Program Administrator/Lead Teacher

Job Description

Job Description

General Overview :
The Program Administrator is responsible for overseeing and participating in the overall daily operations of the Manchester Cooperative Preschool, ensuring a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment that supports children’s development through play-based learning. This role builds strong relationships with families, supervises staff, ensures compliance with licensing requirements, and supports the growth and success of the school. The Program Administrator works collaboratively with the CEO, Executive Board, teacher, and families.

Program & Student Oversight :
Foster a safe, caring, and creative environment
Active in classroom operations, teach daily lessons, track attendance, and material rotations
Conduct student evaluations and communicate growth via parent teacher conferences

Create lesson plans and document anecdotal observations
Conduct tornado, fire, and emergency drills
Manage school-wide activities, field trips, and special events
Oversee transitions into the next school year

Staff & Administrative Responsibilities:
Lead weekly staff meetings
Ensure Play-Based methodology is implemented consistently
Maintain compliance with state licensing regulations for students, staff, and volunteers
Monitor daily cleaning, classroom readiness, and prepare lesson materials

Participate in and conduct yearly self and teacher evaluations
Support new staff onboarding and orientation

Family communication & Engagement :
Communicate professionally and consistently with families
Oversee school communication, including communicable diseases, sending information to the Secretary for monthly newsletters, and assisting with school calendar creation

Conduct facility tours, act as the primary point of contact for parents, and address behavioral or developmental concerns
Enrollment of new students and complete renewal registration of current students

Other Duties & Support :
Maintain licensing books and documentation
Ensure class ratios meet staffing requirements

Report building issues to school maintenance

Attend Executive Board meetings, membership meetings, and all events and programs hosted by the school
Perform additional duties as needed to support daily school operations

Education :
Minimum 21 years old

Child Development Associate (CDA) or Bachelor’s Degree with an education focus preferred. Other child-related degrees accepted- child guidance, child counseling, child psychology, family studies, environmental, outdoor education, social work or special education

Experience :
Minimum of one year of experience in childcare, Montessori, or early childhood education settings
Leadership and staff supervision experience preferred

Background clearance required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Ability to work collaboratively and adapt to change
Strong organizational, planning, and prioritization skills
Effective written and verbal communication skills
Initiative to build and maintain positive relationships with families and staff
Ability to present feedback and guidance in a positive, professional manner
Knowledge of licensing requirements and early childhood best practices

Mental and Physical Requirements :
Ability to read, interpret, and follow instructions and policies
Maintain confidentiality at all times
Problem-solving and decision-making skills
Customer service orientation
Ability to lift and carry children and classroom materials (10–45 lbs.)
Ability to stand, walk, sit, speak, and actively listen for extended periods
Participation in training and professional development

Manchester Cooperative Preschool is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristic under applicable law.

Benefits : Paid time off, bonuses based on performance, paid training expenses and teacher re-certification fees

Work Location: In person, Monday, Wednesday, Friday 8-3pm, up to 26 hours per week during the school year