Preschool Director

JCC Preschool Director Job Description

The preschool director is responsible for the supervision, management and quality of all aspects of the preschool and VPK programs. The director oversees day to day operations, leads and develops the teaching staff, builds strong relationships with families, and supports enrollment growth through outreach and community engagement. Working closely with the Executive Director of Early Education and Youth Programs and other JCC administrators, the director serves as the primary representative of the preschool while demonstrating exceptional professional conduct and consideration for the educational development, safety and welfare of the children and staff.

Essential Job Functions

Key responsibilities of the preschool director include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Supervise and perform administrative operations of the preschool, including registration, school calendar, scheduling of staff and programs, attendance and evaluation of children
• Serve as both Preschool Director and VPK Director, carrying out the full responsibilities of each role
• Implement programming and policies that support the mission and guiding principles of the preschool
• Maintain and evolve preschool database
• Recruit, hire and supervise staff
• Evaluate teachers using the preschool’s established evaluation system and provide ongoing mentoring, coaching and feedback
• Support teachers in earning and maintaining required credentials, certifications and in-service training hours
• Oversee staff orientation and plan, schedule and lead ongoing professional development for preschool staff
• Guide teachers in organizing and arranging their classrooms for efficient, safe and effective use of space and materials
• Ensure the office and all classrooms are appropriately staffed during all hours of preschool operation, including arranging coverage for staff absences and for the director’s own scheduled and unscheduled absences
• Comply with local and state licensing requirements
• Maintain national accreditation standards
• Develop staff manuals, parent packets and weekly newsletters
• Review and proofread teachers’ unit plans, lesson plans and weekly classroom letters; provide feedback and assist teachers in strengthening their planning and family communication
• Meet with, recruit and enroll prospective families; identify, pursue and act on marketing, outreach and community partnership opportunities that support enrollment
• Serve as the preschool’s primary representative and ambassador, greeting families each morning during arrival and maintaining a warm, welcoming and professional presence with families, staff, visitors and the wider community
• Conference with staff and parents
• Partner with teachers and families to develop, implement and monitor individual behavior plans
• Meet regularly with parent volunteers; help facilitate, create, plan and execute parent events
• Participate in JCC staff meetings and attend JCC events
• Work closely with the Executive Director of Early Education and Youth Programs, the Business Manager and other JCC administrators to align preschool operations, programming and communication with agency goals
• Maintain the organization and appearance of shared preschool spaces, including the lobby, storage areas and teacher workrooms, and submit and follow up on facility and maintenance requests
• Exhibit excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Be organized with good time management skills
• Show a genuine commitment to education and learning
• Demonstrate excellent judgment and problem solving ability
• Perform other duties as assigned

Position Requirements

• At least five years of experience, including leadership experience, working in early childhood education settings. 
• Florida Early Childhood Director credential
• Florida VPK Director credential
• Understanding of current best practices in Early Childhood Education. 
• Bachelor’s Degree; Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field preferred. 
• At least 3 years of administrative experience in early childhood education or related field. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications. 
• Must communicate well with both adults and children. 
• Must be available to work occasional evenings and weekends for preschool and JCC events, family programs and staff meetings.

Physical Requirements

• Lifting, pushing and pulling up to 35 pounds using proper body mechanics and/or available equipment as physically required—including but not limited to helping children on and off diapering table; lifting children who may need comfort, aren’t feeling well, moving supplies and classroom furniture etc.
• Physical stamina – must be able to bend, kneel, squat and sit on the floor, etc. as required to lead and participate in child related activities, to perform cleaning tasks and to maintain a safe learning environment.
• Must be able to stand, walk around and remain active for extended periods throughout the workday as required for child and office related activities. Must be able to stand for 45 minutes consecutively while supervising children on the playground.
• Must be able to ascend and descend stairs frequently throughout the workday, including responding quickly to the second floor when a child or classroom requires immediate assistance.
• Work is mainly performed in a weather controlled, air conditioned/heated facility with some time spent outdoors supervising children on the playground and during field trips. Facility is well lit and has typical preschool environment obstacles, such as running children, small sized furniture, toys, cubbies, etc. 

Reporting Relationships

Report directly to the Executive Director of Early Education and Youth Programs.

Supervise Lead Teachers, Assistant Teachers, Office Staff, Substitutes and Volunteers.

The Tampa JCCs and Federation is a “DFWP” Drug Free Workplace and an “EEOE” Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.