Early Learning Director

ENCOMPASS•North Bend, WA

22h•Onsite

About The Position

The Early Learning Director provides visionary and operational leadership for Encompass’s Early Learning programs, including Preschool and two ECEAP sites. This role blends strategy, people leadership, program quality, and community partnership. It helps ensure that children, families, and staff experience excellence, care, and consistency every day. The Director is a key member of Encompass’s leadership team, collaborating across departments to strengthen systems, grow impact, and advance our mission. Encompass is a private nonprofit serving the Snoqualmie Valley and Issaquah communities for over 50 years. Our mission is to partner with families to build healthy foundations for children. We believe what happens early in life matters. We offer high quality, leading edge early childhood educational, therapeutic services, and family enrichment programs for children ages 0-8 and their families.

Requirements

Minimum 5 years of experience working in or closely connected to ECEAP and Early Learning programs.
5+ years of leadership experience, including supervising and developing teams.
Strong understanding of early childhood curricula and development across domains (language, literacy, math, science, art, music, and social‑emotional learning).
Demonstrated experience supporting children with special education needs and working with culturally, linguistically, and socioeconomically diverse communities.
Deep alignment with Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging principles.
Demonstrated professional and/or lived experience in one or more of the following areas: LGBTQIA+ communities, Racial equity and BIPOC family engagement, Multiracial identity, Immigrant and refugee families, Gen Z & Millennial BIPOC parents, Neurodiversity and disability justice.
Strong communicator—able to listen, write, and speak with clarity and empathy.
Organized, adaptable, and skilled at managing multiple priorities.
Confident using data, systems, and technology to inform decisions.
Collaborative leader who builds trust and leads teams to excellence.
Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and current auto insurance
Ability to attend occasional evening meetings and events
Occasional local travel
Criminal history background check and fingerprinting (if required)
First Aid & CPR certification
Food and Beverage Handler’s Permit
TB screening (required prior to start date)
MMR and COVID vaccinations

Responsibilities

Provide overall leadership, coordination, and management of all Early Learning programs.
Guide planning, implementation, and evaluation of program activities using data and continuous improvement practices.
Collaborate with program directors, managers, and the Family Services team to meet the holistic needs of children and families.
Foster a culture of respect, belonging, accountability, and collaboration grounded in trauma‑informed and neuro‑affirming practices.
Ensure all classrooms meet or exceed requirements for Child Care Licensing, ECEAP Performance Standards, CACFP, and NAEYC accreditation.
Oversee program monitoring, documentation, and reporting systems to support strong outcomes and compliance.
Act as the primary liaison with funders and partners including PSESD, King County, and other contractors.
Represent Encompass at community and regional early learning meetings, including monthly PSESD Center Director meetings.
Supervise, coach, and support Early Learning staff to perform at their best.
Develop individual and team training plans that support professional growth and retention.
Lead with curiosity, clarity, and compassion—supporting staff through change and complexity.
Ensure consistent, meaningful communication with families through in‑person and written channels.
Maintain clear, accessible policies that support family understanding and participation.
Promote opportunities for parents and caregivers to engage with staff and the broader Encompass community.
Develop and manage the Early Learning departmental budget.
Balance operational sustainability with program quality and staff well‑being.