Director of Preschool

Please be advised that the start date for this position will be January, 2027

General Summary:  The Pre-School Director serves as the educational leader of the staff and students at the school site. The Pre-School Director is responsible for the direction of the instructional program for pre-school. The Pre-School Director oversees the total school program to provide a quality educational environment that meets the needs of all students. The Pre-School Director will serve as a member of the administrative team dedicated to cultivating excellence throughout the school and community. 
 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Curriculum Development, Supervision, and Evaluation 

• Serves as a curricular leader; understands school curriculum, ensures teaching of the written curriculum, helps staff use curriculum resources 

• Participates in curriculum development activities commensurate with school and district goals 

• Provides opportunities and encouragement for staff to increase professional expertise 

• Identifies curricular and extra-curricular needs by analyzing current programs and student achievement 

• Regularly uses the results of student assessment data to identify problems and implement program improvements and/or pacing. Provides continuous supervision and evaluation of the regular and special education programs and operational activities within the school 

• Interpret and implement the approved curriculum program and ensure that instruction aligns with state standards 

Student Assessment and Monitoring 

• Excellence in assessment; emphasizes student achievement as the primary outcome of schooling 

• Systematically assesses and monitors student progress using objective and verifiable information  

• Works with staff to systematically identify and respond to at-risk students; makes referrals to appropriate community agencies when needed 

• Provides meaningful information to parents/guardians and others regarding student progress 

• Maintains policies and practices for grading, reporting, and promoting 

Student, Staff and Community Relations 

• Communicates high expectations for both staff and students and provides appropriate motivation to reach expectations 

• Solicits information from school personnel and community in gauging the school climate 

• Recognizes efforts of students and teachers 

• Promotes the improvement of student and staff self-images. Models and facilitates good human relations skills; effectively interacts with others 

Establishing an Effective Workplace 

• Develops and maintains positive staff morale 

• Provides orientation for newly assigned staff members and assists in their professional development 

• Conducts meetings of the staff as necessary for the proper functioning of the school 

• Implements a discipline code that is fair and promotes orderliness and student learning 

• Maintains high visibility in the school 

• Provides for adequate supervision and acceptable student behavior  

• Staff Supervision and Personnel Evaluation 

• Supervises all staff  

• Assists in personnel evaluation and demonstrates objectivity in the process 

• Assists with recruiting, screening, hiring, training, and evaluation of the school personnel 

Communication and Community Relations 

• Interacts, listens, and responds appropriately to staff, student, and community concerns 

• Respects differences of opinion and fosters open communications among staff 

• Communicates effectively with students individually and in groups 

• Maintains communication with the appropriate central office administrators informed of school activities and problems such as special services, discipline, etc. 

• Collaborates with central office and other personnel to share ideas and concerns 

• Interacts with school personnel and parent groups to promote positive outcomes 

• Encourages parent visits and involvement in decision making 

• Keeps the community informed about school activities through newsletters, news releases, and attendance at parent meetings, etc. 

Decision Making and Problem Solving 

• Considers research, alternatives, and consequences in the decision-making process 

• Effectively delegates decision-making and problem solving to appropriate personnel 

• Makes decisions in a timely fashion and maximizes decision effectiveness by follow-up actions 

• Implements needed change with appropriate support of staff, students, and community 

• Delegates authority to responsible personnel to assume responsibility for the school in the absence of the director 

Professional Development 

• Keeps abreast of changes and developments in the profession by attending professional meetings, reading professional journals, and discussing problems of mutual interest with others in the field 

• Assumes responsibility for his/her own professional growth and development. Views self as a role model for expected staff behavior. Perceives self as a change agent; works for self and organizational renewal 

• Provides leadership in the development, direction, and innovation of educational programs designed to meet the needs of student groups, including English learners and Special Education 

• Effectively utilizes the expertise of school personnel, including self, in staff development 

• Helps teachers implement objectives for themselves and students 

QUALIFICATIONS 
Required knowledge, skills & abilities: 

• Demonstrated commitment to students and learning 

• Demonstrated knowledge of curriculum development and program design 

• Excellent communication, presentation and interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to write clearly and persuasively 

• Excellent organization, time management and follow-up skills; high sense of urgency; demonstrated ability to successfully 

• Handle multiple projects concurrently; ability to work as a team 

• Strong community-building skills 

• Entrepreneurial passion 

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS 

Note: To be hired, you must provide evidence that you meet one of these additional qualifications.  Evidence takes the form of a permit or a copy of the relevant degrees and transcripts. 

A permit issued by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing authorizing supervision of a child care and development program operating in multiple sites. This can be either of the following permits: 

• Child Development Program Director Permit 

• Children's Center Supervision Permit 

OR 

A current credential issued by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing authorizing teaching service in elementary school or a single subject credential in home economics, and six units in administration/supervision of early childhood education/child development (ECE/CD) (not required to any person who was employed as a program director prior to 1/1/93 in a child care and development program receiving funding by the Early Learning and Care Division [ELCD]) and 12 units of ECE/CD or at least two years’ experience in an ECE/CD program; 

OR 

An Administrative Services Credential authorizing administration or supervision in public schools in California that includes a preschool authorization; 

OR 

15 units in Child Development; Child, Family, & Community; ECE Program and Curriculum; ECE Administration; and any other ECE course with four years of experience working in a licensed child care center;  

OR 

Possess an AA degree in Child Development/ECE with 3 units in ECE Administration and two years of experience working in a licensed child care center;  

OR 

Possess a BA degree in Child Development/ ECE with 3 units in ECE Administration and one year of experience working in a licensed child care center. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE 

• Demonstrative track record of producing high levels of growth in academic student achievement on standardized state testing 

• Valid Administrative Services Credential 

• Five or more years of successful educational experience 

• 8 hours of EMSA-certified Preventative Health and Safety and Lead Poisoning Prevention for Child Care Providers and 8 hours of EMSA certified CPR/ First Aide 

• Childcare Center Part II Orientation certificate 

• CA AB1207 Mandated Reporter Training certificate 

WORKING CONDITIONS 

Physical Abilities 

• Hearing and speaking to conduct group training, exchange information in person, electronically, and on the telephone 

• Ability to read printed material and computer screens. Ability to understand speech at normal levels 

• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard and other office equipment 

• Ability to climb stairs, walk, and sit for extended periods of time. Ability to lift and carry 10 pounds 

• Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions 

CLEARANCES 

Criminal Justice/Fingerprint Clearance 

TB Clearance 

Health Screening Clearance 

Immunization records (MMR, Tdap, and Influenza)