Preschool Director

Are you interested in making a difference in the lives of young children? Huguenot UMC Preschool is looking for an energetic, dynamic, patient and compassionate Preschool Director. If you have a passion for working with children, are dedicated to providing the best education and care to students, excel in a collaborative environment, and foster positive relationships, we want you to be a part of our team. Our small class sizes and student/teacher ratios, along with supportive families and staff, create a warm, family-oriented school community that makes coming to work a joy!

The role of the Director is to manage the day-to-day operations of our school. The Director will be the primary contact with the staff and families at the school. The Director is responsible for delivery of a high-quality instructional program and works with the team to ensure overall operation of the school including curriculum implementation in classrooms, staff training and development, student enrollment, parent and community relations, profit and loss management, and facility management. This is a full-time position with benefits, beginning in June, 2026.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. The incumbent is expected to perform other duties necessary for the effective operation of the department.

HUMC Preschool is an equal opportunity employer and conducts all business activities, including hiring, promotion, and other employment decisions, without regard to the employee’s or applicant’s race, color, creed, religion/religious affiliation, ethnicity, ancestry, national origin, citizenship status, age, sex (to include sexual orientation, transgender status or gender identity), disability, pregnancy, maternity/paternity status, marital status or civil partnership, genetic information, military/veteran status, victims of domestic violence or crimes, or other legally protected class.

To be considered for this position, applicants must demonstrate proof of education and prior management experience. Please reply by attaching a resume and proof of education and/or credentials.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Licensing and Regulatory:

• Regularly audit and maintain children and staff files in accordance with State regulations and/or accreditation requirements.
• Maintain a media permission list; coordinate the use of pictures with the Assistant Director.
• Maintain attendance records.
• Ensure the physical environment and health/safety standards are in full compliance with local and state licensing regulations
• Coordinate with the Church Trustees and Preschool Board regarding on-going or immediate facility needs.
• Conduct appropriate emergency drills - fire, intruder, shelter-in-place.
• Ensure classrooms are kept at the appropriate classroom ratio; fill in as necessary.
• Represent the school/agency during regulatory inspections.
• Maintain responsibility for accident/incident/illness reporting, medication management, and current allergy and health condition lists.

Family Engagement:

• Work with the staff to provide regular family engagement opportunities.
• Demonstrate professionalism, engagement and kindness to all children and families regardless of race, religion, nationality, abilities, familial status or make-up, etc.
• Leads tours with prospective families, highlighting key features and points of difference of our curriculum, teacher tenure/quality, etc.
• Maintain enrollment and fill openings as needed.
• Ensure that teachers are regularly communicating with families regarding student progress

Leadership:

• Identify, schedule and interview teacher candidates
• Supervise school staff including PTO approval and performance management.
• Use a growth mindset to train and develop teachers and provide feedback/coaching/discipline as needed.
• Conduct classroom observations, evaluations, and provide feedback that motivates and encourages staff learning and professional growth
• Listen objectively to employee concerns and plan a recommended course of action
• Build and communicate weekly and daily schedules to ensure appropriate ratios are always intact and labor is effectively managed to budget.
• Manage new hire paperwork and all employee files in compliance with state licensing regulations
• Maintain employee engagement practices that creates a culture of professionalism and support
• Maintain confidentiality of information in relation to staff, children, families and co-workers.
• Align with the school’s mission and values.
• Work with School Board to determine the direction of programs, build strategic timelines, and implement new and on-going projects.
• Build and maintain a positive working relationship with the church leadership and its members.
• Represent HUMC Preschool at local, state, and national conferences and meetings as appropriate

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree (preferably in ECE, a child related field, business, or marketing)
• 1 or more years of experience in managing childcare center or preschool required (2+ years preferred).
• 5 or more years of experience in working with children in a school setting

Required Knowledge:

• The ideal candidate must have strong leadership skills, excellent oral and written communication skills and be fluent in MS Office, Outlook, and have the ability to learn new technologies.
• They must also have a good understanding of developmentally appropriate practice for children aged infant to five years old and a deep respect for teachers in the field.
• A growth mindset with a solution focused approach to motivate and inspire Assistant Director and teachers.
• Intentional about delivering high quality curriculum and designing and implementing an assessment strategy with classroom teachers that addresses developmental milestones and kindergarten readiness.
• Highly organized, work well with others, self-starter, effective time management and multitasking skills.
• Proactive about building relationships with new families and maintaining high enrollment to make sure the students have access to the best preschool experience available.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bookkeeping, basic accounting and/or business management training or experience are a plus.
• Master's Degree in Education, Business, or a related field a plus.

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Paid Holidays
• Vision insurance