Preschool Director
National Association of Episcopal Schools, Salinas, CA, United States
The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd Preschool would like to fill our year‑round Executive Director position for the 2026/2027 school year. We are seeking a Director who is passionate about fostering a play‑based, child‑centered, and developmentally appropriate learning environment where children learn through exploration, creativity, and meaningful relationships. The Director must be well‑organized with excellent time management skills and outstanding staff, parent, and teacher relations with a deep understanding of child development.
The Director will oversee a high‑quality program that supports social‑emotional development, creativity, and problem solving, and is responsible for all aspects of the day‑to‑day operations of the school. The Director will oversee program recruitment and enrollment, hiring and management of personnel, staff in‑service training, and fundraising. Professionalism, communication, and flexibility are key to this position.
We are looking for an individual who is passionate about leading a faith‑based, play‑centered, and developmentally appropriate program. The leader will nurture children’s spiritual, social‑emotional, and cognitive growth through hands‑on exploration, meaningful relationships, and deep respect for childhood.
Our program honors each child as a unique creation of God. We believe children learn best through play, discovery, and connection, and that faith is nurtured through everyday experiences of love, kindness, wonder, and community.
The Director reports to the Rector of the church and is expected to serve as a liaison between the preschool and the Good Shepherd community.
Annual Salary Range: $70,500 – $80,500. The position of Director is a full‑time exempt position.
Responsibilities
Lead and support a program grounded in developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) aligned with the principles of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
Ensure curriculum reflects a play‑based philosophy where learning is driven by children’s interests, inquiry, and hands‑on experiences.
Support teachers in creating classrooms that encourage wonder, empathy, cooperation, and respect.
Create an environment that supports social‑emotional development, creativity, and problem solving.
Demonstrate the ability to articulate the value of play to staff and families.
Demonstrate commitment to play‑based and inquiry‑driven education.
Work with the Church Treasurer and Finance Committee to develop an annual budget and report.
Oversee procurement and management of equipment and supplies.
Maintain efficient and effective communication with staff and parents.
Oversee teacher activities including creation of lesson plans, student progress reports, and preparation for teacher/parent conferences.
Update and maintain all staff and employee contracts and files in coordination with the Rector.
Annually review the school’s spring, summer, and winter camp programs and oversee staffing.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Development with two years Early Childhood teaching experience preferred or an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Development and four years Early Childhood teaching.
Meet educational requirements as described in Title 22 of the CCR for Community Care Licensing and the current Child Development Permit Matrix developed by the Child Development Training Consortium.
A LiveScan fingerprint clearance will be required in accordance with regulations listed in Title 22.
Health Screening Report including TB test results.
Demonstrate a range of motion to adequately lift, reach, squat, climb, sit and fully participate in school activities.
Strong computer skills, including Brightwheel, a Childcare Management Software system.
Minimum two years of Site Supervisor Experience.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The Director will oversee a high‑quality program that supports social‑emotional development, creativity, and problem solving, and is responsible for all aspects of the day‑to‑day operations of the school. The Director will oversee program recruitment and enrollment, hiring and management of personnel, staff in‑service training, and fundraising. Professionalism, communication, and flexibility are key to this position.
We are looking for an individual who is passionate about leading a faith‑based, play‑centered, and developmentally appropriate program. The leader will nurture children’s spiritual, social‑emotional, and cognitive growth through hands‑on exploration, meaningful relationships, and deep respect for childhood.
Our program honors each child as a unique creation of God. We believe children learn best through play, discovery, and connection, and that faith is nurtured through everyday experiences of love, kindness, wonder, and community.
The Director reports to the Rector of the church and is expected to serve as a liaison between the preschool and the Good Shepherd community.
Annual Salary Range: $70,500 – $80,500. The position of Director is a full‑time exempt position.
Responsibilities
Lead and support a program grounded in developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) aligned with the principles of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
Ensure curriculum reflects a play‑based philosophy where learning is driven by children’s interests, inquiry, and hands‑on experiences.
Support teachers in creating classrooms that encourage wonder, empathy, cooperation, and respect.
Create an environment that supports social‑emotional development, creativity, and problem solving.
Demonstrate the ability to articulate the value of play to staff and families.
Demonstrate commitment to play‑based and inquiry‑driven education.
Work with the Church Treasurer and Finance Committee to develop an annual budget and report.
Oversee procurement and management of equipment and supplies.
Maintain efficient and effective communication with staff and parents.
Oversee teacher activities including creation of lesson plans, student progress reports, and preparation for teacher/parent conferences.
Update and maintain all staff and employee contracts and files in coordination with the Rector.
Annually review the school’s spring, summer, and winter camp programs and oversee staffing.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Development with two years Early Childhood teaching experience preferred or an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Development and four years Early Childhood teaching.
Meet educational requirements as described in Title 22 of the CCR for Community Care Licensing and the current Child Development Permit Matrix developed by the Child Development Training Consortium.
A LiveScan fingerprint clearance will be required in accordance with regulations listed in Title 22.
Health Screening Report including TB test results.
Demonstrate a range of motion to adequately lift, reach, squat, climb, sit and fully participate in school activities.
Strong computer skills, including Brightwheel, a Childcare Management Software system.
Minimum two years of Site Supervisor Experience.
#J-18808-Ljbffr