Preschool Director

Job Description

Job Description

For over 40 years, Guiding Light Christian Educational Center, LLC (GLCEC) has provided exceptional early childhood education and high-quality care for children ages 1 to 12 in a nurturing Christian environment. We are committed to supporting the growth, development, and spiritual well-being of every child in our care.

We are seeking an experienced and compassionate On-Site Director who demonstrates strong leadership, organizational excellence, and a genuine love for children. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 1 year of prior experience in early childhood education administration, a thorough knowledge of Arizona Department of Health Services (AZDHS) Child Care Center rules and regulations, and the ability to effectively lead and support staff while building positive relationships with children and families. This individual should be passionate about creating a collaborative, professional, and faith-based environment where children and staff can thrive.

The Guiding Light Christian Educational Center offers:

• Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays, Sick Leave, AFLAC, Vision Benefits
• For the comfort of your child's care, we do offer 50% childcare discount (based on availability)
• Friendly, fun, challenging and rewarding culture
• Paid Professional Development Days
• No nights or weekends

Key Responsibilities

(This list is not all-inclusive.)

• Provide effective leadership and management for the center’s daily operations
• Work with the center's Owner/Executive Director directly
• Oversee and train staff to ensure efficient time management and high performance.
• Maintain compliance with all state and local childcare regulations.
• Set, communicate, and achieve short- and long-term goals for staff and program growth.
• Recruit, interview, and onboard qualified team members.
• Manage employee schedules and classroom coverage.
• Conduct regular staff evaluations and provide constructive feedback.
• Partner with Executive Director, teachers, and families to address behavioral and developmental needs.
• Foster positive relationships with licensing representatives and community partners.
• Perform additional administrative or leadership duties as needed.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Must meet  Arizona Child Care Minimum Standards requirements for a Director’s License.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Must meet one of the following education and experience combinations:

Education & Experience: Meet  one of the following combinations

1. High School Diploma or GED + 24 months of childcare experience, plus:

• 6 credit hours in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or related field,  or
• 60 hours of ECE training,  or
• 12 hours of program administration training.

2. Child Development Associate (CDA) credential with 18 months of experience.

3. Associate Degree in ECE or related field with 6 months of experience.

4. Bachelor’s Degree in ECE or related field with 3 months of experience.

• Must be able to pass a background check.
• • Background clearance: Valid Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) fingerprint clearance card
• Must hold a valid driver’s license.
• Must obtain CPR and First Aid certification upon hire.
• Highly effective organizational, time management and multitasking skills
• Efficiency in follow-through and attention to detail
• Be a self-starter and have the ability to think creatively to solve problems.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• High levels of professionalism, standards, dependable, commitment, motivation, energy and enthusiasm
• Demonstrate responsiveness and sensitivity to the needs of children, families, and staff
• Excellent customer service

Inquire to learn more about the job duties and responsibilities.

Job Type: Full-time

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Salary is based on experience and education.

Benefits:

• Paid time off
• Paid holidays
• Vision Insurance
• AFLAC Plans
• Employee Discounted Childcare
• Professional development assistance

License/Certification:

• CPR/First Aid Certification (Preferred)
• DPS Fingerprint Clearance Card (Required)
• AZDES Health & Safety Training (Required, Upon Hire)