Preschool Director

Capo Beach Church; Toovunga (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Capo Beach Church seeks a Preschool Director to provide strong leadership for a Christ-centered program. You will guide staff, ensure safety and quality educational experiences, and oversee enrollment growth while maintaining licensing compliance.

The ideal candidate will have CA Title 22 credentials, lead teacher qualifications, and experience managing budgets and communications with families and church leadership. This role is on-site with a collaborative church community.

Qualifications

• Meets California Community Care Licensing requirements for a preschool director.
• Educational pathway per Title 22: associate or bachelor degree in ECE or equivalent.
• Lead Teacher qualification and child care leadership experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily preschool operations and front office communications.
• Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and develop preschool staff.
• Lead curriculum oversight and development of developmentally appropriate activities.
• Manage enrollment marketing and family relations to grow licensed capacity.
• Maintain licensing compliance, health, safety, and staff records.
• Support budgeting, billing, and basic accounting (QuickBooks).
• Ensure smooth licensing inspections and reporting.

Skills

Leadership

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Staff development

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Education

Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education

Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education

Lead Teacher qualification

CA Title 22 coursework/requirements

Tools

QuickBooks

Website maintenance platform

Job description

Description

The Preschool Director is responsible for providing leadership and oversight of ensuring that the preschool is a safe, nurturing, engaging, and Christ-centered environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive. The Director provides leadership in the areas of staff management, parent and family relationships, enrollment and marketing, licensing and compliance, financial administration, curriculum oversight, and day-to-day preschool operations.

The ideal candidate is kind, patient, nurturing, organized, detail-oriented, trustworthy, responsible, and an effective communicator. The Director must be a strong leader who is comfortable working with young children, families, and staff and who is committed to

creating a positive, professional, and Christ-centered preschool environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Front Office & Daily Operations

The Director oversees the daily operation of the preschool and serves as a primary point of contact for staff and families.

Responsibilities include:

• Monitor and oversee the front office and daily preschool operations.
• Answer phones, emails, and parent inquiries in a timely and professional manner.
• Maintain a welcoming and positive environment for children, families, and staff.
• Manage teacher questions, concerns, and requests.
• Monitor staff performance and ensure assigned responsibilities are being completed accurately and consistently.
• Manage staff absences and arrange appropriate classroom coverage and substitutions.
• Oversee staff scheduling, breaks, and classroom ratios in accordance with State licensing requirements.
• Assist in the classroom when necessary to maintain appropriate staffing and ratios.
• Initiate parent communication regarding illnesses, injuries, or other concerns as needed.
• Maintain open, positive, and professional communication with parents and families.
• Listen to parent questions and concerns and work toward appropriate solutions.
• Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information professionally.

Staff Leadership & Development

The Director is responsible for recruiting, hiring, training, supervising, and developing preschool staff.

Responsibilities include:

• Recruit, interview, and hire qualified preschool staff.
• Coordinate recruitment and hiring to fill staff vacancies.
• Provide onboarding and training for new employees.
• Train and supervise preschool teachers and support staff.
• Hold regular staff meetings and provide ongoing communication and direction.
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and performance feedback.
• Address performance concerns in a timely and appropriate manner.
• Mediate minor staff disagreements and promote healthy employee relationships.
• Provide day-to-day leadership and support to ensure a positive and professional work environment.
• Recognize and encourage staff strengths, growth, and professional development.
• Plan, organize, coordinate, and promote professional development opportunities and staff training.
• Arrange substitute coverage and serve as a classroom substitute when needed.
• Ensure staff maintain required certifications and training.
• Maintain a positive team culture that reflects the mission and values of the church and preschool.

Curriculum & Classroom Oversight

The Director provides leadership and oversight regarding developmentally appropriate curriculum, classroom environments, and teacher-child interactions.

Responsibilities include:

• Maintain knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices for young children.
• Oversee and support teachers in planning and implementing developmentally appropriate activities and lesson plans.
• Ensure classroom environments are safe, engaging, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate.
• Regularly observe classroom interactions and provide feedback and coaching to teachers.
• Assist teachers in evaluating and improving classroom practices.
• Support teachers in creating meaningful learning experiences that promote the social, emotional, physical, cognitive, and spiritual development of children.
• Ensure classroom practices and curriculum are consistent with the philosophy and values of the preschool.

Enrollment, Family Relations & Marketing

The Director is responsible for supporting enrollment growth and maintaining strong relationships with current and prospective families.

Responsibilities include:

• Respond to prospective family inquiries in a timely and professional manner.
• Schedule and conduct preschool tours.
• Follow up with prospective families after tours and inquiries.
• Host open houses and other enrollment events.
• Support enrollment efforts and maintain enrollment at or near licensed capacity.
• Coordinate and support marketing initiatives for the preschool.
• Maintain and update the preschool website using the designated website template/platform; no coding experience required.
• Assist with social media and other promotional efforts as needed.
• Build positive relationships with current and prospective families.
• Communicate preschool updates, policies, and important information to families.

Administrative & Financial Responsibilities

The Director is responsible for maintaining accurate administrative and financial processes necessary for the successful operation of the preschool.

Responsibilities include:

• Develop and manage the preschool budget in collaboration with church leadership.
• Monitor monthly income and expenses.
• Manage tuition billing and family accounts.
• Monitor and follow up on outstanding balances and collections.
• Maintain accurate receipt and expense records.
• Enter and reconcile expenses and income.
• Assist with basic accounting functions and QuickBooks as needed.
• Submit payroll accurately and on time.
• Order necessary classroom, office, and facility supplies.
• Verify deliveries and ensure supplies are appropriately distributed.
• Monitor inventory and anticipate supply needs.
• Assist with purchasing and expense management.
• Prepare administrative and enrollment materials, including enrollment packets, back-to-school packets, and other required documents.

Licensing, Compliance & Safety

The Director is responsible for ensuring that the preschool operates in compliance with applicable California licensing requirements and the church policies.

Responsibilities include:

• Maintain compliance with all applicable California Community Care Licensing requirements and Title 22 regulations.
• Maintain current knowledge of licensing regulations and requirements.
• Ensure all required child and staff documentation is complete, current, and properly maintained.
• Maintain accurate and confidential student files.
• Ensure required staff files, certifications, and training records are current.
• Monitor classroom ratios, staffing, supervision, and health and safety requirements.
• Complete required State reports and documentation accurately and on time.
• Prepare for and participate in licensing inspections.
• Communicate with licensing representatives as necessary.
• Monitor the preschool facility to ensure it remains clean, safe, healthy, and appropriate for children.
• Identify safety concerns and communicate maintenance or facility needs promptly.
• Ensure required health and safety procedures are consistently followed.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of Title 22 regulations and other applicable childcare requirements.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

The Preschool Director must meet all applicable California Community Care Licensing requirements for the position, including the educational and experience requirements necessary to qualify as a preschool director.

Qualifications include:

• Meet State of California Community Care Licensing requirements for a preschool director.
• Possess one of the applicable educational/experience pathways required by Title 22, such as:
• An Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field and the required teaching experience;
• A Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field and the required teaching experience; or
• The applicable coursework and teaching experience pathway permitted by licensing regulations.
• Possess the required coursework in Child Development Supervisor/ Administration or equivalent coursework as required by State licensing.
• Must be Lead Teacher qualified.
• Minimum of three years of experience as a lead teacher, assistant director, or comparable preschool leadership position preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of preschool operations, developmentally appropriate practices, and California childcare regulations.
• Experience with budgeting, billing, and basic accounting preferred.
• Ability to learn and utilize QuickBooks and other administrative software.
• Ability to use and maintain the preschool website through the designated template/platform.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification and required health and safety training.
• Excellent attendance and reliability.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to remain calm, professional, and solution-oriented when handling challenging situations.
• Nurturing and compassionate approach when working with children and families.
• Flexible and adaptable with the ability to manage changing priorities.
• Minimum age of 19 years old.

SPIRITUAL QUALIFICATIONS

As a ministry of the church, the Preschool Director is expected to demonstrate a genuine and growing relationship with Jesus Christ, regularly attend Capo Beach Church, and support the mission, vision, and values of the church.

The Director should:

• Demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit and evidence of a growing Christ-centered life, reflecting Galatians 5:16–25 and Ephesians 5:18–21.
• Demonstrate Christ‑like character, integrity, humility, patience, kindness, and servant leadership.
• Be teachable and faithful in learning from and following those in authority.
• Fully support the vision, mission, and leadership of the church.
• Fulfill the responsibilities outlined in the church membership covenant.
• Demonstrate philosophical and spiritual alignment with the church leadership.
• Be committed to continued personal, professional, and spiritual growth.
• Model a Christ‑centered attitude in interactions with children, families, staff, and church leadership.
• Lead with grace, wisdom, accountability, and a servant's heart.

PHYSICAL & PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

The Director must be able to effectively perform the physical and emotional demands of working in a preschool environment.

The position requires the ability to:

• Maintain the physical stamina necessary to work in an active preschool environment.
• Bend, stoop, lift, reach, sit, stand, and move throughout the preschool as needed.
• Lift and carry children and classroom materials when necessary and within safe lifting practices.
• Respond appropriately and calmly to the physical and emotional needs of young children.
• Maintain a professional and positive demeanor in a fast‑paced environment.

ACCOUNTABILITY & SUPERVISION

The Preschool Director reports directly to the Executive Pastor and works in partnership with the church leadership to ensure that the preschool operates in alignment with the church's mission, vision, policies, and values.

The Director is responsible for providing leadership, oversight, accountability, and direction to the preschool staff and for maintaining a high standard of care, safety, professionalism, and Christ-centered service.

OTHER DUTIES

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by the Preschool Director. Additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed to support the mission and successful operation of the preschool.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate is a Christ-centered, experienced, and compassionate preschool leader who has a genuine passion for children, families, and staff. They are a servant leader who leads with kindness, patience, integrity, and professionalism while creating a warm, nurturing, and Christ-centered environment for children to learn and grow.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Strong preschool leadership experience, preferably with hands‑on experience directing or managing a licensed preschool or child care center.
• A thorough understanding of California Title 22 licensing requirements, regulations, ratios, health and safety standards, and required documentation.
• Experience with staff recruitment, interviewing, hiring, onboarding, training, scheduling, supervision, and performance management.
• The ability to confidently manage the day‑to‑day operations of a preschool while maintaining a safe, organized, clean, and welcoming environment.
• Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills with parents, teachers, church leadership, and the greater preschool community.
• A heart for parent partnership, understanding that families should feel heard, valued, respected, and supported.
• Strong organizational and administrative skills, including the ability to manage enrollment, records, policies, calendars, communication, and operational details.
• An understanding of preschool financial responsibilities, including budgeting, staffing, tuition, purchasing, and working within established financial goals.
• Experience with marketing, enrollment growth, and community outreach, with the ability to help families understand the value and mission of our preschool.
• The ability to identify problems, make sound decisions, and take initiative without needing constant direction.
• A calm, confident, and solution‑oriented approach when handling staff concerns, parent concerns, licensing issues, and challenging situations.
• A willingness to be hands‑on and present—not only overseeing the preschool from an office, but actively engaging with teachers, children, and families.
• A commitment to building a strong team culture, encouraging teachers, recognizing their strengths, holding them accountable, and helping them grow professionally.
• A genuine commitment to Christian faith and values, with a desire to model Christ‑like leadership and help create an environment where children are taught to love God and love others.

What We Value Most

While experience and qualifications are important, we are looking for someone who is more than simply a qualified administrator. We are looking for a leader with a servant's heart—someone who genuinely loves children, cares about people, understands the responsibility of leading a preschool, and is willing to roll up their sleeves and be part of the team.

The ideal candidate will bring a balance of heart and leadership, compassion and accountability, faith and professionalism, and vision and practical day‑to‑day experience.

Most importantly, they should be someone we can trust to care for our children, support our families, lead our staff well, and faithfully represent the mission and values of the preschool.