Infant and Preschool Director

Action-Day-Schools; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 78,000 - 88,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation & holidays

Medical

Dental

Vision

FSA

Long-term disability

Life insurance

401K

Childcare benefits

Job summary

Action Day Schools in the Bay Area is seeking an Infant & Preschool Director to lead all operations, drive enrollment, and develop a high-performing team of educators. You will partner with mentors to establish a strong foundation and ensure a warm, engaging environment for children and families.

Your leadership will shape program quality, family experience, and staff growth, with a focus on compliance, coaching, and continuous improvement across campuses.

Qualifications

• B.A. with at least 15 core ECE Units for Directors.
• Infant toddler units are a plus.
• 3 years of early childhood teaching experience required.
• 5 years of educational leadership experience preferred.
• Take initiative and have a "take charge" attitude in a fast-paced environment.
• Be able to multitask and communicate effectively with emotional intelligence.

Responsibilities

• Leading day-to-day operations to ensure a safe, nurturing, high-quality learning environment for infants and preschoolers.
• Overseeing and supporting teachers and staff—hiring, coaching, mentoring, and supervising to build a strong, child-centered team.
• Managing enrollment, parent/family communication, tours, and admissions so that new and returning families feel welcomed and supported.
• Ensuring compliance with licensing standards, program policies, curricula, and safety protocols; maintaining records, scheduling, and program administration.

Skills

Leadership

Enrollment management

Staff development

Communication

Education

B.A. with 15 core ECE units

Infant/toddler units a plus

3 years early childhood teaching

5 years educational leadership (preferred)

Job description

Since 1968, Action Day Schools have proven to be steadfast leaders in the Bay Area’s childcare and private education industry. We pride ourselves on providing each child with quality care rooted in dedication and enthusiasm for their individual growth and development. We're growing and expanding, and to accommodate our thriving organization, we are seeking professional & proactive individuals who believe in our mission of creating excitement for learning in a fun and loving environment. In 2025, Action Day Schools was nominated as one of the Best Places to Work in the Bay Area and we have positions open for candidates with the same tenacity, determination, and love for fun as we do.

We're growing and expanding, and to accommodate our thriving organization, we are seeking professional and proactive individuals who believe in our mission of creating excitement for learning in a fun and loving environment! We have positions available for candidates with the same tenacity, determination, and love for fun as we do!

Starting with a structured, extensive hands-on training period at one of our Infant Centers and/or Preschools, our Director will work closely with an experienced Mentor Director to build a strong foundation in Action Day operations before transitioning into a permanent placement at one of our school locations. This training experience is designed to provide real-time exposure to the day-to-day leadership of a high-quality program, while setting you up to confidently take ownership of your own campus.

As Infant & Preschool Director, you will lead all aspects of school operations, with a strong focus on student enrollment, family experience, and team leadership. You will be responsible for creating a warm, engaging environment for children and families, while building and developing a high-performing team of educators. From your first tour with a prospective family to coaching and supporting your staff, you will play a key role in delivering the consistent, high-quality experience that defines our programs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leading day-to-day operations to ensure a safe, nurturing, and high-quality learning environment for infants and preschoolers
• Overseeing and supporting teachers and staff- hiring, coaching, mentoring, and supervising to build a strong, child-centered team
• Managing enrollment, parent/family communication, tours, and admissions so that new and returning families feel welcomed and supported
• Ensuring compliance with licensing standards, program policies, curricula, and safety protocols; maintaining records, scheduling, and program administration

Your leadership will directly impact the well-being, growth, and development of children, as well as the sense of community among staff and families.

Compensation: $78,000 - 88,000/yr. depending on individual experience, education and position requirements.

Professional Development Opportunities For Administrators at Action Day Schools:

• Hands- on training with a mentor, 1:1 coaching sessions, and team check-ins with the Leadership Team
• New Hire Welcome Workshop, Teacher In-Service Staff Development Days, CPR/First Aid certification course offerings & more
• The ability to collaborate with creative team members to design the physical environment to meet the changing needs of young children
• Career Growth Programs and New Leader Training with opportunities for Senior Director and Corporate-level promotions.
• A Leadership team of brilliant Program Directors dedicated to empowering administrators & teachers, and creating a fun place to work that offers challenge, motivation, and career opportunities

• B.A. with at least 15 core ECE Units required for Directors
• Infant toddler units are a plus!
• 3 years of early childhood teaching experience required
• 5 years of educational leadership experience preferred
• Must take initiative and have a "take charge" attitude in a fast-paced environment
• Be able to multitask
• Communicate effectively with emotional intelligence
• A love and passion for working with young children
• An eagerness to learn and grow!

Benefits for full-time employees working 30+hrs/wk include:

• Vacation, sick, and holiday pay- including a paid holiday closure in late December!
• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• FSA
• Long Term Disability
• Life Insurance
• 401K
• Childcare/Private Education Benefits-- At Action Day Schools, it is our goal to enrich the lives of both you and your children!