· Applicant must show passion about outdoor programming and be instrumental in creating an atmosphere of curiosity, learning, joy, wonder, mindfulness and stillness.

· Applicant should inspire trust, have a high levels of self-confidence and optimism, and models a high standard of integrity and personal performance

· Is a strong communicator; speaking, listening and writing

· Will oversee the school program operations, strategy, and growth.

· Knows and understands Colorado childcare licensing rules and regulations.

· Participates in the supervision process of preschool staff as well as subbing as needed.

· Loves being outside in nature, loves children and animals.

Job Responsibilities, but not limited to:

· Maintains all teacher program files according to CDHS and BCPH standards

· Works directly with & manages teachers

· Organize and attend program events, open houses & orientations

· Develops educational curriculum and the vision of program

· Communicates effectively with parents and their needs

· Meets with parents regarding the needs of their children

· Creates classroom rosters

· Keeps track of teacher hours to submit to payroll

· Organizes Subs when teachers are out and subs when needed

· Manages Sawyer Registration system

· Facilitates and manages new enrollments

· Manges Homeroom Photo site

· Writes welcomes letters, email updates, handbook updates, reminders etc.

· Conducts interviews/hires/ fires program staff

· Purchasing and managing staff wish list

· Mentors’ teachers to create student portfolios, helps with yearly teacher conferences and student developmental checklists.

· Supervise, coach, and evaluate all program staff.

· Works effectively with contracted staff (therapists, ABA, RBT)

· Plan and direct staff meetings and staff training/development.

· Assist in the development and management of the annual operating budget together with the Farm Manager.

Job Skills and Qualifications:
1. Strong understanding of Early Childhood Education best practices and experience in successful management of staff and growth of a preschool program.
2. Passion for outdoor based education, nature, and farming.
3. Strong ethics in teamwork and commitment to follow-through.

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Large Center Director qualified by either CDHS or Colorado Shines.
• A minimum of 4 years of teaching experience, with at least 2 years of experience as a preschool Director.
• In good standing with CDHS and BCPS and shows a solid understanding in how to implement these rules and regs on a farm.
• Demonstrated experience in effectively solving challenging problems through a positive, collaborative approach.

· Registered on Colorado Shines PDIS

· Must be prepared to be outside most of the time and enjoy nature and farm elements.

· Must comply with all city and state rules and regulations.

Supervision Received and Exercised
The Director of Education reports to the Farm Manager.

The Director of Education manages all program teachers, assistants, and volunteers.

What We Can Offer:

• Salary Range- $65,000-80,000 based on qualifications and experience.
• Paid Time Off
• Health Insurance

All applicants must include a cover letter describing how Sunflower Farm’s farm based, outdoor programming and practice aligns with your core values in education and what excites you about this position. Please provide a resume and 3 professional references.

This position begins on May 31, with required training during the month of May.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $65,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Supplemental Pay:

• Bonus pay

COVID-19 considerations:
Yes

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Longmont, CO 80504: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• Early childhood education: 4 years (Preferred)

Work Location: One location