Senior Recreation Program Specialist - Preschool Director (Licensed & Enrichment Programs)

Senior Recreation Program Specialist - Preschool Director (Licensed & Enrichment Programs)

Salary

$62,036.00 - $81,888.00 Annually

Location

City of Thornton; Trail Winds Recreation Center, CO

Job Type

Regular Full-Time

Job Number

26266

Department

Parks & Recreation

Division

Recreation

Opening Date

10/01/2026

Closing Date

10/15/2026 5:00 PM Mountain

FLSA

Exempt

WORK HOURS

STANDARD 40 HOUR WORKWEEK

PROBATION

One year (if not currently a certified City of Thornton employee)

STATUS 2

FLSA EXEMPT/CAREER SERVICE INCLUDED

BENEFITS

SEE BENEFITS TAB

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Under direction, supervises, coordinates, and leads the operations of a recreation program such as preschool, gymnastics or dance for the City to include maintaining a clean, safe environment for the children that meets all applicable standards.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

(Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. The list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.)

Assists in developing, administering, coordinating, promoting the specific recreation program, including staffing, operational activities, and services of the program. Teaches or leads the programs, lessons or teams as required with the ability to travel and work between multiple sites.

Develops and disseminates program schedules, curriculum and services. Registers participants, works with transferring students and approves refunds of program fees or transfer of registration and fees.

Develops and implements comprehensive curriculum and services for children 2 ½ to 10 years of age. Leads preschool classes, while spending a minimum of 60% or work time teaching in the classroom. Plans, schedules and supervises classes and curriculum.

Provides quality customer service by effectively responding to issues, conflicts, or concerns in a timely manner. Reviews circumstances and takes appropriation action. Interacts with parents, completes and maintains necessary records, and directs activities of other staff. Resolves problems as situation arise, involving the Recreation Coordinator and/or registration staff, licensing, CDEC, ACHD, UPK, etc., when warranted.

Supervises and directs the activities of assigned staff; makes recommendations regarding hiring, discipline, termination or advancement of employees. Schedules employees, assigns work, and monitors progress; guides, trains and develops employees in the accomplishment of their duties and professional growth; documents and evaluates performance.

Stays current with and enforces necessary and best practice safety standards and regulations throughout the program, including training credentials. Ensures compliance with local, state, and federal laws when necessary. Performs routine maintenance and repair of equipment, diagnosing problems, arranging and assisting with maintenance and repairs, and ensuring the ongoing safety of the participants.

Oversees the development and implementation of program goals, objectives, and work plans. Develops and ensures that various operating policies, procedures, standards, and guidelines are followed.

Completes all necessary paperwork and reports. Maintains records of incidents of rule violations, accidents, usage, and attendance; maintains and enters data into the computer. Ensures that all medical records are on file prior to the first day of each session. Keeps accurate and updated records.

Analyzes programs and problems, researches alternative services and service delivery methods, proposes improvements, prepares narrative and statistical reports, and makes program operational recommendations. Develops and prepares monthly, quarterly, and annual reports detailing program activities.

Conducts or participates in various staff meetings or briefings.

Assists with ordering, receiving, stocking and distributing supplies.

Assists in developing and monitoring the program budget.

Assists with special events and festivals as needed.

Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience:

High school diploma or GED, supplemented by college-level course work in physical education, psychology, sociology, early childhood education, or child growth and development, or related field; two years experience in gymnastics or dance program administration or at least one year experience as a preschool director; and lead or supervisory experience are required. Preschool CDEC, ELDG, Shines, and UPK experience preferred. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Licensing/Certification Requirements:

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certificate and First Aid certificate. Additionally, the preschool program requires Director Qualifications by the State of Colorado for a Large Child Care Center, Standard Precautions, Emergency Preparedness, and Medical Administration certifications.

Valid Colorado drivers license with safe driving record.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of the policies, procedures and goals of the City of Thornton and the department and division.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of gymnastic or dance program administration.

Knowledge of the theory, principles, practices, and methods of preschool administration.

Knowledge of early childhood education and child development programs.

Knowledge of appropriate child development, gymnastics or dance facilities and equipment used.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of effective customer service.

Knowledge of City of Thornton purchasing and personnel policies and procedures.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration, including organizational development, management, budgeting, employee supervision and training.

Skill in developing and implementing goals, objectives, and work plans.

Skill in developing and enforcing operating procedures, standards, and guidelines.

Skill in maintaining a variety of records related to gymnastics, dance, or preschool program operations.

Skill in evaluating early childhood development programs and facilities for usage, efficiency, and responsiveness to program needs and desires.

Skill in analyzing programs and problems, researching alternative services and service delivery methods, developing improvements, preparing narrative and statistical reports, and making recommendations.

Skill in performing life-saving and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) activities.

Skill in planning, organizing, coordinating and assisting with special projects, events and activities.

Skill in routine repair and maintenance of required equipment.

Ability to diagnose problems and ensure the maintenance, repair and ongoing safety of gymnastics, dance, or preschool facilities.

Ability to read, interpret and apply operating policies and procedures.

Ability to use standard equipment and computer software including word processing, website & database management, spreadsheet applications, electronic mail, TV/VCR/DVD, and microwave/stove.

Ability to listen well and communicate effectively orally and in writing with various audiences.

Ability to develop, manage, coordinate, promote and, as required, lead inclusive preschool programs.

Ability to develop and implement comprehensive early childhood development services and programs.

Ability to supervise, direct and train employees and volunteers.

Ability to promote and provide quality customer service with youth and families.

Ability to investigate and resolve complaints regarding programs and facilities.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City employees, community members and the general public.

Physical and Mental Requirements:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, run, crawl, stoop, kneel, push, drag, squat, twist, talk, hear, see and demonstrate manual dexterity. The employee is also required to perform light to heavy lifting.

TESTING PROCEDURES

Examinations may include but are not limited to application screening beyond minimum qualifications; written, oral, practical exercise or any combination thereof or other job related assessment deemed appropriate by Human Resources.

Your application will be used as a screening tool. Completeness and accuracy are important! Any false or untrue statements or material omissions in the application and related paperwork or during the selection process could disqualify you from consideration.

As a condition of employment, the city of Thornton conducts background investigations for all positions which may also include a review of credit report and/or driving record. A drug screen, physical, and/or psychological examination administered by a city-designated provider will be required for pre-determined positions.

The City of Thornton is an equal opportunity employer.

The City of Thornton offers employees an outstanding benefits package. Benefit eligibility is based on the status of the position. Please email Jobs@thorntonco.gov to receive a copy of our current Benefits Guide.

Benefits offered may include the following depending on the job type/status of the position:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life, Dependent Life & Supplemental Life Insurance Options
• Voluntary Accidental Death & Dismemberment Policy
• Flexible Spending Plan
• Post Employment Health Plan
• Retirement & Deferred Compensation Plans
• Short & Long-term Disability Plans
• Paid Holidays
• Vacation & Sick Leave
• Multilingual Incentive Pay
• Recreation Pass
• Wellness Program
• In-House Training Opportunities
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program

01

What is the highest level of education you have completed?

• High school/GED
• Associate Degree
• Bachelors Degree or higher
• None of the above

02

Have you completed college-level course work in physical education, psychology, sociology, early childhood education, child growth & development, or a related field?

• Yes
• No

03

If you answered "Yes" to the question above, please enter the related courses. If you answered "No", enter N/A.

04

Do you have at least two years experience in program administration or at least one year experience as a preschool director?

• Yes
• No

05

If you answered "Yes" to the question above, describe that experience here. If you answered "No" enter N/A.

06

Please describe any lead or supervisory experience you have.

07

If you have experience working with Preschool CDEC, ELDG, Shines, and/or UPK, describe it here. If not, enter N/A.

08

Please select which of the following certifications you possess.

• CPR
• First Aid
• Director qualifications by the State of Colorado for a Large Child Care Center
• Standard Precautions
• Medical Administration
• None of the above

Required Question

Employer City of Thornton

Department Parks & Recreation Address 8651 Colorado Blvd

Thornton, Colorado, 80229