Director of Preschool

Association of Colorado Independent Schools; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 73,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation during June/July

Employer health benefits

Retirement contribution

HSA/FSA

Sick/personal time

Tuition remission

Job summary

Paddington Station Preschool is seeking its next Director of Preschool to lead day-to-day operations and guide a play-based curriculum aligned with developmentally appropriate practices and Colorado guidelines.

The Director collaborates with the Head of School and Admin Team to supervise ~30 faculty, support teacher growth, and ensure licensing and safety. In-person role with a collaborative, family-centered community.

Qualifications

• Colorado Director Qualified and Level 4 in PDIS.
• 3 years of leadership experience in education.
• Experience in independent schools or non-profit organizations preferred.
• Experience teaching in a play-based preschool (3 years).
• Strong computer skills: Google Suite, Word, Excel, ProCare, Finalsite.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to multi-task with deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the school and staff.
• Supervise approximately 30 faculty; support growth and development.
• Assist with play-based curriculum aligned to Colorado guidelines.
• Ensure licensing, health, and safety compliance.
• Engage with families and act as a resource.
• Collaborate with Admin Team and other directors.
• Create schedules for Flex Teachers and shared spaces.
• Maintain DHS and Colorado Shines compliance.
• Coordinate with therapists or mental health consultants.
• Manage communications with families; provide referrals.
• Maintain meeting documentation.
• Other tasks as assigned.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Team supervision

Play-based education

Multitasking

Education

Level 4 in PDIS

Tools

Google Suite

Word

Excel

ProCare

Finalsite

Job description

ACIS accredits, supports, and advances the interests of Colorado independent schools.

Schedule: 40 hours a week, Monday-Friday 7:30 AM -3:30 PM and in person, covers in Afternoon Tea during emergency coverage situations

Calendar: 12 months

Start Date: Ideal start in early November 2026

At Paddington Station Preschool, we have created an environment where educators are appreciated, childhood is celebrated, and families take an active role in supporting our community. We believe that preschool should be filled with laughter, joy, and a lot of fun! Paddington is looking for our next Director of Preschool to join our wonderful community and work alongside a team of highly skilled educators and in partnership with terrific families.

Position Overview: The Director of Preschool works in conjunction with the Head of School to support the day to day operations of the school. The Director oversees approximately 30 Faculty and is responsible for their supervision, growth, and development. The Director assists educators with implementing and planning a play based curriculum that is grounded in developmentally appropriate practices, child development, and the Colorado Early Learning and Development Guidelines. Additionally, the Director ensures that all licensing, health, and safety requirements are maintained at all times. Visible and accessible to families, the Director builds connections with families and is seen as a resource. The Director is an individual whose values and attitude embody and exemplify the school’s mission of promoting developmental growth through a foundation of strong intentional play-based community that values joy, creativity, collaboration, and family-school partnership. As a member of the Admin Team, the Director collaborates regularly with the Head of School, Director of Admission, Director of Advancement and Community Engagement, Instructional Coach for Engagement and Belonging, Director of Facilities, In House Substitute, and Office Manager. The Director is a passionate, collaborative, hard-working professional with exceptional integrity, relationship, and communication skills.

Fundamental Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Culture, Community and Curriculum

Possesses a strong knowledge and understanding of NAEYC best practices in play-based education, stays current on research in early learning and emergent curriculum. Advocates for Paddington's mission and pedagogical commitments, and understands the values and culture from which the school has grown, while carrying the school forward.

Assists teachers with lesson planning, thematic unit ideas, and implementation of an emergent curriculum.

Coordinates student assessments including twice a year conference reports and ASQ-3 screenings as needed.

Supervises all preschool faculty including strengths based observations, evaluation cycles, general documentation, and professional growth.

Serves as the first line of support and mentor for teachers regarding educational, student, and family needs.

Helps establish a classroom community in each of the classrooms that models best practices for a play-based early childhood school while maintaining an ITERS and ECERS lens.

Committed to engaging in the work of embracing diversity, educational equity, anti-racism, and anti-bias education.

Possesses a strong knowledge and understanding of NAEYC best practices in play-based education, stays current on research in early learning and emergent curriculum. Advocates for Paddington's mission and pedagogical commitments, and understands the values and culture from which the school has grown, while carrying the school forward.

Serves as a resource to staff regarding strategies for responding to a variety of students needs, behaviors and development. Coordinates services for students.

Schedules and facilitates staffings with outside therapists or mental health consultants to assist with partnership and collaboration

Provide information, assistance and communication with families including referral information

Maintains documentation for all meetings, recommendations, and referrals

Ensures that the Head of School is kept informed and up to date regarding relevant and essential information and uses discretion to elevate concerns in a timely manner.

Other tasks as assigned by Head of School

Operations

Responsible for the day-to-day operations of the school and keeps faculty and staff informed on school operations and logistics including the typical school day, Breakfast Club and Whistle Stop.

Assists in the classrooms as needed in order to maintain ratios, support teachers and students, and model for teachers.

Create schedules for Flex Teachers and all shared spaces including outdoor classrooms, inclement weather and Big Room.

Upholds and maintains all requirements from the Department of Early Childhood, Colorado Shines, PDIS, and DHS. Maintains all faculty, staff, substitute, and intern files as outlined by DHS and the Department of Early Childcare, ensuring all requirements are met.

Coordinates and processes time off requests in TriNet for teachers and communicates coverage needs to In-House Substitute.

Maintain and organize shared curriculum materials.

Coordinates with the Summer Camp and Aftercare Coordinators to ensure continuity of programs.

Other tasks as assigned by The Head of School

Requirements

Colorado Director Qualified, a minimum of Level 4 in PDIS

Leadership experience (3 years preferred)

Experience working in an independent school or non-profit organization (preferred)

Experience teaching in a play based preschool (3 years required)

Strong computer skills as well as proficiency in Google Suite, Word, Excel, ProCare, and Finalsite

High level of energy, attention to detail, organizational and inter-personal skills

Flexible, adaptable, and ability to remain tactful and discrete in sensitive and confidential situations

Strong communication skills including written, oral and non-verbal

Has a commitment to professional development, and continuous education and improvement

A record of strong collaboration, inclusion, diplomacy, and thoughtfulness

Should be at all times professional, motivated, enthusiastic, and pleasant

Ability to multi-task with a strong attention to detail and time sensitive deadlines is essential

Communicates effectively and professionally with the school personnel, children, and families/caretakers

Physical Requirements:

Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds frequently

Ability to sit on the floor

Frequent bending, stooping, walking, running, standing, sitting, kneeling, crawling, squatting, twisting, pushing, pulling, lifting, reaching above head, and reaching away from body

Ability to work indoors and outdoors in a variety of weather conditions, including snow and moderate cold and heat

Salary: $73,000 - $80,000 commensurate with experience and education

3 weeks vacation during June or July in addition to school vacations (one week off for Thanksgiving break, two weeks off for Winter Break and one week off for Spring Break, and other various days)

100% employer-paid medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance

Health savings or flex spending accounts

3% retirement contribution (after one year of service), no match required

12 days of sick/personal time off

Tuition remission for employee children