Contact Person: Suzanne Gabli

Job Location:
Building Blocks Preschool-A Nature Based School
340 Harvey Lake Rd, Highland, MI 48356

Job Description:

Building Blocks Preschool, a trusted early childhood education facility with over 20 years of history in our community, is seeking an innovative and community-minded Director to lead us into our next chapter. This is more than a leadership role—it’s an opportunity to join a dedicated community of educators, families, and supporters who believe in shaping brighter futures for children.

Primary Purpose
The Director is a visionary and compassionate leader who models excellence in early childhood education and embodies the school’s mission: nurturing the whole child through play, exploration, and connection with nature. This position oversees all aspects of the school’s daily operations to ensure each child’s physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development is supported in a Reggio-inspired, nature-based learning environment. This role requires a balance of strong administrative skills, passion for early childhood education, and the ability to build meaningful connections with staff, families, and community partners.
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Leadership & Professionalism
• Provide leadership, expertise, and guidance rooted in respect, collaboration, and professional integrity.
• Build strong, relationship-based connections among children, families, staff, and the early childhood community.
• Champion Building Blocks Preschool’s (BBP) philosophy, policies, and nature-based practices with authenticity and consistency.
• Maintain full compliance with State of Michigan Child Care Licensing Rules, GSQ quality standards, and NAEYC Code of Ethics.
• Ensure policies and procedures guide daily operations while fostering creativity, flexibility, and reflective practice.
• Model lifelong learning by seeking professional growth through workshops, mentorship, and current research in early childhood and environmental education.
• Demonstrate knowledge of child development, nature-based pedagogy, and Reggio-inspired approaches.
• Communicate openly and constructively with staff, families, and leadership to maintain a culture of trust and transparency.
• Keep the Executive Director regularly informed regarding school operations, successes, and challenges.
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Faculty Leadership & Program Operations
• Oversee all administrative and daily operations of the school, ensuring a high-quality, nurturing environment for children and staff.
• Lead the recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and ongoing mentorship of teaching staff and interns.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director to develop and manage the annual budget, including tuition rates, forecasting, and expense control.
• Maintain accurate enrollment processes, classroom transitions, and child records.
• Recruit, interview, hire, and onboard qualified staff.
• Ensure staff meet all educational, professional development, and licensing requirements.
• Maintain complete and accurate personnel records. Including Electronic files.
• Plan and lead staff meetings and provide ongoaing coaching, support and performance feedback.
• Ensure appropriate staffing and classroom coverage to maintain quality programming and supervision ratios.
• Observe classrooms regularly, providing reflective feedback and coaching aligned with BBP philosophy.
• Support staff in curriculum design, documentation, and assessment using Reggio-inspired and nature-based principles.
• Foster a joyful, supportive team culture through communication, recognition, and team-building opportunities.
• Support and mentor teachers in parent communication, child guidance, and community engagement.
• Responsible for the overall leadership and management of the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) ensuring compliance with Michigan Department of Education guidelines, state and local licensing requirements, Oakland Schools policies, and high quality early childhood standards.
• Plan and facilitating professional development, meetings, and school-wide events.
• Participate in grant writing, fundraising, and creative initiatives to enhance school programming.
• Ensure timely tuition collection, accurate payroll, and strong fiscal accountability. Including monthly ledgers, mid year review, and required reports.
• Maintain facility, equipment, and outdoor classroom spaces for safety and aesthetic quality.
• Spend approximately 30% of work time in classrooms to support teachers, model practice, and ensure program continuity.
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Family & Community Engagement
• Build strong partnerships with families through open communication, trust, and shared commitment to children’s growth.
• Be accessible and responsive to parent inquiries and concerns.
• Lead family engagement efforts, including orientations, book studies, workshops, and community events.
• Provide resources, weekly reminders, newsletters, and connections to support family education and well-being.
• Create a welcoming, inclusive environment that reflects the values of belonging and collaboration.

Health, Safety & Compliance
• Ensure all staff adhere to health, safety, and emergency protocols in alignment with state regulations and BBP policies.
• Oversee documentation and communication of all incidents and ensure prompt parent notification.
• Maintain all child health records and ensure facility compliance with safety and sanitation standards.
• Respond calmly and effectively in emergency situations, implementing the BBP Emergency Plan as needed.
• Monitor and maintain safe, well-equipped indoor and outdoor learning environments.
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Marketing & Enrollment
• Partner with the Executive Director to maintain strong enrollment and a positive public presence.
• Conduct professional, mission-aligned tours for prospective families.
• Respond to inquiries within 24 hours and guide families through the enrollment and orientation process.
• Ensure that all family files and enrollment documentation are complete and current.
• Conduct prescreening to confirm family eligibility based on GSRP guidelines.
• Represent BBP in community outreach events, conferences, and partnerships that align with our mission.
• Maintain aesthetically pleasing, organized, and inspiring school environments that reflect our Reggio-inspired, nature-based identity.
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Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field (meeting State of Michigan Licensing requirements).
• Minimum of 4 years in administrative management or leadership roles within an early childhood setting, including staff supervision and budget management.
• At least 5 years of successful teaching experience in a high quality early childhood education setting.
• Demonstrated understanding of constructivist learning, environmental education, and Reggio-inspired practice.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills with the ability to inspire and lead a diverse team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and administrative software systems.
• Experience with the Great Start to Quality (GSQ) Rating System and Michigan licensing standards.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification (preferred).
• Commitment to year-round outdoor participation and engagement with children in all weather conditions.
• Will successfully pass a criminal background check.
• We ask our team to believe in, deliver on, and embody the following values: Be child-centered. Be caring. Be contemplative. Be transformative. Be accountable.
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Physical Demands
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs and move easily between floor and standing positions.
• Sufficient mobility and stamina to participate in daily outdoor programming in varied weather conditions.
• Capacity to plan, lead, and participate fully in all classroom and school activities.
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Our Vision
At Building Blocks Preschool, we believe childhood is sacred. Our Director leads with heart and purpose — cultivating environments where curiosity thrives, teachers feel supported, and children grow through authentic connections to people and place. Ability to commute within 30 min: Highland, MI 48356

Please send your resume and cover letter to the hiring committee, suzanne@buildingblocksschool.com

Closing Date for Job:  12/10/2025