CLC is now hiring a new director!

Creative Learning Center Director
Clayton First United Methodist Church
Clayton First United Methodist Church is seeking a dedicated, experienced, and compassionate Director for our Creative Learning Center (CLC). We are looking for an enthusiastic leader who has a heart for children, a passion for early childhood education, and the ability to lead and inspire a team of educators. The Creative Learning Center is an important ministry of Clayton First United Methodist Church, serving children and families throughout Rabun County and surrounding communities. Our mission is to provide a safe, nurturing, developmentally appropriate, and loving Christian environment where every child can learn, grow, and thrive.

Position Overview:

The CLC Director is responsible for the overall leadership, daily operations, educational programming, financial management, and staff supervision of the Creative Learning Center, including preschool, infant care, and after-school programming. The Director will work collaboratively with CLC Board, CLC staff, and families to ensure a high-quality program that reflects our commitment to excellence, Christian values, and service to the community.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership and Staff Development: Recruit, supervise, evaluate, and support qualified staff while promoting teamwork, professionalism, accountability, and a positive work environment.
Program Quality: Oversee developmentally appropriate curriculum, classroom instruction, and engaging learning experiences that support children's academic, social, emotional, and spiritual growth.
Licensing and Compliance: Ensure compliance with Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) licensing requirements, health and safety standards, and applicable childcare regulations.
Financial Management: Develop and manage program budgets, grants, monitor enrollment and tuition collections, oversee expenditures, and promote responsible stewardship of resources.
Family and Community Engagement: Build positive relationships with parents, families, church members, and community partners through effective communication and meaningful engagement.
Daily Operations: Manage enrollment, staffing schedules, personnel policies, facility needs, and the overall efficient operation of the center.
Strategic Planning and Growth: Work with church leadership to strengthen existing programs, identify opportunities for expansion, improve program quality, and ensure long-term sustainability.

Desired Qualifications:

Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Educational Leadership, or a related field preferred.
Experience in early childhood education, childcare administration, or educational leadership.
Knowledge of Georgia DECAL licensing requirements and childcare quality standards.
Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Experience with budgeting, financial oversight, and personnel management.
Ability to build positive relationships with children, families, staff, and community partners.
Commitment to Christian values and the mission of Clayton First United Methodist Church.
Must meet all applicable Georgia childcare director qualifications and background check requirements.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and professional references to:

admin@claytonmethodist.com

Application Deadline: November 6, 2026

Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Assistant Director

Hi, my name is Alissa Elenbaas, and I am so excited to be the new Assistant Director here at the CLC. I have worked in childcare for about 5 years as a teacher, mainly with Pre-K or infant ages. I’ve earned my associates in Early Childhood Education and will be going back to school to get my bachelors. Working with kids has always been my passion and what I wanted to do when I grew up. Being a part of their learning journey and watching them grow has been my favorite part of being a teacher.

I am originally from Michigan but now I live in Otto, NC with my fiancé and am getting married in October of this year! I have a dog, Loki, who is a German shepherd, and a cat named Gideon. In my spare time I enjoy reading, baking, being in nature, and watching a good movie. I also love spending time with my siblings, I am the oldest of 9 kids, and we are spread out between NC and PA.

Although I have little experience in this type of leadership role, I do know a lot about the early childhood industry and the rules and regulations we must follow.  I am looking forward to getting to know you all and your littles!

 

Meet Our Teachers

Christy Carpenter

Lead Infant Teacher

Savannah Bachman

Infant Teacher's Aide

Hayley Nickels

Lead Toddler Teacher

Meet Our Teachers

Ms. Marena Woodall

Toddler Co-Teacher

Ms. Addison

Toddler Co-Teacher

Erika Owens

Lead Toddler Teacher/Assistant Director

Meet our team

Amber Lavere

Lead Three-K Teacher

Ms. Tami Cody

Three-K Co-Teacher

Ms. Ava Merril

Lead Teacher Twos

Heather Mills

Lead Teacher Twos

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