Director of the Early Learning Center at St. Philip Neri Catholic School
Metairie, LA
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St. Philip Neri is seeking a dedicated, mission-driven, and highly qualified Director of Early Learning Center to lead our program serving students from 6-week-olds to two years in age. This critical leadership role will ensure the daily operations, educational programming, and spiritual development of our youngest students align with the school's Catholic identity and all Louisiana state licensing standards.
Key Responsibilities and Duties
The Director is responsible for the overall success of the Early Learning Center, including:
- Program & Curriculum Leadership: Oversee the planning and implementation of a developmentally appropriate curriculum that meets the needs of all children and incorporates the Catholic faith and values.
- Operational Management: Manage all day-to-day functions, including budget development, financial management, facilities maintenance, and adherence to all health and safety standards.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensure continuous compliance with Louisiana Early Learning Center Licensing Regulations (Bulletin 137) and any other local, state, or accreditation requirements.
- Staff Supervision & Development: Recruit, hire, train, mentor, supervise, and evaluate all center staff, fostering a positive and professional work environment. Ensure that continuing education requirements are met for all staff.
- Family & Community Engagement: Build strong, positive relationships with families, the school/parish community, and external early childhood partners.
- Catholic Identity: Serve as a faith leader, integrating Catholic teachings and traditions into the center's culture and curriculum.
Director Qualifications (Louisiana State Requirements)
Per Louisiana Early Learning Center Licensing Regulations (Bulletin 137), applicants must be at least 21 years of age and, upon hire, must provide documentation of at least one of the following:
- Early Childhood Ancillary Certificate and one year of experience in teaching or care in a licensed early learning center or comparable setting (subject to departmental approval); OR
- National Administrator Credential (NAC) and one year experience in teaching or care in a licensed early learning center or comparable setting, plus 6 credit hours or 90 clock hours of approved training in child care, child development, early childhood, or management/administration; OR
- Three years of experience as a director or staff in a licensed early learning center or comparable setting, plus 6 credit hours or 90 clock hours of approved training in child care, child development, early childhood, or management/administration.
Additionally, applicants must
- Pass a Louisiana Child Care Criminal Background Check.
- Hold Infant/child CPR and First Aid certification.
Desired Professional Qualifications
The ideal candidate will also possess the following qualifications:
- A minimum of 3 years of documented supervisory/administrative experience in a licensed early childhood setting in the state of Louisiana.
- Credentials: Current Louisiana Director Credential (beyond the minimum licensing requirement) is highly preferred.
- Faith: Active and practicing Catholic, knowledgeable of Catholic social teachings, and committed to leading in a ministry of the Church.
- Skills: Demonstrated proficiency in fiscal management, including budgeting, and excellent organizational, communication (oral and written), and interpersonal skills.
To Apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit the following documents via email to Richard Hill, Principal at RHILL@STPHILIPNERI.ORG:
- A cover letter detailing your qualifications and passion for Catholic Early Childhood Education.
- A professional resume.
- Three professional references.
Application Deadline: Monday, December 8, 2025, at 3:00PM.
St. Philip Neri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Hiring Process
- All applications and associated documents will be reviewed by the Pastor and Principal. The Pastor and Principal will determine which applicants will be asked to interview.
- In-person interviews will be conducted by a committee that includes the Pastor, Principal, and parish families with experience in SPN’s Early Learning Center.
- Second round interviews will be conducted as needed.