Preschool Director

Preschool Director

Are you looking for a meaningful career that has a positive impact on the community? If you answered YES, come join the City of Sparks! Aside from working for an organization that is dedicated to the community, you will also receive a generous and competitive salary and benefit package. Some benefits may include tuition reimbursement, bilingual pay (when applicable) and retirement plans. People who come to Sparks, stay in Sparks.

About the job: The City of Sparks is currently seeking to hire one Preschool Director that will report to a Recreation Manager within the Youth Programs Division of the Parks & Recreation Department. The Preschool Director is responsible for executing and handling the full range of preschool program operations, which may occur across multiple classrooms located at different physical locations. Travel between locations is required. The person selected for the role will need to understand and be able to handle difficult conversations with staff, parents and program participants. The anticipated work schedule should support Monday through Friday operations, with flexibility based on the staffing needs of the classrooms.

This posting is scheduled to close on September 15, 2026 at 4:00 pm PST.

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• The Qualifications section below is your guide to understand what the City is looking for on your application, use this to your advantage. It is up to the candidate seeking employment/promotion to include all relevant information for qualification purposes, on the application the candidate submits to be considered for the job.
• ATTACHMENTS REQUIRED: remember to attach all licenses/transcripts/certificates required at time of application to demonstrate you meet the qualifications for the position you believe you meet the qualifications for at time of application, before submitting your application. Attaching your education and certification requirements (see qualifications section to determine what documents are required for attachment at time of application) will allow you to continue in the recruitment process. Failure to attach these requirements will constitute disqualification.
• DO NOT attach resumes or cover letters. The City of Sparks does not review these items with the application.

Civil Service Testing:

This position requires a Civil Service Exam which is a Training and Experience (T&E) Questionnaire. All applicants interested in consideration must complete the T&E questions attached at the end of this job posting, these questions will be scored. The score received will be the candidate's Civil Service Exam score. Upon successfully passing the exam, the candidate will be placed on the eligibility list which will then be used to refer candidates for potential interviews. It is, therefore, in the candidate's best interest to answer each question completely and thoroughly.

If you have any questions, please email View email address on click.appcast.io. The City of Sparks is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Description:

The Preschool Director coordinates and executes daily operations of multiple preschool classrooms across two sites and is responsible for creating an environment that provides high-quality early childhood education and care for children enrolled in the program, ranging from ages three to six. This position provides program leadership, administrative support, staff training, and classroom coverage.

Distinguishing Characteristics:

This is a single class position expected to independently perform the full range of Preschool Director functions for Small Wonders Learning Center programs at multiple locations across the City of Sparks.

Qualifications

Applicants must clearly demonstrate how they meet the minimum qualifications listed below, on their completed application, to continue in the recruitment process. If there are certifications or degrees that require proof of completion, be sure to attach them to your application before submission:

State Requirements in accordance with NAC 432A and NRS 432A

Must be at least 21 years of age at the time of hire.

Education and Experience

In accordance with NAC 432A and NRS 432A, must qualify under one of the following three options:

1. Associate's degree in early childhood education and 1,000 hours (6 months) of verifiable work experience in a childcare facility.
2. Associate's degree in a related field and fifteen (15) completed semester hours in early childhood education and 2,000 hours (12 months) of verifiable work experience in a childcare facility.
3. High School Diploma or equivalent (if approved by the Administrator of the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health), fifteen (15) completed semester hours in early childhood education or related courses and 3,000 hours (18 months) of verifiable work experience in a childcare facility.

Licenses and Certificates

Must possess within thirty (30) days of hire and maintain throughout employment, the equivalent to a valid Nevada Class C driver's license.

Must possess within ninety (90) days of hire and maintain throughout employment, a valid CPR/AED and First Aid Certificate from a recognized institution.

Examples of Essential Duties

Coordinate and support execution of operations within multiple preschool classrooms. Ensure consistent program quality, safety, and compliance with all state licensing requirements and City of Sparks standards. Ensure all employees conduct themselves in alignment with program standards.

Primary point of contact for licensing authorities. Prepare and respond to audits and/or investigations. Organize, lead and support the enrollment process, including tours, registrations, and waitlists.

Screen new candidates, supervise and schedule staff. Support children in activities that promote social, physical, and intellectual growth in a safe, structured environment that prepares them for primary school.

Provide a fun, safe, recreational, and social environment suitable for children of all ages and groups. Provide a variety of materials and resources for children to explore, manipulate and use, both in learning activities and in imaginative play.

Supervise children at all times during indoor and outdoor play. Assist children with personal needs when necessary. Build and maintain positive relationships with children, parents, guardians and families. Address concerns from parents.

Ensure a safe and healthy environment for children, staff, and visitors. Develop and enforce safety procedures, administer first aid as required, and conduct regular safety drills and training. Coordinate with Assistant Preschool Directors to plan, organize and lead structured curriculum of activities designed to promote physical, mental and social development, such as but not limited to, games, arts, singing, story time, indoor and outdoor play, playground play, crafts, music, storytelling, and field trips for children aged three to six. Perform the general set-up and clean-up for daily activities.

Establish and enforce rules for behavior, procedures for maintaining order, and promote positive social behavior, while following best practices for children and the appropriate developmental levels. Create opportunities for all children to be successful through behavior modification plans and best practices appropriate for the assigned age group. Praise and encourage children and provide them with a variety of learning and social experiences.

Prepare staff schedules and weekly program activity schedules to comply with mandated ratios and program adherence to state guidelines and industry best practices. Provide in-classroom coverage when necessary. Recruit, supervise, coach, and evaluate a diverse group of part-time and temporary employees. Provide ongoing leadership, mentoring, and professional development to part-time temporary employees.

Maintain accurate records including but not limited to, enrollment, attendance, medical and all other records. Maintain organized separate personnel records for each member of staff to include volunteers, substitutes and part-time employees as required by the State of Nevada for licensing purposes. Complete written accident reports, incident reports and attendance reports, and address findings with appropriate staff and parents as needed. Communicate with parents regarding concerns, updates, or program information. Establish and maintain positive relationships with families, staff, and community members. Draft and recommend policies and procedures to implement in accordance with State requirements.

Purchase supplies, equipment, and materials, maintaining cost-effective program operations. Track expenditure to remain within approved budget limits.

Perform related duties and responsibilities as required and other duties which may be assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge and understanding of Nevada Department of Health and Human Services childcare center licensing requirements
• Ability to manage administrative duties and multi-site operations effectively
• Knowledge of early childhood education principles
• Knowledge of basic first aid and CPR methods and techniques
• Knowledge of safety practices and procedures
• Knowledge of proper use and maintenance of facilities and equipment
• Knowledge of and ability to use computer applications and software related to the work, including but not limited to, Microsoft Office
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