Children's House Director

Riverbend School

Job Description

Position: Children’s House Director

Reports to: Head of School

Classification: Exempt

Supervises: Children’s House faculty, floaters, substitutes, Administrative Assistant

Riverbend School is a Pre-K through 8th Grade Montessori school in the Boston Metrowest area with approximately 200 students and 50 staff members. Our mission of innovation and excellence in Montessori education depends on the talent, creativity, and commitment of our dedicated team. Riverbend features a warm, welcoming community that is built around a culture of belonging. Families are actively engaged in their children’s education, making this a truly energizing place to work. We offer generous benefits, professional development opportunities, and Montessori training support to help each member of our team grow in their career.

This position is an exciting opportunity for an experienced or aspiring Montessori leader to run a dynamic and caring Children's House division. The building was purpose-built for Montessori education in 2014 and features 4 toddler and 4 primary classrooms, each with dedicated adjacent outdoor learning spaces. The new Director will inherit an invested and professional faculty, many of whom either possess or are pursuing their Montessori certification, with a balance of veteran, mid-career and early-career experience. They will join a high-functioning school leadership team and will be an integral partner in a bold vision for the future of Riverbend.

Scope of work:
The Children’s House Director is responsible for all academic, student and parental needs for students and their teachers in the Children’s House (Toddler through Kindergarten). The Director works in collaboration with all other administrators to ensure the Children’s House program has robust enrollment and a strong reputation within the Riverbend community and in the Early Childhood learning community at large.

Experience Requirements:

• Experience working in an early childhood school setting for a minimum of 5 years and direct teaching experience
• Understanding of/appreciation for the Montessori philosophy (training strongly preferred)
• Experience with curriculum development, supervision and evaluation, professional development, and enrollment management
• Ability to relate to multiple constituencies - staff, students, families, and contracted professionals
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Must exhibit a keen sense of collaboration
• Must be comfortable working in a culturally diverse environment and committed to embracing differences and valuing multiple perspectives
• Must be detail oriented and highly organized

Education/Certification Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree; Advanced degree in education or related field preferred

General Responsibilities:

The Director is responsible for oversight of the Children’s House program. They lead the Children’s House faculty in the creation and administration of curriculum, pedagogy, support, and all other education matters related to the Toddler through Kindergarten program during the school year and summer. The Director interfaces with students and families related to academic support needs and/or behavioral issues. The Children’s House Director is an administrative leader who reports to the Head of School.

Specific Responsibilities:

Constituent Relations

• Support Riverbend faculty through oversight of curriculum, regular observations and feedback, and working with students and families on academic and/or behavioral needs
• Establish strong relationships with students and families through timely communications, attending school events, and greeting them at drop-off and pick-up
• Attend and help coordinate Parent Association and Room Parent programs throughout the school year

Administration

• Work with the Head of School and Director of Elementary and Middle School to ensure that Children’s House faculty are supported in all areas of their responsibilities
• Provide oversight of all Children’s House activities
• Work closely with the faculty to affirm the scope and sequence of Montessori curriculum and expectations between divisions
• Supervise and evaluate all faculty that teach in the Children’s House including floaters, specialists, and student support staff
• Support the individual and professional development goals of each Children’s House staff member
• Collaborate with the Director of Enrollment Management to implement all admission activities pertaining to applicants for the Toddler and Primary programs
• Collaborate with the Director of Elementary and Middle School on retention of students from Children’s House to Elementary programs
• Attend administrative meetings as required/requested by the Head of School
• Create all schedules, calendars, rosters and materials pertaining to the day to day and week to week operation of the Children’s House
• Interface on a regular basis with the Associate Head of School regarding Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives
• Work with the Learning Specialist as well as outside providers, such speech and occupational therapists, to meet the learning needs of all students
• Recruit, onboard, and orient new staff, substitutes and all personnel within the Children’s House division
• Find and communicate coverage for teacher absences daily for Children’s House programming from 7:30am until 3pm
• Collaborate with the Leadership Team on projects and events that advance the school
• Oversee all Children’s House events and provide support for other all school events
• In collaboration with the Auxiliary Programs Director, help ensure that Riverbend’s Montessori principles and methodology are consistently utilized within summer and before/after school programs.

School Culture

• Demonstrate a strong commitment to professional ethics, ensuring that Riverbend’s culture of belonging is upheld in Children’s House through direct conversations, mentoring, and modeled behavior
• Demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to Montessori education; model the Montessori values of grace, courtesy, and respect
• Demonstrate a strong personal commitment and action oriented support to the anti-bias and anti-racist work we are embarking on in our community

Finance

• Work with the CFO to develop and administer all budgets related to the position

• Work with the CFO to set classroom-related budget projections and identify capital needs

Other

• Take on other duties as assigned

It is expected that all administrators will function as self-directed members in a team effort. All activities and performances should meet appropriate professional standards and adhere to the philosophy and mission of the Riverbend School.

Commitment to DEIJ

Riverbend School is committed to becoming an anti-bias and anti-racist community. All candidates must be committed to furthering this work by embracing differences; exploring and affirming identities and intersections of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, socioeconomic status, social class, family structures, learning differences, and differences in ability. All candidates must be comfortable working in a culturally diverse environment.

We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds who share Riverbend’s commitment to Montessori education.

EEO Statement

Riverbend School is committed to providing equal opportunity in employment. Riverbend strictly prohibits discrimination or harassment of any kind based on race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic predisposition or carrier status, marital status, veteran status, or any other class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.