Careers

Little Wings (Campus-Based Early Learning Organization)
Everett, WA | Full-time | Salary Range: $84,000 – $136,730
Posting: Open Until Filled

About Little Wings

Little Wings is an innovative early learning campus operated by Little Wings Early Learning Academy, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

The campus includes two distinct but aligned programs:

• Little Wings Early Learning Academy — a licensed early learning program providing high-quality, developmentally appropriate care and education

• Little Wings Nature Care — a license-exempt, nature-based program grounded in outdoor, experiential learning

Together, these programs reflect a shared commitment to children, families, community, and innovation, while operating under different regulatory and programmatic structures.

Little Wings is a project of the Machinists Institute and is designed to serve as a model for integrated, forward-thinking early learning.

Position Overview

The Executive Director provides campus-wide leadership for Little Wings and is responsible for stewarding the vision, culture, and long-term sustainability of the organization.

This role oversees both the licensed and license-exempt programs through direct supervision of:

• Center Director, Little Wings Early Learning Academy

• Nature Care Program Director

The Executive Director works closely with the Board of Directors, community partners, and the Machinists Institute to ensure alignment between mission, strategy, and operations.

Importantly, the Executive Director leads leaders.
Daily on-site program operations and direct licensing compliance are managed by the respective program directors.

Key Areas of Leadership

Leadership & Vision

• Steward and operationalize the mission and long-term vision of the Little Wings campus

• Foster a cohesive culture across programs while honoring the distinct identity of each

• Serve as a strategic thought partner to program directors

Organizational & Strategic Oversight

• Partner with the Board and Machinists Institute on governance and strategic planning

• Ensure alignment across programs, systems, and staffing structures

• Support sustainable operational systems without assuming day-to-day management

Supervision & Leadership Development

• Provide direct supervision and support to program directors

• Promote accountability, reflective practice, and leadership growth

Community Engagement & Partnerships

• Build strong relationships with families, community partners, and stakeholders

• Represent Little Wings in early learning and workforce development spaces

• Support fundraising, grant development, and partnership cultivation

Qualifications

• Executive or senior leadership experience in nonprofit, education, early learning, or community-based organizations

• Ability to lead and support other leaders

• Experience working with or supporting boards

• Understanding of early learning systems (licensing knowledge valued but not required)

• Capacity to lead across multiple program models and regulatory contexts

Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.

Compensation & Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance

• Retirement planning options

• Paid professional development

• Generous paid time off

Little Wings Early Learning Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating inclusive and supportive learning environments.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume, cover letter, and professional references to:

📧 HR@LWELA.org
Subject line: Executive Director

Child Care Center Director

Full Time

Everett, WA, US

Salary Range: $64,900.00 To $90,308.00 Annually

Little Wings Early Learning Academy is a 501c3 nonprofit established by IAM751 and the Machinists Institute. Our mission is to provide an inclusive environment for children ages 6 weeks through 12 years during regular and nonstandard hour care in a license and license exempt early learning environment designed for all children to thrive. The learning environment is on a 2.75-acre campus, dedicated to inspiring and fostering development through inquiry-based learning and STEAM Activities.

About the Role

Little Wings is seeking a dedicated and experienced Child Care Center Director to lead our educational team and ensure the highest quality of care and development for children aged 6 weeks to 12 years. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director will be responsible for overall center operations, staff management, educational programming, family engagement, and ensuring compliance with state licensing regulations.

Essential Functions

• Provide comprehensive leadership and management of the child care center

• Develop and implement educational curriculum aligned with early childhood development best practices

• Manage and support a leadership team supporting early childhood educators, their professional growth and development

• Ensure compliance with Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) licensing regulations

• Manage daily center operations, including enrollment, staffing, budgeting, and administrative tasks

• Conduct regular staff performance evaluations and professional development meetings

• Maintain open communication with parents and families

• Oversee child safety protocols, health standards, and emergency preparedness

• Monitor and maintain a safe, clean, and welcoming learning environment

• Develop and implement behavior management strategies

• Participate in ongoing professional development and stay current with early childhood education trends

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in early childhood education settings and demonstrated experience with a minimum of two years experience working with children birth to 12 years.

• Valid Washington State Child Care Director Certification

• Current First Aid and CPR certification

• Strong understanding of child development stages and educational best practices

• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills

• Proficiency in educational technology and administrative software

• Ability to multitask and manage complex operational responsibilities

• Demonstrated commitment to creating inclusive and supportive learning environments

Requirements

• Meet all requirements for a Center Director - WAC 110-300-0110

• Pass comprehensive background check

• Provide proof of immunizations, including COVID-19 vaccination

• Valid Washington State-issued driver's license

• Meet all relevant WAC related to Center Directors and their required qualifications 

• Ability to lift to 25 pounds

• Flexible schedule, including potential early morning and late afternoon/evening and weekend hours

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and educational management software

Compensation and Benefits

Little Wings offers generous health and welfare benefits, including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage. We provide employer retirement contributions with 401(k) matching, paid time off for vacation and sick leave, and ongoing opportunities for professional growth.

Employment Status

This is an at-will employment position in the state of Washington. Either the employee or the employer may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Little Wings Early Learning Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that supports professional growth.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume, cover letter, and professional references to:

📧 HR@LWELA.org
Subject line: LWELA Center Director

Nature Care Program Director

Full Time

Everett, WA, US

Salary Range: $56,100.00 To $64,515.00 Annually

Little Wings Early Learning Academy is a 501c3 nonprofit established by IAM751 and the Machinists Institute. Our mission is to provide an inclusive environment for children ages 6 weeks through 12 years during regular and nonstandard hour care in a license and license exempt early learning environment designed for all children to thrive. The learning environment is on a 2.75-acre campus, dedicated to inspiring and fostering development through inquiry-based learning and STEAM Activities.

About the Role

We are seeking an innovative and passionate Nature-Based Program Director to oversee our state-of-the-art outdoor and environmental education curriculum. The ideal candidate will develop, implement, and oversee a comprehensive nature-based early learning program that integrates environmental education, outdoor exploration, and developmentally appropriate learning experiences for children aged 3 to 12 years old. The Program Director reports to the Executive Director.

Essential Functions

• Design and develop comprehensive nature-based curriculum aligned with early childhood education standards

• Create and implement innovative outdoor learning experiences

• Develop environmental education programs that support cognitive, physical, and social-emotional development

• Oversee safety protocols for outdoor and nature-based learning environments

• Collaborate with center leadership to integrate nature-based learning across all program areas

• Train and support staff in nature education methodologies and risk management

• Develop partnerships with local environmental organizations and nature centers and community partners

• Create and implement documentation and assessment tools for nature-based learning outcomes

• Manage specialized outdoor learning spaces and nature education resources

• Develop sustainability and environmental stewardship initiatives

• Conduct research on best practices in nature-based early childhood education

• Ensure compliance with Washington State DCYF regulations for outdoor programming

• Develop parent education programs about nature-based learning benefits

• Develop community outreach plan in coordination with leadership

Qualifications

• Initial, Short or State Certificate or an Associate degree in Early Childhood Education, Environmental Education, or related field (or) Advanced certification in Environmental Education or Nature-Based Learning

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in early childhood education, with at least 1 year in nature-based or outdoor education programs

• Extensive knowledge of child development and nature-based learning principles

• Strong understanding of environmental education methodologies

• Advanced curriculum development skills

• Proven track record of innovative educational program design

• Current First Aid and CPR

• Demonstrated expertise in outdoor safety and environmental stewardship

• Advanced research and program evaluation skills

Requirements

• Meet all requirements to be a Program Supervisor - WAC 110-300-0110 and WAC 110-300-0105

• Pass comprehensive background check 

• Provide proof of immunizations, including COVID-19 vaccination

• Ability to work in various outdoor environments

• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds

• Flexible schedule, including potential outdoor and extended learning activities

• Proficient in research methodologies and educational software

• Able to handle the physical demands required for managing outdoor programing

• Wilderness survival and outdoor leadership skills preferred

Benefits

Little Wings offers generous health and welfare benefits, including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage. We provide employer retirement contributions with 401(k) matching, paid time off for vacation and sick leave, and ongoing opportunities for professional growth.

 Employment Status

This is an at-will employment position in the state of Washington. Either the employee or the employer may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Little Wings Early Learning Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that supports professional growth.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume, cover letter, and professional references to:

📧 HR@LWELA.org
Subject line: Nature Care Center Director