Preschool Director Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must meet applicable Washington State DCYF Preschool Director qualification requirements under WAC 110-300-0100.
• At least two years of experience teaching children in an early learning program.
• At least six months of administrative or management experience, or an applicable DCYF-approved alternative plan.
• Must meet the applicable ECE education qualification at the time of hire: 45 quarter credits in ECE for a preschool program with licensed capacity of 25 or more children, or an applicable ECE State Certificate or equivalent where permitted by DCYF.
• Must complete applicable DCYF preservice training requirements.
• Must be able to obtain an ECE State Certificate or equivalent within five years of hire, as required by applicable state regulations.
• Must maintain required qualifications, professional development records, and background clearance in accordance with state requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, supervise, schedule, and support a team.
• Knowledge of early childhood development, developmentally appropriate practices, and childcare program operations.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and staff management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to establish clear expectations and hold staff accountable fairly and consistently.
• Collaborative approach that values staff experience, feedback, and professional contributions.
• Willingness to listen, learn, and understand the people and culture of the school.
• Confidence addressing conflict, difficult conversations, and operational challenges.
• Transparency, integrity, humility, and willingness to receive feedback and remain teachable.
• Sound decision-making, discretion, and ability to balance empathy with accountability.
• Commitment to creating a healthy, positive, and supportive work environment.
• Ability to work collaboratively with schoolwide leadership and support MCA’s mission and direction.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive matters professionally and discreetly.
• Ability to move throughout preschool classrooms and facilities and supervise children in indoor and outdoor environments.
• Ability to occasionally lift or carry up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to respond appropriately to children’s needs and emergency situations.
• Ability to remain active and engaged throughout the workday.
• Ability to fulfill the responsibilities of a full-time, year-round leadership position.
• Employees are expected to support the school’s Christian mission, values, and statement of faith and demonstrate a personal commitment to following Jesus Christ.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, or a related field.
• Previous experience directing or managing a licensed preschool or early learning program.
• Experience with Washington State childcare licensing and DCYF requirements.
• Experience with staff coaching, professional development, and performance management.
• Familiarity with Early Achievers or other early learning quality improvement programs.
• Experience working in a Christian school, ministry, or faith-based educational environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead, supervise, schedule, and direct preschool teachers and aides.
• Set clear expectations and promote fair, consistent, and accountable staff practices.
• Foster collaboration, open communication, mutual respect, teamwork, and shared responsibility among staff.
• Coach and mentor staff, establish educational goals, identify training needs, conduct observations, and document professional growth.
• Address performance concerns, workplace challenges, and interpersonal conflict directly and respectfully.
• Maintain appropriate staffing coverage and classroom ratios in accordance with licensing requirements.
• Coordinate staff meetings, training, cross-training, and team-building opportunities.
• Promote communication and collaboration between the preschool team and schoolwide leadership.
• Oversee daily operations in accordance with Washington State DCYF licensing requirements, applicable WAC provisions, MCA policies, and other laws and regulations.
• Maintain accurate and organized student, staff, licensing, incident, and operational records.
• Monitor staff qualifications, required training, certifications, background clearances, and professional development documentation.
• Ensure appropriate supervision, staffing levels, health and safety practices, classroom ratios, and emergency preparedness.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and developmentally appropriate learning environment.
• Prepare for and coordinate licensing visits, inspections, audits, and required corrective actions.
• Maintain required director qualifications and professional development records in the applicable state workforce registry.
• Ensure appropriate leadership coverage when the Director is not onsite, in accordance with state requirements.
• Oversee and guide developmentally appropriate curriculum, classroom practices, and learning environments.
• Develop and communicate the preschool program’s educational philosophy and expectations to staff and families.
• Support teachers in providing learning experiences that promote children’s spiritual, social, emotional, physical, and academic development.
• Build positive relationships with families through consistent, professional, and responsive communication.
• Respond to family questions, concerns, and challenges with professionalism, empathy, and sound judgment.
• Maintain awareness of community resources that support families, including resources for children with special needs.
• Represent the preschool positively within the broader MCA community.
• Assist with preschool budgeting, purchasing, inventory, and resource management.
• Coordinate with school leadership regarding facility needs, maintenance, and operational planning.
• Maintain confidentiality and use appropriate discretion when handling sensitive staff, student, and family information.
• Complete other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement plan.
• Long-term disability insurance.
• Life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance.
• Voluntary life insurance options.
• Tuition benefits for eligible custodial children, including applicable tuition remission for children ages 6 weeks through 12th grade and reduced tuition for children ages 1–3, subject to program availability and applicable policies.