Director of Preschool

2 weeks ago

Palo Alto, California, United States Scaffold Education Full time

Position Title:

Preschool Director

Reports To:

Founder / Executive Director

Position Overview: Scaffold Preschool is seeking an experienced, visionary, and collaborative Director to lead our early childhood program. The Director will be responsible for the overall operation, staff development, family engagement, and community presence of the school. We are looking for a leader who can combine strong management and communication skills with a deep passion for early childhood education and the ability to inspire a cohesive, high-performing team. This is both a strategic and hands-on role that requires someone who can build trust, maintain excellence in daily operations, and ensure that the school's educational direction remains consistent and aligned with its long-term vision.

Key Responsibilities

LEADERSHIP & VISION: Lead with clarity, empathy, and consistency to maintain a positive, mission-driven school culture. Ensure that the educational approach is understood and applied consistently by all staff. Translate the school's philosophy into daily practice without deviation from its core direction. Model professionalism, curiosity, and reflective leadership.

COMMUNICATION & COLLABORATION: Serve as the primary bridge between teachers, families, and the founder. Facilitate open, respectful, and solution-oriented communication across all levels. Build strong, trusting relationships with families through transparent dialogue and active listening. Collaborate with the leadership team to align operational decisions with educational goals.

OPERATION MANAGEMENT: Oversee all aspects of daily school operations, including scheduling, staffing, licensing, and compliance with state regulations. Manage budgets, enrollment processes, and administrative systems efficiently and accurately. Anticipate challenges, implement sustainable systems, and ensure smooth coordination across classrooms and programs.

TALENT DEVELOPMENT: Recruit, mentor, and evaluate teachers and staff; cultivate a supportive, growth-oriented work environment. Design and implement professional development plans tailored to staff strengths and needs. Empower teachers to take ownership, collaborate, and reflect on their practices. Foster a sense of shared purpose and team cohesion.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Build meaningful relationships with local families, organizations, and partners to strengthen the school's community presence. Represent the school professionally at community events, fostering positive visibility and impact. Encourage teachers and families to participate in community projects and initiatives.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree or higher in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field (Master's preferred).

  • Meets or exceeds California Director Permit qualifications.

  • Minimum 3–5 years of leadership experience in early childhood education or school administration.

  • Proven ability to manage teams, operations, and budgets effectively.

  • Exceptional communication and collaboration skills; able to mediate, motivate, and connect people.

  • Deep commitment to high-quality early education and a clear vision for its future.

  • Demonstrated ability to train, mentor, and grow team members professionally.

  • Strong community-building mindset and ability to create meaningful local impact.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is both a leader and a learner—organized yet flexible, confident yet humble. They are passionate about early childhood education, skilled in uniting diverse teams around shared goals, and capable of maintaining alignment between daily operations and the school's long-term educational vision. They see education not only as a practice but as a purpose, and they bring that belief to every interaction—with staff, families, and the wider community.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $63, $75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

  • Childcare
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Professional development assistance

Work Location: In person

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