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Director of The First Presbyterian Church Nursery School

 

Key Responsibilities

• The Nursery School Director is responsible for oversight of all aspects of the operation of the Nursery School, including academic program, admissions, exmissions, finance and budget, and campus. The new Director will be expected to continue and strengthen the program on all dimensions. This is a full-time, exempt position.

Ideal Qualities Sought

• FPCNS seeks an energetic, skilled and experienced early education leader who is respected in the profession and who is familiar with the New York City educational community, with experience in the Reggio Emilia pedagogy, social/emotional education and social justice education.

• The new Director should have leadership and administrative experience at a peer school and have a passion for building a strong and trusting community of teachers and staff, parents and children.

• While there is no need for immediate strategic change, a new Director should bring new ideas and approaches. It will be essential for the new Director to have the talent, confidence and spirit of collaboration to develop a vision for the next decade of the school, working in concert with the direction and plans for First

Presbyterian Church and understanding and fostering the School/Church relationship.

• The new Director will need to participate actively in the fundraising efforts for the renovations and improvements in the school.

Minimum Qualifications

• A masters degree in early childhood education or related field of study.

• A State Education Department Teacher Certification in early childhood education or equivalent certification.

• At least five years of experience as a group teacher in a program for children under six years of age.

• Demonstrated success in leadership roles with strong strategic planning, administrative and operational skills, as well as excellent team-building and communication skills. 2

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Quick Facts

• First Presbyterian Church Nursery School (FPCNS), located at Fifth Avenue and 12th Street in

Greenwich Village in downtown Manhattan, is one of the leading early childhood programs in
New York.

• FPCNS is an independent school and a member of the Independent Schools Admissions

Association of Greater New York (ISAAGNY).

• FPCNS was founded in 1952 to provide non-sectarian early childhood education for members of the First Presbyterian Church of New York City and families in the surrounding community.

• In recent years, approximately 30% of the families are active members of the church.

• The school is fully enrolled, with a student body that ranges from 90-100 students depending on the year. The children are ages 2 years to 5 years, in various programs and classes designed to respond to the developmental needs and interests of these ages.

• There are 15 members of the FPCNS Faculty, supported by an additional 5 members of the

Administrative Team.

• After leaving FPCNS, students go onto to excellent kindergarten and junior-kindergarten programs throughout NYC, with approximately 75% staying within the independent school environment and 25% joining the public school system.

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FPCNS Mission

_We believe . . ._
_ _ that learning begins at birth.

_We know . . ._
_ _ that all children are inherently curious and motivated to learn.

_We are . . ._
_ _ the First Presbyterian Church Nursery School, a warm and welcoming school that encourages engagement and collaboration, preparing children for their next educational steps and fostering their ability to be responsible members of the broader society.

• FPCNS is a part of the ministry of the First Presbyterian Church, and the mission statement describes a school community focused on inclusion, caring and respect for others, enriched by the unique individuality of each of its members.

• Reflecting the rich diversity and inclusiveness of the Church and greater community, FPCNS celebrates all people as children of God in a community in which all children, families, and staff feel welcome and included, embracing diversity in many forms – including, but not limited to: race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, home language, country of origin, immigration status, ability, special needs, religion, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, housing status, and cultural background and experience.

• At FPCNS, students learn to value differences, discover their own individual talents and appreciate those of others.

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Teaching and Learning: Approach

We are a child-centered program inspired by the principles of the Reggio Emilia approach:

Children thrive in the presence of warm and trusting relationships.

Children learn through direct experiences and investigations with each other, their teachers and their environment by touching, observing and discussing.

We afford children endless means and opportunities to express themselves.

• FPCNS is committed to the teaching and learning of basic skills, nurturing confidence, curiosity and passion with an emphasis on instilling age-appropriate independent thinking.

• Expectations are based on an image of children as competent, possessing unlimited potential and capable of creating their own theories about materials and relationships. There is a hands- on, experiential learning methodology in the classrooms, and specialists are involved for such subjects as music and arts which are integral to the curriculum. Reggio Emilia is really about what the child cando, not what he or she cannotdo.

• The program expands awareness and understanding of the world and builds independent thinking. The School strives to address children’s different learning styles and to develop each child’s potential by promoting individual exploration and group collaboration on projects of interest. The learning of basic skills occurs with targeted support from teachers. Ultimately, this program cultivates a joyful introduction to learning and prepares students for the next step in

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Teaching and Learning: Curriculum

• The curriculum is a combination of emergent and teacher-led learning activities. Generative experiences can occur naturally during children’s conversations and play, or may be introduced by teachers. The importance of listening to the student is stressed in order to see what emerges. As Reggio-inspired, the emphasis is on process rather than product. Faculty members enjoy the creative freedom offered in

Reggio, and they focus on engagement for each child.

• The flexibility of the curriculum and the opportunities for faculty members to respond to the individual needs of the child are highly valued by the school and its community. Each child brings his or her own history and knowledge to the group. The exploration of children’s differences and similarities becomes the engine for refining ideas and developing abstract thinking.

• Group project work has also been a joyful hallmark at FPCNS. Class-wide exploration, problem-solving and creative expression are integral aspects of the program, and past investigations have spanned several months, exploring subjects like baking, playgrounds or mail delivery.

• Content and subject matter include science, books and pre-literacy, mathematics and manipulatives, and story-telling and dramatic exercises. The use of a wide variety of materials is emphasized.

• The core of the day’s activities is “work time” when children pursue their interests in such areas as dramatic play, art using recycled materials, and planned activities such as planting and cooking. Individual and small group work support the concept while whole group activities encourage expression of thought and feelings, new ideas and differing points of view. Regular and frequent “circle times” offer opportunities for children to communicate their ideas and opinions and to respond to each other’s comments. Community is at the core of all that is done at FPCNS.

• Empathy and respect are promoted through daily interactions and extended relationships with peers and adults. Students are helped to discover their own abilities and appreciate the special qualities of others. As members of a diverse community, they learn to enjoy and value their differences, and to see the world from different perspectives. The curriculum recognizes the importance of spiritual development and 7 service that are hallmarks of the life of First Presbyterian Church.

Teaching and Learning: Campus

• Learning at FPCNS takes advantage of the school’s beautiful classrooms, rooftop playground, expansive facilities and church gardens.

• Classrooms are designed for children to develop basic skills, build relationships, gather information and build personal self-confidence. Based on the belief that experiences are catalysts for learning when they occur in a socially and physically responsive environment, the classroom setting offers open-ended materials and opportunities for peer and teacher interaction. Even the natural light in the beautiful classrooms is part of the philosophy and program, as well as the use of natural materials.

• The school building, housed on church grounds, is also home to PS 226, a small public elementary school for children with autism. While the two schools operate independently, there are opportunities for sharing time, events, learning and experiences.

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Parent Community

• Parents are an integral part of the school community, and FPCNS provides a warm and collaborative atmosphere which offers support for the parents as well as for the children.

• In keeping with the school’s ethos, the FPCNS parents are open-minded and inclusive with a deep appreciation for the safe and happy atmosphere the school has created.

• Parents are welcome in the classrooms and are very present in the school, especially at drop off and pick up times. They help with separation anxieties that may occur with young children and are in close contact with the teachers.

• Parent are encouraged to come into the classroom to share cultural traditions or talk about a field of expertise.

• The members of the parent body who have the time are able to volunteer in many capacities, organizing various events and activities, and even helping in the library. They support the school with fundraising and community gatherings. It is a small school with a neighborhood feeling, even though its students come from all over the city. As one parent said, “It feels like a family place.”

• The faculty members are held in high regard by the parents for their thoughtfulness and for their caring for the children as well as for their collaboration with families.

• As is the case throughout New York City, parents are concerned about “exmissions”, the placement process for children to enter kindergarten. It can be a stressful and competitive process. The Director has been integral in this procedure for many years. It will be important to remind and reassure parents that the faculty are always deeply involved in the process of placement and that the new Director will know their children well and will foster strong relationships with ongoing schools.

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Governance and Financial Condition

• While FPCNS is non-sectarian, the Director reports to the Executive Minister and is guided by the Nursery

School Committee (appointed by the Session of the First Presbyterian Church).

• The financial condition of FPCNS is excellent, with a long performance of small surpluses, even considering on-going investment in teacher development, curriculum and facility improvements and funds available for financial aid.

• The finances of FPCNS, while a part of FPC, are accounted for separately, including funds raised for specific educational purposes and capital and other improvements.

• The church business office manages payables and receivables as well as payroll. The Director has access to school financial records at all times and is responsible for effective fiscal management.

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Challenges and Opportunities

The new Director will have the opportunity and challenge to lead the school in the following areas:

• Continue to attract a strong student applicant pool while maintaining the current stable enrollment (where there are increasing preschool options, both public and private, for downtown families).

• Strengthen the progressive Reggio-inspired curriculum and program while respecting teacher creativity and autonomy.

• Support the faculty in their work with the children, their compensation and professional development, recognizing their hard work and dedication, building a stronger sense of collegiality and teamwork among the faculty.

• Continue and enhance the communication flow with parents, the church and the community.

• Work closely with the families in the exmissions process to send students to ongoing schools.

• Maintain and continue to develop good relationships with ongoing schools.

• Ensure diversity and inclusion remain at the core of the mission at FPCNS.

• Work collaboratively with the church and its leadership.

• Take an active role in fundraising for the school in support of the vision for capital and curricular improvements.

• Strengthen the use of technology, including enhancement of the website and internet access.

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Position Description Details (1 of 3)
1. Broad Direction and Administration of the Program

A. Observe children in the classrooms.

B. Supervise teaching, maintenance and development of curriculum.

C. Hire, supervise and dismiss teachers and administrators (in consultation with Nursery School Board) to maintain excellence and diversity of staff.

D. Orient new teachers.

E. In conjunction with the NS Board, prepare and implement annual budget.

F. Oversee staff development through regular meetings with classroom teams and general staff meetings; schedule those meetings and determine their content.

G. Approve school calendar.

H. Approve purchases of supplies and equipment.

I. Determine need for and choice of specialized personnel such as music, movement and studio specialists; work with consultants, e.g., therapists, S.E.I.T.s, student teacher supervisors, consulting psychologist.

J. Supervise coordinators of afterschool activities program and early summer program.

K. Ensure FPCNS meets all standards set by the NYC and NY Board of Education and Department of Health.

2. Parent Counseling and Communication
A. Support the separation process during the first weeks of school.

B. Consult with and advise parents about ongoing schools and the “exmissions” process.

C. Provide guidance for ongoing schools admissions process, including any testing or other assessments.

D. Supervise twice yearly parent/teacher conferences, other contacts with parents.

E. Be available at all times for meeting with parents about mutual concerns.

F. Supervise administrative staff and faculty in their contacts with parents.

G. Plan/ supervise special parental meetings: Separation Meetings, Ongoing Schools Night, Open School Night, Ongoing
School Q and A, Parent Breakfast, Roof Party.

H. Inform parents about relevant school matters through use of email, newsletter, website and discussion, inviting 12 participation in classroom activities where appropriate.

Position Description Details (2 of 3)

3. Admissions

A. Supervise Admissions Director to assure that appropriate admissions procedures are carried out.

B. Work toward increased diversity as a priority.

C. Maintain public awareness of School, its mission, and its reputation for quality.

4. Exmissions

A. Consult with and advise parents in admissions process for ongoing schools.

B. Prepare written reports on each child applying to ongoing schools.

C. Visit ongoing schools to maintain and establish where necessary relationships with Heads and
Admissions Directors to understand their programs, and familiarize them with FPCNS program.

5. Cooperation with the Church Program

A. Attend meetings of the Nursery School Committee of the Session.

B. Attend weekly Church staff meetings and major planning sessions.

C. Act as liaison with clergy, staff, and other groups in the building.

D. Interpret/explain Nursery School program to members of the Church.

E. Maintain and upgrade school facilities; participate in Church planning and implementation of space renovation.

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Position Description Details (3 of 3)
6. Fundraising

A. Assume general responsibility for and oversight of all FPCNS fundraising programs and activities.

B. Develop role as principal liaison with the Board Fundraising Committee.

C. Interface with school staff to communicate committee recommendations/decisions on fundraising.

7. Financial Oversight

A. Review and approve all employee expense reports.

B. Review and approve drafted financial statements.

C. Review and approve personnel changes and capital expenditures.

D. Review and approve budget/forecast report.

E. Review and document changes to the business affecting future periods.

F. Sign all checks.

8. Oversee maintenance of records, including health, child development, attendance, and financial

9. Scholarship Activities

A. Identify and attract qualified scholarship applicants.

B. Make recommendations on scholarships to Nursery School Board Scholarship Committee.

10. Larger Early Education Community

A. Attend professional conferences and meetings.

B. Play active role in professional organizations such as ISAAGNY and Parents League; others might include DECA, NAEYC, NAREA, ATIS. 14

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $164,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekend availability

COVID-19 considerations:
Yes, in compliance with NYC Department of Health and coordinating with church and public school requirements in our building.

Education:

• Master's (Preferred)

Work Location:

• One location

Work Remotely:

• No

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