Walter Ambrose Family Center Director

WEBSTER GROVES SCHOOL DISTRICT•Webster Groves, MO

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Early Childhood leads the Walter Ambrose Family Center (WAFC) Preschool and Parents as Teachers (PAT) program as a child-centered, equity-minded, and forward-thinking leader. The role leads a Reggio Emilia–inspired, constructivist learning community grounded in Project Construct, where children are viewed as capable and curious and families, teachers, and children learn together. The Director also connects early childhood programming to the district’s PreK–3 vision so children’s learning continues into kindergarten and beyond. The Director oversees daily program operations, staff, enrollment, budgets, licensing and program requirements, and partnerships with families, district leaders, community agencies, and state agencies. The position supports developmentally appropriate learning environments and assessment, professional learning, kindergarten transitions, and services for children with IEPs. The position is full-time, exempt, follows a 260-day work calendar, and reports to the Superintendent. The position is for the 2027–2028 school year and is based at Walter Ambrose Family Center in Webster Groves, Missouri.

Requirements

Master’s degree in early childhood education, educational leadership, or a related field.
Meet the criteria of DHSS-Childcare Licensing standards.
At least five years of experience in early childhood education.
Demonstrated knowledge of constructivist, play-based, and developmentally appropriate practice.

Nice To Haves

Experience implementing Reggio Emilia–inspired practice as a teacher, pedagogical leader, or administrator.
Completion of Project Construct training and experience implementing it.
Experience with Parents as Teachers, early childhood special education, and child care licensing.

Responsibilities

Keep children’s best interests at the center of decision-making, guided by an agreed-upon vision, mission, and set of beliefs.
Lead and sustain a Reggio Emilia–inspired, constructivist learning community grounded in Project Construct, including the environment as the third teacher, pedagogical documentation, and emergent, project-based inquiry.
Guide authentic, ongoing assessment aligned to Project Construct and the Missouri Early Learning Standards, using results to support children and improve the program.
Collaborate with elementary principals and district leadership on PreK–3 alignment and transitions to kindergarten in support of the district strategic plan.
Oversee daily operations of the WAFC Preschool and PAT Program.
Direct student registration, waitlist management, and child growth evaluations for early learning initiatives, and engage with prospective WAFC households in the community.
Hire, develop, supervise, and demonstrate care for WAFC staff and PAT programs.
Support the creation and nurturing of physical and social environments where children have the space, tools, and support to construct their own knowledge.
Partner with families to ensure children’s needs are met.
Work with program leaders and staff to provide relevant professional learning, including Project Construct training and Reggio-inspired practices such as documentation and reflective dialogue.
Maintain DHSS child care licensing and any accreditation pursued by the district, including health, safety, background check, and state reporting requirements.
Ensure the PAT program meets Parents as Teachers model and affiliate requirements.
Work with building and district leadership to establish and monitor WAFC program budgets.
Coordinate preschool programming and staff with Special School District leadership in support of children with IEPs.
Seek out and apply for grants to provide additional funding.
Facilitate building walkthroughs and school visits from other schools and organizations.
Collaborate with building and district administrators, community agencies, and state agencies.
Perform other duties as assigned.