Assistant Director - Jenkins Early Childhood Learning Center

2026/2027 School Year

POSITION: Jenkins ~ Early Childhood Learning Center ~ Assistant Director



POSTING DATE: March 11, 2026

GENERAL DEADLINE: June 12, 2026/Until filled

Summary

Jenkins Early Childhood Learning Center is a tuition-based, self-sustaining program run by Dexter Community Education and the Dexter Community Schools District. The Assistant Director reports to the Center Director.


The Jenkins Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC) Assistant Director is responsible, along with the Director, for ensuring the health, safety, and quality of education for all children in our childcare and preschool programs at Jenkins and at Bates School. The ECLC Assistant Director is responsible for supporting the Director with specific and emergent administrative tasks including student and staff record keeping, program management, teacher support and training, and other duties as assigned. This is a full-time position with up to half of the work week spent in classrooms providing coverage, covering lunches, observing, training, and modeling with the other half of the work week spent on administrative duties.

Hours
Must be flexible to work between the hours 7:00 am and 6:00 pm. Schedule may vary as needed.

Compensation

$43,000-$46,000 based on education and experience

Qualifications

Education & Certification

• Associate’s or Bachelor's Degree in early childhood education, elementary education or related field of study.
• Must meet Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Center Director Qualifications.
• Compliance with other regulatory requirements as applicable.
• Clearance of CBI and LARA comprehensive background check & fingerprinting.

Experience

• Minimum of 3 years of experience teaching preferably in a lead early childhood position.
• Administrative/office experience desired, or demonstrate office skills using District evaluation tools.

Skills & Knowledge

• A strong understanding of child development.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• First Aid/CPR (may be obtained after employment).
• Universal Precautions and Medication Administration (may be obtained after employment).
• Proficient with Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and program/district software (e.g., Eleyo or other payment/scheduling software; Blackboard or other communications software); general technology confidence and ability to learn new software as needed.
• Ability to work well with others (staff, children, and parents) and to foster a team environment.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

Physical Requirements

• Safely lift a child or children with total weight of 50 pounds
• Conduct activities involving substantial standing, walking and moderate sitting, stooping, kneeling, bending, crouching, crawling, twisting, and reaching on a frequent basis.
• Work with hands above shoulder height with a weight up to 20 pounds.
• Work with arms extended at shoulder height with a weight up to 20 pounds.
• Must be able to stoop, bend and kneel on the floor without assistance

Key Responsibilities

Overall

• Support Center Director in ensuring the center programming meets the Dexter Community Schools mission to Develop, Educate, and Inspire students.
• Oversee day-to-day functions of the child care center in the Director’s absence.
• Observe, coach, and support teachers in classrooms.
• Ensure adherence to quality standards in accordance with state and local requirements.
• Provide classroom teacher coverage for breaks, time off, and other needs.
• Manage paid time off (PTO) requests, scheduling, and track employees’ individual PTO.
• Ensure staff files are complete; coordinate with DCS HR as needed.
• Plan and purchase supplies as needed while maintaining budget parameters.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Relationships

• Foster a collaborative and team-oriented approach at all times.
• Model positive and appropriate parent-teacher interactions for staff.
• Assist Center Director to provide staff appreciation and team-building activities.
• Provide a “first line of defense” for parents or staff with concerns in the Director’s absence.
• Maintain confidentiality at all times.

Curriculum

• Collaborate with staff to develop positive learning activities; review curriculum plans and offer guidance as needed.
• Observe teachers and curriculum implementation in classrooms.
• Ensure students’ cultural backgrounds are appropriately recognized and cultural activities are integrated into education programs and training.

Staff

• Ensure compliance with state and local regulations.
• With the Director, identify professional development needs and coach individual staff as needed.

Please Note:

Position will be paid and hired through:

EduStaff

4120 Brockton Dr SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49512



Method of application:

Internal Applicants: submit a letter of interest to Gina Benson at [email protected] and Barb Leonard at [email protected].

External candidates - Must complete the online application located on the Dexter Community Schools website.

The Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category, (collectively, "Protected Classes"), in its educational programs and activities, including employment opportunities.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER