Job Description

POSITION:

Livonia Public Schools is seeking a highly qualified principal for the Livonia Early Childhood Center who will create and contribute to a highly functioning work and learning environment grounded in respect, collaboration, and understanding for all individuals. The principal serves as the lead learner and instructional leader, creating the conditions and structures that support continuous improvement in learning, development, and outcomes for early childhood students and the staff who serve them.

The Livonia Early Childhood Center Principal is responsible for coordinating and overseeing all aspects of the District's early childhood programs, including integrated general and special education preschool programs, GSRP, childcare, and extended care programs. The principal provides leadership for a comprehensive early childhood program, ensuring alignment across programs and services while fostering strong partnerships with families, staff, community partners, and other District leaders.

The principal reports to the Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Programs and Instructional Services.

DISTRICT OVERVIEW:

Livonia Public Schools employs approximately 1,850 staff members, serving approximately 13,000 students pre-K � post-secondary. There are 15 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, 3 high schools, 1 career technical center, 1 early childhood center, and 1 vocational and transition center in the School District. The annual budget for Livonia Public Schools is $195 million, with state funding of $10,300 per pupil.

BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH LIVONIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS:

Newly hired public school employees are eligible for a traditional pension and tax-deferred retirement savings accounts with an employer matching contribution. The pension component guarantees you monthly retirement benefit payments over your lifetime once you meet age and service requirements. Additionally, as a new public-school employee, you will be automatically enrolled in a Personal Healthcare Fund (PHF), which is a portable, tax-deferred investment account that can be used to pay for healthcare expenses in retirement. Livonia Public Schools will contribute a dollar-for-dollar match on the first 2% you contribute.

As an employee of Livonia Public Schools, you will be a part of a team working together in a positive work climate and a culture of mutual respect to support the successful education of children. You will also have the satisfaction of knowing you are a team member with Livonia Public Schools, which means you will have the following perks of employment available to you:

• Medical insurance, including prescription drug coverage:
  • The district's contribution is the maximum allowed by Michigan law.
  • Family coverage eligibility for employees working 30 hours or more per week.
  • Single coverage eligibility for employees working 20 hours but less than 30 per week.
  • Optional "cash in lieu" of medical insurance for those who qualify.
• Dental, vision, and life insurance:
  • The district pays 100% of the premium for all employees.
• Long-term disability coverage:
  • The district pays 100% of the premium for employees working 20 hours or more per week.
• Employee Assistance Program for employees and their eligible family members. This includes a completely confidential, short-term counseling service that utilizes a practical approach toward problem resolution and is available 7 days a week, with no cost to the employee.
• Paid holidays; earned vacation, sick, and bereavement days.
• Longevity pay.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

The following is a list of minimum qualifications for this position, any one of which may be waived by the Administration in exercising its prerogative to determine qualifications.

• Minimum of a master's degree with graduate study in any of the following: school administration, educational leadership or early childhood education
• Must have a valid Michigan Administrative Certification or be enrolled in an approved preparation program leading to certification as a school administrator within three months of start date and on track to earn certification within three years
• Michigan elementary teaching certificate and/or special education certificate with a minimum of five (5) years of experience
• Familiarity with the State of Michigan MiLEAP Licensing
• Knowledge of best practices, preschool curriculum, evidence-based practices, and emerging practices in early childhood education
• Skill in fostering strong family-school partnerships
• Highly effective communication skills, leadership, and team management skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and function independently
• Must be able to work flexible hours to accommodate the needs of the early childhood center programs
• Demonstrates high levels of professional leadership with teachers, staff, families, and students.

MAJOR FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Embraces the District's mission, vision, and collective commitments and makes decisions that reflect the District's philosophy of placing the needs of children and their education first.
• Contributes to the District's four core priority areas and supports their implementation across early childhood programs.
• Creates and sustains a highly positive, joyful, welcoming, and inclusive environment where children feel safe and excited to learn and where staff and families feel valued and connected.
• Maintains collaborative and productive relationships with students, families, staff, District leaders, and community partners.
• Provides leadership for the day-to-day operation and continuous improvement of all early childhood programs, including preschool, GSRP, childcare, and extended care.
• Serves as an instructional leader by establishing clear expectations for high-quality, developmentally appropriate teaching and learning.
• Supervises, evaluates, coaches, and supports staff while fostering a culture of professional growth and collaboration.
• Ensures the safety, well-being, and appropriate supervision of all children and promotes developmentally appropriate learning environments.
• Promotes an inclusive environment that responds to the individual needs of young children and supports the success of every child.
• Uses child outcome and program data to inform instruction, program improvement, and decision-making.
• Leads the annual evaluation of early childhood programs and uses findings to support continuous improvement.
• Builds strong partnerships with families and creates meaningful opportunities for family engagement in their child's learning and development.
• Supports smooth transitions for children and families as they enter early childhood programs, move between programs, and transition to kindergarten.
• Ensures compliance with applicable laws, regulations, licensing requirements, grant requirements, and District policies.
• Develops and manages program budgets and allocates resources strategically to support program goals and positive outcomes for children.
• Collaborates with the Finance Department on grants, budgets, financial reporting, and other financial matters and communicates relevant funding opportunities to appropriate Central Office staff.
• Develops partnerships with community organizations and agencies to strengthen services and support for children and families.
• Assists with the selection, supervision, and retention of childcare operations personnel.
• Demonstrates excellent interpersonal, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills and represents the Livonia Early Childhood Center in a professional and welcoming manner.
• Performs other duties and assumes other responsibilities as assigned.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

The work year, salary, and fringe benefits will be consistent with the current agreement between the Board of Education and the LEADS agreement. This position will remain open minimally through August 27, 2026 for consideration of employment for the 26-27 school year.

APPLICATIONS

All applicants, including current LPS employees, must complete and submit an application through Applitrack, which can be accessed through the Livonia Public Schools webpage.

Additionally, applicants must also upload:

• Letter of Interest addressed to Mrs. Jennifer Keatts, Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Programs and Instructional Services
• Professional resume
• Copies of educational documents (transcripts/certificates)

• Three current letters of recommendation

  The Livonia Public Schools School District prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or transgender status), national origin, age, height, weight, marital status, handicap, or disability in any of its educational programs or activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries and grievances regarding discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or transgender status), national origin, age, height, weight, and marital status-Director of Human Resources, 15125 Farmington Road, Livonia, MI 48154 at (734) 744-2566. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries and grievances regarding discrimination based on handicap or disability-Director of Student Services, 15125 Farmington Road, Livonia, MI 48154 at (734) 744-2524.