Preschool Director

First Baptist Church, Lafayette, Louisiana

Position Summary

The Preschool Director provides leadership and oversight for the Preschool Ministry and Mother's Day Out (MDO) programs of First Baptist Church Lafayette. Working closely with the Senior Pastor, Executive Pastor, NexGen Pastor, and ministry teams, the Director ensures that both weekday and church-based preschool ministries are Christ-centered, safe, and developmentally appropriate, equipping families to find real meaning in their walk with Christ.

Key Responsibilities

Spiritual and Program Leadership

Provide vision, direction, and spiritual leadership for Preschool and MDO ministries.Develop a unified strategy to minister to preschoolers and their families, guiding them from first contact to active discipleship.Select and oversee curriculum that is Bible-based and developmentally appropriate.Model Christlike leadership with staff, volunteers, children, and families.Staffing and Team Development

Recruit, hire, onboard, schedule, and evaluate staff and volunteers.Lead staff meetings, in-service trainings (e.g., CPR, child protection), and classroom observations.Coach and support team members, fostering a collaborative and healthy ministry culture.Family Care and Engagement

Lead registration, class placement, orientations, and communication with families.Communicate proactively with parents through newsletters, meetings, and conferences.Provide parenting resources and training opportunities.Participate in visitation and outreach to preschool families.Safety, Compliance, and Operations

Ensure child protection policies, staff/child ratios, secure check-in/out, and emergency protocols are followed.Maintain accurate staff and child records, including background checks and certifications.Oversee classroom environments, playground safety, and facility requests.Monitor attendance and enrollment patterns, responding as needed.Financial Management

Prepare and manage annual budgets for both Preschool and MDO programs.Oversee tuition/fees, payroll coordination, and purchasing.Maintain accurate records of supplies, equipment, and resources.Church Integration and Representation

Collaborate with ministry staff and committees where responsibilities overlap.Represent Preschool and MDO ministries in church communications and events.Support church-wide ministries such as Vacation Bible School and special events.Ensure families are connected to the wider ministry of First Baptist Lafayette.

General Duties

Serve as staff liaison for assigned committees (e.g., Preschool and/or MDO Committee).Stay informed on best practices in preschool ministry, weekday education, and childcare safety.Remain flexible and open to new strategies that strengthen the ministries.Support and attend church services and events where preschool families are engaged.Perform other duties as assigned by the Senior Pastor.

Working Conditions

The Preschool Director is a direct report to the NexGen Pastor, under the direct report to the Senior Pastor through the Executive Pastor. Coordinates closely with the Preschool Committee and church staff.Work schedule includes weekday program hours, church service times, and additional planning/meetings.Subject to general personnel policies regarding vacation, holidays, and time off.Participation in outside conferences or training requires Executive Pastor approval.Physical demands include lifting up to 30 lbs., sitting/kneeling on the floor, and moving safely between classrooms and playgrounds.

Qualifications

A mature, growing follower of Jesus with a clear call to ministry; active member of First Baptist Lafayette, or willing to become a member, in agreement with the church's doctrine and ministry philosophy.Willing to sign the FBC Lafayette Staff Covenant.Demonstrated experience in preschool education, ministry leadership, and staff supervision.Strong skills in communication, organization, budgeting, and team development.Current CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain within 90 days).Able to pass all background and reference checks.Exhibits integrity, punctuality, diligence, confidentiality, and excellence in work habits.Proven ability to work in harmony with church staff, volunteers, and families.