Preschool Director

Cadence Education; Medford (NY); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Cadence Education is seeking a Preschool Director to lead our Habitots Preschool & Childcare site. You will guide curriculum delivery, ensure compliance with licensing standards, and foster a safe, nurturing learning environment.

You will drive enrollment targets, manage budgets, and coach a team of 20–40 staff to deliver exceptional care and education. This leadership role emphasizes collaboration with families and the community to sustain the school’s mission.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership at an early childhood facility with multiple classrooms and programs.
• Knowledge of licensing standards and safety regulations for child care facilities.
• Strong understanding of curriculum implementation and school accreditation requirements.
• Experience meeting enrollment targets and managing budgets in a preschool setting.
• Ability to train and develop a staff of 20–40, with clear performance appraisals.

Responsibilities

• Lead curriculum delivery and ensure high-quality educational programs.
• Maintain compliance with state licensing, accreditation, and Cadence Education policies.
• Drive enrollment growth and parent engagement while managing annual budgets.
• Supervise and coach staff, conduct performance reviews, and recruit top talent.
• Engage community partners and vendors to support school success.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Budget management

Enrollment targets

Staff training

Curriculum understanding

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education

Experience in group childcare

Job description

Ready to captain a preschool that sparks joy and transforms lives? Habitots Preschool & Childcare, a proud part of the Cadence Education family, is searching for an inspiring Preschool Director to lead our team of childcare visionaries! If you’re driven by a passion for kids and bring leadership experience from childcare, daycare, or early childhood education, this is your moment to steer a vibrant school toward excellence.

Why Cadence Education is Your Leadership Launchpad:

At Cadence, we’re all about igniting bright futures for children, families, employees, and communities. Our innovative curriculum and nurturing, home-like environments set the gold standard for early education. You’ll lead a dynamic team of fun, talented educators who thrive on collaboration, open communication, and a shared love for child development. We’re not just a preschool—we’re a beacon of learning, and we need your visionary leadership to shine the way!

What Makes You Our Leadership Luminary:

• Proven leadership at an early childhood facility with multiple classrooms and programs.
• Meets state licensing standards at a director level, including criminal background screening and fingerprinting.
• Education/experience in one of these:
• Bachelor’s degree + 6+ months in group childcare, OR
• Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education
• Deep knowledge of national/state education standards, licensing, fire, health, and OSHA regulations.
• Strong grasp of USDA Nutritional Standards for Schools.
• At least 21 years old with a valid driver’s license and a driving record meeting company standards.
• Education & Curriculum: Deliver our stellar curriculum with flair, ensuring top-quality programs that exceed standards. Foster a safe, nurturing environment that promotes student achievement and well-being.
• Leadership & Performance: Model professionalism, inspire your team of 20–40 with clear communication, and guide their growth through appraisals and goal-setting. Recruit top talent to keep the team thriving.
• Financial Mastery: Hit enrollment and financial targets, manage budgets like a pro, and balance profitability with exceptional care. Engage with parents, vendors, and community partners to boost our school’s success.
• Compliance & Safety: Keep our school compliant with all regulations, creating a safe, organized space that shines.

Education and Curriculum

• The Preschool Director ensures successful implementation of approved preschool curriculum by providing and maintaining quality educational programs
• Maintains compliance with accreditation and state licensing requirements as well as all applicable state and federal laws, and preschool policies and procedures
• Extensive knowledge and understanding National and State Education Standards and maintaining the school at a level exceeding these standards
• Practice effective counseling and advising of students and parents while fostering a safe learning environment
• Emphasizing student’s achievement and create an environment that nurtures and promotes children’s’ development and well-being
• Knowledge and experience in effective communication protocols
• Ensures environment maintains safe, organized, and meeting the high-quality standards of Cadence Education
• Knowledge and experience in team processes for advancing learning outcomes
• Participate in marketing events, campaigns, and community relations

Leadership and Managing Performance

• The Preschool Director upholds company standards and set the example by consistently modeling professional leadership, management and instructional skills while interacting with others. Demonstrates consistency in words and actions
• Clearly communicates preschool standards, guidelines, and preschool policies to all staff and stress their importance to the organization
• Ability to train a staff of 20-40 and oversee the completion of performance appraisals, supervise the development of individualized goals for staff’s professional growth and development, as well as supervise the monitoring and evaluation of goal accomplishment
• Recruit and hire new staff
• Analyzes financial profit and loss results, customer satisfaction measures, and other key performance data to make the best decisions for the success of our preschool
• Manages preschool to achieve and exceed planned financial and enrollment targets
• Reviews and operates budget and demonstrates an understanding of the process
• Continually seeks ways to manage and reduce expenses without sacrificing quality or service; balances profitability with priorities related to staff and our children and families
• Can interact externally with current enrollment and prospect parents, external curriculum activities and vendors