Preschool Director

Salary : $61,068.80 - $77,792.00 Annually
Location : City of Sparks, NV
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 27-07
Department: Parks & Recreation
Division: Youth Programs
Opening Date: 09/01/2026
Closing Date: 9/15/2026 4:00 PM Pacific


Job Information
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.

Application Tips :

• COMPLETELY fill out and updateyour general online application before attaching it to any job posting. HR reviews information listed on the application submitted to the specific job posting. HR does NOT use personnel files in the screening process.
• Contact information : use an email address you can easily access at any time.
• 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.
  • Candidates who have an Associate's degree in early childhood education or a related field must attach proof of degree. If the required documentation is not received with the application, the candidate's application will be disqualified.
  • Candidates looking to meet the qualifications for Preschool Director with high school diploma or equivalent must attach proof of approval by the Administrator of the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health at time of application. If the required documentation is not received with the application, the candidate's application will be disqualified.
• 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
• Knowledge of and ability to read, write, use basic math and verbal communication skills
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted during work
• Ability to exercise good judgment and initiative within general policy guidelines, independently and in the best interest of the program, program participants, and the City
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with children and their parents regarding issues or concern
• Ability to summon emergency assistance and respond to or initiate contact with parents and licensing authority
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions
• Ability to exercise patience and care when dealing with young children
• Ability to lead, coach, and train others in work procedures

Physical Demands
This position is regularly exposed to noise. Requires sufficient manual dexterity, strength, and stamina to perform sustained physical activity such as bending, stooping, kneeling, running, and crawling. Requires the ability to walk and stand for prolonged periods of time, to lift equipment and materials weighing up to 40 pounds, and to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions including extreme heat, wind, and dust. Must be able to meet social service requirements and to travel between multiple City of Sparks facilities and locations, where programming occurs.


Supplemental Job Posting Information

• This is a Civil Service position and is Non-Exempt under FLSA guidelines
• This position reports to a Parks and Recreation Manager
• Supervision exercised: Supervise daily activities and train support staff
• May be called back, held over, work off-hours, nights weekends and holiday shifts as required
• May be required to work during emergency circumstances or inclement weather conditions
• May be required to pass a pre-placement drug screen and background investigation

Application and Recruitment Information
Civil Service Positions

The City of Sparks requires that prior to the first examination for the position, necessary documentary evidence be submitted for fitness of any qualification. Any requirement not met for the advertised position prior to the first examination for that position, will be cause for the City of Sparks to decline to examine, certify or hire the applicant.
Recruitment Communication

Human Resources will contact you at various stages of the recruitment process via email only, even if you have chosen U.S. mail for prior application processes or for applications with other agencies. Please ensure your email address is up to date, accurate, and accessible by you.


Reasonable Accommodation

Human Resources will make efforts to provide reasonable accommodations to disabled applicants in the selection process. If you have special needs, please notify the Human Resources office when you turn in your application or at least three (3) business days prior to the examination/interview by calling View phone number on click.appcast.io.

Disclaimer

The City of Sparks hires and promotes applicants based on a competitive merit selection process, which may include any or all of the following: screening for minimum qualifications, written examinations, supplemental training and experience questionnaires, assessment centers, interviews (oral or written), physical tests or any combination which the Sparks Civil Service Commission may order.


Scoring in the top five (5) for promotion or top ten (10) for entry level in any part of the selection process merely advances the applicant to a higher round of examination, which may consist of additional interviews and other evaluations. Scoring in the top five (5) or ten (10) gives no right to be selected for the position. The City of Sparks reserves the right to select applicants who demonstrate the best combination of qualifications for the position.

Applicants moving forward in the selection process are subject to submitting for a background check that may include review of criminal records. Applicants with criminal records should note that a conviction will not necessarily bar the applicant from employment. When considering the applicant's background and criminal record, the length of time that has passed since the offense, the age of the applicant at the time of the offense, the severity and nature of the offense in relation to the position for which the applicant has applied, and evidence of the rehabilitation of the applicant will be considered prior to an employment decision can be made.
The City of Sparks is proud to offer a quality benefit package to its employees. The benefit package includes a variety of benefits for a diverse workforce.

Below is an overview of the City of Sparks' general benefits. The below information does not in any manner modify, alter, expand or add to the active and applicable contract or resolution.
• Nevada has no State income tax
• The City of Sparks is part of the Nevada Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). The City pays 100% of the employee PERS contribution. There is no social security deduction/participation.
• Group Health Insurance (includes medical, dental, prescription and vision). City pays 100% of the employee premium and 75% of the dependent premium
• City paid life insurance
• City paid long term disability insurance
• Twelve paid holidays
• Vacation/Annual leave
• Sick leave
• Personal leave
• Tuition reimbursement
• Workers' Compensation
• Military leave
• Family leave
• Longevity pay
• Uniform, personal item and tool allowance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Deferred Compensation match - see applicable CBA

If you have questions regarding the various benefits described, please contact Human Resources at
01


To verify your minimum qualifications, you must attach the document that verifies your level of educational and/or experience qualification. Failure to do so may result in your application being rejected. This position requires:*Associates Degree in early childhood education and 1,000 hours (6 months) of verifiable work experience in a child care facility.OR*Associates Degree in a related field and fifteen (15) completed semester hours in early childhood education and 2,000 (12 months) of verifiable work experience in a child care facility.OR *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.Did you attach the required documentation?

• Yes
• No

02


CIVIL SERVICE EXAMINATION BEGINS HERE: The next four (4) questions are the required training and experience questions that will make up your Civil Service Exam. Responses to the questions must be completed and submitted with the application by the deadline date. Candidate responses to the questions will be evaluated and scored. **Candidate resumes and applications will not be available to raters and will not be considered for Exam Scoring. It is, therefore, in the candidate's best interest to answer each question as thoroughly, clearly and directly as possible.**Leaving questions blank will result in zero points. Please answer yes/no signaling you understand the above.

• Yes
• No

03


Describe your direct experience overseeing groups of children and staff. Describe if this was at one location or multiple locations/sites. Include the type of work you oversaw, the age groups of the children, and the types of decisions you were responsible for making. Include the names of the organizations and the timeframes in which you gained this experience as well.
04


Describe your direct experience working with student/child behaviors in a classroom setting. Include what methods you used, any tools or resources you used, why you used those and whether you required support or not. Include when and where you gained this experience.
05


Describe your experience with safety training. Be specific and differentiate between the safety trainings you have received and given and include when and where you gained this experience. In addition, provide a real life example of a safety issue you dealt with, in a relevant work environment, and how you responded to that situation.
06


Describe your direct experience in a preschool setting. Be specific and include the size of your teams and your role(s) on those teams, any strategies or styles you've utilized, the age groups of children you worked with, and where and when you gained this experience.
Required Question