Job Description: Director of Early learning

School: The Dunham School

Location: Baton Rouge, LA

Reports to: Head of School / Lower School Head

Term: Full-Time, 12 month appointment

The Dunham School is an independent, interdenominational Christian school in Baton Rouge serving students from PK2-12th grade. Our mission is to provide students with the opportunity for college-preparatory education in a Christian environment. We pride ourselves on a culture of excellence, innovation, and faith-based character development.

Position Summary

The Director of Early Learning serves as the primary leader, administrator, and visionary for our Pre-K programs. This individual is responsible for ensuring a safe, nurturing, and academically rigorous environment that aligns with the school’s Christian mission. The Director will oversee daily operations, faculty hiring and development, and regulatory compliance while serving as a key liaison between the school and Early Learning families.

Key Responsibilities

1. Administrative Leadership & Compliance

• Oversee the daily operations of the ECC at Siegen, ensuring a seamless, high-quality experience for students and staff.
• Manage and maintain all records required for accreditation and state regulatory compliance (including adherence to Bulletin 137 and state standards).
• Coordinate with the Business Office to manage the ECC at Siegen budget, ensuring efficient use of resources.
• Ensure the facility meets the highest standards of safety, cleanliness, and security.

2. Instructional & Spiritual Leadership

• Foster a Christ-centered environment where faith is integrated into the daily rhythms of the classroom.
• Lead the development and implementation of an age-appropriate, play-based, yet academically foundational curriculum.
• Observe, evaluate, and mentor Early Learning faculty, providing regular feedback and professional development opportunities.
• Stay abreast of current research in early childhood education to ensure Dunham remains a leader in the field.

3. Family & Community Engagement

• Serve as the primary point of contact for ECC parents, building strong, collaborative relationships.
• Partner with the Admissions Office to lead tours for prospective families and assist in the evaluation of applicants.
• Communicate regularly with families regarding program updates, student progress, and school-wide events.

4. Safety & Advocacy

• Oversee mandatory reporter training and safety protocols specific to the early childhood age group.
• Advocate for the unique needs of early learners within the broader school administration.
• Ensure that student transitions throughout the day (meals, enrichments, and aftercare) are handled with care and efficiency.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Faith: A committed Christian who is active in a local church and can lead others in their spiritual growth.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Experience: A minimum of 3–5 years of experience in early childhood education, with at least 2 years in a leadership or administrative role.
• Knowledge: Deep understanding of Louisiana state regulations for non-public schools and the specific nuances of private school Pre-K programs.
• Skills: Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills; ability to manage complex logistics; and a "servant-leader" mindset.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to actively supervise a school campus, including outdoor playground areas.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs (e.g., assisting small children).

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, a statement of Christian faith, and a resume to christen.blanchard@dunhamschool.org

About The Dunham School

At Dunham, you’ll find intentionally small classes, where a blend of traditional and innovative teaching is combined with the latest technology to ignite creativity and intellectual curiosity. You’ll discover expert teachers who treasure each child as the individual he or she was created to be, and you’ll find challenging academic, athletic, fine arts, and leadership programs that enable our students to meet their God-given potential now and in the future.

Connections working at The Dunham School