Early Childhood (Preschool) Director

Early Childhood (Preschool) Director

Role Summary 

A Jewish Preschool in San Diego County is looking to hire a Director to lead its early childhood and infant programs (six weeks – Pre-K/TK). The Director oversees the daily operations and overall quality of the program—mentoring and overseeing teachers, partnering with families, maintaining licensing and safety requirements, and integrating Jewish values, culture, and holidays into a joyful experience for young children. 

Primary Duties 

• Direct the overall preschool operation, setting a welcoming tone and ensuring consistent, high-quality daily experiences for children and families 
• Lead curriculum and program planning using best practices in early childhood education, intentionally incorporating Jewish values, traditions, and the holiday cycle 
• Oversee licensing and regulatory requirements (including California Title 5 and Title 22), maintain complete records (student, staff, and facility), and manage safety procedures and emergency readiness 
• Build and sustain a strong team by recruiting, onboarding, training, supervising, evaluating, and supporting educators and staff; facilitate meetings and professional learning 
• Strengthen home–school partnership through proactive communication, conferences, and community events, including open houses, Jewish holiday celebrations, and more 
• Track children’s growth and collaborate with teachers and caregivers to address developmental and behavioral needs, coordinating referrals, accommodations, and classroom support when appropriate 
• Manage program resources and learning environments, including classroom materials and coordination of facility and maintenance needs 
• Plan and oversee the program budget and enrollment strategy; align staffing to enrollment, monitor expenditures, and pursue grant/fundraising opportunities that support early childhood and/or Jewish education 

Desired Background & Experience 

• Demonstrated knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate early childhood practice 
• At least 3–5 years in early childhood education, with increasing responsibility; director/leadership experience is strongly preferred 
• Comfort and fluency with Jewish culture and practice; ability to bring Jewish values and holidays to life in an age-appropriate way 
• Proven ability to partner effectively with families and to build strong relationships with children and colleagues 
• Clear, professional written and verbal communication 
• Organized, solutions-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities with good judgment 
• Collaborative working style and commitment to a supportive school culture 

Required Credentials (California) 

• Hold, or be able to obtain, a California Child Development Permit at the Site Supervisor or Program Director level 
• Must meet one of the following qualification pathways: 
  • Associate degree (or 60 units) plus required ECE units and supervisory experience 
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher plus required ECE units and field experience 
  • Teaching or Administrative credential plus required ECE units 
  • Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education 

Key Strengths 

• Approachable, confident leadership with strong relationship-building 
• Ability to unite and develop a team through clear expectations and supportive coaching 
• Warm, responsive communication with families and colleagues 
• Sound judgment and consistency in implementing policies, procedures, and standards 
• Commitment to creating joyful, meaningful early learning experiences grounded in Jewish values 

Compensation and Benefits 

Position Type: Full-Time, Salaried 

Compensation: $70,000–$80,000 (annual) 

Benefits include:  

• Health insurance: employer will contribute up to $250/month 
• Dental/vision – employee paid 
• Retirement plan – voluntary 403(b) retirement savings plan 
• Paid vacation 
• Sick leave 
• Federal and Jewish holidays 
• Close early on Shabbat and Jewish holidays 
• Other benefits