Early Learning Program Manager Jobs in Seattle, WA

Program/Department: Gateway Church / Gateway Learning Center 

Job Title: Learning Center Assistant Director

Reports To: Learning Center Director

Job Overview: Gateway Learning Center (GLC) is a Christ-centered early learning program and a ministry of Gateway Fellowship Church. The Assistant Director plays a vital leadership role in shaping a nurturing, faith-based environment that promotes spiritual, emotional, and educational growth in young children. This role supports the Center Director in the overall management of the program, including curriculum oversight, licensing compliance, staff leadership, marketing, admissions, and administrative tasks. The Assistant Director must possess a personal and growing relationship with Jesus Christ and align with Gateway’s mission to serve families with love, truth, and excellence.

Gateway OneTeam members will support and demonstrate an understanding of the church’s mission: Presenting Hope and Developing People. Key qualifications include possessing a character that reflects biblical godliness and demonstrating a meaningful, personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and active involvement in a local church are essential.

• Job Status: Full-time, M-F, 40 hrs/wk and occasional evenings or weekend hours for events or church functions
• Work Location: Gateway Learning Center, Poulsbo, WA
• Expected Start Date: August 17, 2026
• Exempt Status: Non-exempt
• Salary Range: $24-$26/hr
• Benefits: Sick, Vacation and Holiday pay, Life Insurance, Health, Dental and Vision Insurance, Employee Student Discount, EAP.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Planning and Teaching:

• Program oversight and classroom support.
• Support the implementation of Christ-centered, developmentally appropriate practices.
• Assist with lesson planning and curriculum delivery aligned with faith-based values.
• Provide direct classroom support as needed to maintain quality and continuity.
• Foster an atmosphere of joy, compassion, and biblical truth in classroom settings.
• Monitor and encourage faith-integrated learning experiences.

Compliance, Licensing and Regulatory Oversight

• Maintain full awareness of and compliance with all applicable Washington Administrative Code (WAC 110-300) requirements for licensed early learning programs.
• Ensure center operations meet standards outlined by DCYF, WISHA, L&I, Early Achievers, and USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).
• Implement and uphold best practices related to safety, sanitation, health screenings, food handling, allergy tracking, and nutritional guidelines as defined by USDA meal pattern standards.
• Assist the Center Director in preparing for inspections, updating policy manuals, and training staff on regulatory updates.
• Ensure all records (e.g., enrollment, incident reports, meal counts, attendance) are current, complete, and compliant.
• Collaborate with staff and leadership to implement proactive solutions when licensing or USDA regulations are at risk of noncompliance.

Staff Leadership and Supervision

• Assist in recruiting, training, evaluating, and mentoring staff.
• Promote professional growth and spiritual maturity within the team.
• Model servant leadership, grace-filled conflict resolution, and accountability.
• Uphold program standards and intervene when practices deviate from center policies.

Administrative and Operational Support

• Support center operations, including phone calls, emails, parent communication, and scheduling.
• Assist with billing, file organization, document creation, and center communication.
• Perform light janitorial tasks when necessary to maintain a clean, safe space.

Marketing, Outreach and Admissions

• Promote GLC through digital media, social media, church connections, and local outreach.
• Provide tours and communicate the center’s faith-based mission to prospective families.
• Assist with enrollment, onboarding, and relationship-building with new families.
• Represent the center at community and church events.

Mission and Faith Alignment

• Demonstrate an authentic, personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
• Support and live out Gateway Fellowship’s mission: "Presenting Hope and Developing People.”
• Provide spiritual leadership by integrating biblical truth into classroom and administrative practices.
• Create a Christ-honoring environment that encourages children and staff to grow in faith.

Other Duties

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Center Director.

WAC Requirements  (Section 3 of WAC 110-300-0100) 

• At least eighteen years old.
• Early Childhood Education (ECE) certification required; candidates not yet certified must be actively enrolled in qualifying coursework and able to obtain certification within five (5) years of their date of hire.
• Two years of experience as a teacher of children in any age group enrolled in the early learning program or two years of experience in administration or management.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field.
• Children's Ministry or Pastoral credentials would be ideal, but not required.
• Leadership experience in a licensed early learning or childcare program.
• Experience with admissions, marketing, or family outreach in faith-based settings.

Physical Demands

• Regularly lift to 60 lbs and occasionally up to 70 lbs in emergencies.
• Stand, walk, and actively engage with children throughout the day.
• Bend, stoop, jump, dance, and move quickly as needed for supervision and safety.
• Remain alert and responsive to children’s needs at all times.