Preschool Director

Preschool Director

Temple Shalom Preschool | Naples, FL

Temple Shalom, a vibrant Reform Jewish synagogue in Naples, FL, is seeking a visionary Preschool Director to lead its award-winning preschool. The director will lead a full year program for children age 6 weeks through Pre-Kindergarten, operating between 7:30 am and 5:30 pm. This is an exempt position. The Preschool Director reports to the Executive Director. 

Our preschool is a cornerstone of the Temple Shalom community, celebrated for its high-quality early childhood education, profitability, and role in introducing new families to the synagogue. We are looking for a dynamic leader who will not only maintain our high standards but also drive strategic growth and infuse Jewish values throughout our program.

Position Summary:

The Preschool Director is the chief administrator of Temple Shalom Preschool, responsible for the overall leadership, management, and strategic direction of all program operations. This includes ensuring educational excellence, fiscal health, regulatory compliance, staff development, and robust engagement with families and the community at large. The Director will be a passionate advocate for early childhood education, a skilled administrator, and a collaborative leader committed to the values of Temple Shalom.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Program Leadership & Educational Excellence:

• Assume full responsibility for the year-round preschool program, ensuring continuous improvement in accordance with Florida Early Learning Standards, and DCF regulations.
• Partner with the clergy and Director of Lifelong Learning to offer a rich Judaic curriculum.
• Research and implement current best practices in early childhood education, integrating innovative educational approaches.
• Develop, implement and maintain accreditation-standard policies and procedures to ensure the highest quality of care and education.
• Plan and oversee the development of a flexible daily schedule that promotes engaging, play-based learning in a time conscious manner.
• Oversee student assessment processes, modifying where appropriate to improve individual educational outcomes.

1. Staff Management & Professional Development:

• Attract, interview, hire, and retain highly qualified teaching and administrative staff.
• Provide strong mentorship, and professional development opportunities for all faculty and staff, fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth.
• Conduct regular staff meetings, trainings, and performance evaluations. Ensure high-quality instruction and a positive classroom environment.
• Support teaching staff in curriculum planning, lesson development, and classroom management.
• Mediate disagreement and conflict between staff and parents, promoting constructive communication.

III. Operational & Fiscal Management:

• Prepare and implement the annual operating budget, maintaining fiscal accountability through diligent oversight and report to the Temple Board.
• Manage all budget items, including, but not limited to, determining enrollment fees, tuition increases, and staff compensation.
• Oversee office expenditures, procurement of equipment, supplies, and fundraising activities.
• Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive operational policies, including those for admission, attendance, and health.
• Monitor the Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) Program, ensuring compliance with all state requirements and maintain necessary documentation.
• Maintain contact with relevant regulatory bodies including DCF, ELC, and the State of Florida, ensuring full compliance with all licensing and operational requirements.
• Oversee fundraising activities for the school
• Write annual grant requests to existing funders and seek new development opportunities

1. Family & Community Engagement:

• Cultivate strong, positive relationships with prospective and active families through ongoing communication, programming, intake interviews, and tours.
• Implement public relations initiatives to generate new enrollment and enhance the preschool's reputation within the community.
• Supervise and advise parent volunteers, offering opportunities for collaboration and engagement.
• Review and update, if necessary, the Parent Handbook annually.
• Actively connect Jewish families to the larger Temple Community, supporting the Temple's membership growth objectives.
• Cultivate relationships with local kindergarten programs to ensure smooth transitions for children.

1. Health, Safety & Compliance:

• Create and maintain policies and procedures which will safeguard the health and safety of the school community at large.
• Adhere to DCF, CDC, and ELC conditions and practices.
• Implement policies and procedures to reduce occupational hazards, including infectious diseases and workplace related injuries.
• Establish and implement written policy for reporting child abuse. Maintain confidentiality of all health files.
• Maintain playground and classroom safety.
• Implement robust security procedures for arrival and departure.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Education/Early Childhood Development, or equivalent experience.
• Must either currently possess the Florida Child Care Professional Credential (FCCPC) and Advanced Director’s Credential, or be willing to obtain them.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive leadership experience in an early childhood education setting, with at least 2 years in a Director or Assistant Director role.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Florida Early Learning Standards, VPK program requirements, and DCF licensing regulations. Candidate will be required to understand, meet and potentially exceed these requirements. 
• Proven fiscal management skills, including budget development and oversight.
• Strong leadership, communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Experience with curriculum development, staff supervision, and parent engagement.

Desired Attributes:

• A visionary leader with a passion for early childhood education and a commitment to Jewish values.
• Exceptional collaborator who can build strong relationships with staff, families, clergy, and the wider community.
• Strategic thinker with a proven ability to drive program growth and innovation.
• Empathetic, approachable, and an excellent communicator.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• A proactive problem-solver who fosters a positive and inclusive atmosphere.