Nature Preschool Director

Boston Outdoor Preschool Network•Jamaica Plain, MA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Site Director provides on-site leadership for a high-quality, nature-based early childhood program. This role is responsible for supervising teaching staff, ensuring full compliance with EEC regulations, and maintaining a safe, engaging, and well-run program. The Site Director serves as the primary point of contact for families, site partners, and organizational leadership, and plays a key role in fostering a professional, collaborative, and mission-aligned team culture.

Requirements

EEC Director I or II Certification (required)
Experience supervising staff in an early childhood setting
Strong knowledge of EEC regulations and licensing requirements
Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions year-round
Frequent walking on uneven terrain, bending, and squatting
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs (children and equipment)

Nice To Haves

Experience with nature-based, outdoor, or experiential learning (preferred)
Excellent communication, organization, and problem-solving skills

Responsibilities

Supervise, support, and evaluate all teaching staff at the site
Set clear expectations and hold staff accountable for performance, professionalism, and compliance
Conduct regular observations and provide timely, actionable feedback
Complete annual performance evaluations and address performance concerns as needed
Mentor and coach educators to strengthen teaching practice and alignment with BOPN’s philosophy
Lead site-based staff meetings and orientations
Support and oversee interns, student workers, and volunteers
Ensure full compliance with EEC regulations (606 CMR 7.00) at all times
Maintain appropriate staffing ratios and qualified coverage throughout the day
Oversee required staff trainings, certifications, and documentation (First Aid/CPR, mandated reporter, EEC Essentials)
Maintain licensing readiness, including accurate and up-to-date child and staff files
Ensure all safety protocols, fire drills, and documentation are completed consistently and on schedule
Lead a high-quality, nature-based, play-centered program aligned with BOPN’s philosophy
Support educators in creating engaging outdoor learning experiences
Ensure consistent daily routines, safe environments, and strong classroom practices
Step into classrooms as needed to maintain program continuity
Oversee completion of child progress reports twice annually
Serve as the primary point of contact for families at the site
Support family communication, conferences, and orientations
Partner with admissions on tours, enrollment, and transitions
Build and maintain strong relationships with site partners
Support community-building events and site-based programming
Ensure a safe environment for children across all outdoor settings and weather conditions
Conduct daily safety checks and monthly fire drills
Review and manage incident and injury reports in accordance with EEC requirements
Communicate serious incidents to organizational leadership promptly
Oversee daily program operations, including staffing coverage and scheduling
Manage site supplies, budgets, and purchasing within guidelines
Maintain organized systems for documentation and record-keeping
Ensure readiness for licensing visits and internal audits
Coordinate field trips in partnership with leadership
Participate in all required trainings, meetings, and professional development days
Foster a culture of growth, reflection, and continuous improvement among staff