Preschool director (full time)
Netivot Shalom, Berkeley, CA, United States
We are seeking a Preschool Director to lead our community forward. The ideal candidate enjoys working with children, families, and staff, and is passionate about shaping curriculum and culture.
The Preschool Director is both an educational leader and an active participant in the life of the school. You will be present in classrooms, connecting with children and families, and serving as a hands‑on partner to your teaching team; this is a “Director/Teacher” role.
The position parameters are somewhat flexible, and we are fully prepared to provide support to the right candidate. If you see yourself fulfilling some of the job requirements but not others, you are encouraged to apply. We will determine the type of support you need to successfully fill the role.
Congregation Netivot Shalom is currently posting multiple positions as part of an intentional and open‑minded search process. We are excited to meet candidates who feel drawn to one or more possible positions at Netivot Shalom Preschool, as we determine the best fit and structure for our school community.
Key Job Duties / Responsibilities Working with Families and the Community
Build and sustain warm, trusting relationships with enrolled families, prospective families, children, and staff, grounded in the Jewish values of our program and synagogue
Maintain proactive, consistent, and transparent communication with parents
Foster meaningful integration of families into the life of Netivot Shalom Preschool and Congregation Netivot Shalom
Leadership
Articulate, protect, and advance the preschool’s vision and mission in partnership with synagogue leadership
Inspire and educate staff to implement best practices in Jewish early childhood education, cultivating a warm, reflective, and professionally ambitious team culture
Design and lead ongoing professional development grounded in current ECE research
Administration
Oversee program operations: budget and finances, enrollment, curriculum, staff supervision, and regulatory compliance
Manage classroom and school‑wide operations, including willingness to step in as substitute or supervisor when needed
Demonstrate strong skills in time management, program planning, and communication with all community members, including parents, children, and staff
Qualifications We are looking for demonstrated competence and passion, not a specific credential or degree. The following reflects California’s director qualification requirements and our program’s priorities:
Director Qualification per California Community Care Licensing regulations, including at least 12 semester units in Early Childhood Education (Child Development; Child, Family, and Community; Preschool Curriculum), 3–6 units in Preschool Administration, and 3 units of Infant/Toddler coursework
A.A. or B.A. in ECE or a related field preferred
4+ years of preschool teaching experience
Supervision or administrative leadership experience preferred
We encourage you to apply even if you do not meet all the qualifications listed here. If you are passionate about early childhood education and believe you could grow into this role, we want to hear from you.
Compensation: $75,000-$85,000 per year
Health, dental, and vision insurance
Paid time off, including sick leave and holidays
Meaningful opportunities for professional development and growth
Application Deadline: Thursday, April 30, 2026
Anticipated Start Date: May-June 2026
Congregation Netivot Shalom is an Equal Opportunity Employer #J-18808-Ljbffr
The Preschool Director is both an educational leader and an active participant in the life of the school. You will be present in classrooms, connecting with children and families, and serving as a hands‑on partner to your teaching team; this is a “Director/Teacher” role.
The position parameters are somewhat flexible, and we are fully prepared to provide support to the right candidate. If you see yourself fulfilling some of the job requirements but not others, you are encouraged to apply. We will determine the type of support you need to successfully fill the role.
Congregation Netivot Shalom is currently posting multiple positions as part of an intentional and open‑minded search process. We are excited to meet candidates who feel drawn to one or more possible positions at Netivot Shalom Preschool, as we determine the best fit and structure for our school community.
Key Job Duties / Responsibilities Working with Families and the Community
Build and sustain warm, trusting relationships with enrolled families, prospective families, children, and staff, grounded in the Jewish values of our program and synagogue
Maintain proactive, consistent, and transparent communication with parents
Foster meaningful integration of families into the life of Netivot Shalom Preschool and Congregation Netivot Shalom
Leadership
Articulate, protect, and advance the preschool’s vision and mission in partnership with synagogue leadership
Inspire and educate staff to implement best practices in Jewish early childhood education, cultivating a warm, reflective, and professionally ambitious team culture
Design and lead ongoing professional development grounded in current ECE research
Administration
Oversee program operations: budget and finances, enrollment, curriculum, staff supervision, and regulatory compliance
Manage classroom and school‑wide operations, including willingness to step in as substitute or supervisor when needed
Demonstrate strong skills in time management, program planning, and communication with all community members, including parents, children, and staff
Qualifications We are looking for demonstrated competence and passion, not a specific credential or degree. The following reflects California’s director qualification requirements and our program’s priorities:
Director Qualification per California Community Care Licensing regulations, including at least 12 semester units in Early Childhood Education (Child Development; Child, Family, and Community; Preschool Curriculum), 3–6 units in Preschool Administration, and 3 units of Infant/Toddler coursework
A.A. or B.A. in ECE or a related field preferred
4+ years of preschool teaching experience
Supervision or administrative leadership experience preferred
We encourage you to apply even if you do not meet all the qualifications listed here. If you are passionate about early childhood education and believe you could grow into this role, we want to hear from you.
Compensation: $75,000-$85,000 per year
Health, dental, and vision insurance
Paid time off, including sick leave and holidays
Meaningful opportunities for professional development and growth
Application Deadline: Thursday, April 30, 2026
Anticipated Start Date: May-June 2026
Congregation Netivot Shalom is an Equal Opportunity Employer #J-18808-Ljbffr