Preschool Director

Piedmont; Piedmont (CA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

CalPERS retirement benefits

Health care plan contributions

Sick leave accrual

457 retirement plan options

Job summary

The City of Piedmont is seeking a part-time Preschool Director to implement and administer the preschool program. The role requires overseeing educational and recreational activities, supervising staff, and ensuring a safe environment for children.

Qualified candidates will have significant experience in preschool settings, strong organizational skills, and a solid foundation in early childhood education principles. Part-time benefits include CalPERS retirement options and medical contributions.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience working in a preschool setting, with at least 1 year supervising staff.
• Knowledge of play-based educational principles and practices.
• Ability to interpret policies and apply safety practices.

Responsibilities

• Develop educational activities for preschool children.
• Supervise part-time staff and manage classroom activities.
• Ensure safety and cleanliness of the preschool environment.

Skills

Planning

Organization

Supervision

Customer service

First Aid and CPR

Education

12 units in Early Childhood Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Google Docs

Job description

THE COMMUNITY

The City of Piedmont is a charter city of approximately 11,000 residents located in the beautiful Oakland Hills, overlooking the San Francisco Bay. The city, which is virtually built out, consists of established, high-quality single‑family homes on quiet tree‑lined streets. Within Piedmont's 1.8 square‑mile area there are five city parks and numerous landscaped areas which offer wooded paths, tennis courts, children’s playgrounds, sports fields and picnic facilities.

THE DEPARTMENT

The Piedmont Recreation Department is a vital component of the Piedmont community. The Department provides a wide array of programs, services and activities including three year‑round licensed school‑age childcare programs; five preschool programs; youth and adult sports leagues and activities, including running the Piedmont Middle School sports programs; aquatics; a multitude of special interest classes; senior excursions; diverse summer camp offerings; as well as hosting a variety of annual City‑wide special events.

In addition to managing a skate park, tennis courts, use of fields and parks, and childcare facilities, the Department manages and programs two large community halls which are quite popular venues for weddings, special events and community activities. Department staff includes 12 FTEs, consisting of the Director, four Recreation Supervisors, one Childcare Program Coordinator, Contract Class/Camp Coordinator, Sports Coordinator, Facilities & Events Coordinator, Aquatics Coordinator, and two Administrative Assistants. In addition, the Department employs approximately 150 part‑time/seasonal employees.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from the Recreation Supervisor. Provides supervision to part‑time staff and volunteers.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

Preschool Director has responsibility for implementing and administering a specified preschool site, of the Preschool Program and supervising on‑site staff. Incumbents are responsible for developing, scheduling and conducting a variety of educational and recreational activities and events for participants in the program and other activities or events as assigned. This class is distinguished from the Recreation Supervisor in that the latter have responsibility for formulating policy, developing goals and objectives, monitoring and administering program budgets and directing operations for multiple programs.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES (Illustrative Only)

• Develops, oversees, plans, implements and schedules a variety of educational and recreational activities and special events for a specified site of the Preschool Program such as sports, games, drama, music, health, science, nature, crafts and indoor and outdoor activities.
• Creates an atmosphere where a child feels secure and comfortable away from his/her family.
• Plans, organizes, directs, and evaluates the work of assigned staff; may participate in the selection of support staff and provides for their training and development.
• Educates children‑cognitively, emotionally, socially, and physically.
• Responds to inquiries and complaints from participants, parents, citizens and others, in person and by telephone; resolves problems and/or refers them to a supervisor.
• Prepares a monthly outline of activities and submits this outline for approval; reviews approved program plans with staff.
• Conducts, participates in and evaluates the effectiveness of Preschool programs, activities, and special events and recommends improvements or modifications.
• Assists children in learning about safety and good health habits.
• Instructs children in the safe use of supplies and equipment.
• Provides technical assistance to staff; assists in developing discipline and classroom management techniques.
• Ensures the safety of children and staff at all times; maintains a safe, clean and tidy environment.
• Prepares estimates of supplies and equipment; orders, purchases and/or obtains supplies and equipment to maintain an adequate inventory for program needs.
• Sets up and uses a variety of recreational, educational, cleaning, and other equipment related to the program as well as standard office equipment, including computers.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Theories, principles, methods and materials used in a play‑based preschool program.
• Principles and practices of recreation program supervision for preschool children.
• Basic supervisory principles and practices.
• Applicable regulations and rules related to the program and facility to which assigned.
• Safety practices and procedures, including basic first aid and CPR.
• Record keeping practices.
• Business arithmetic.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors and City Staff.
• Basic computer skills including working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and Google Docs.

Ability to:

• Plan, organize, direct, supervise and evaluate the work of assigned staff.
• Train staff in work and safety procedures.
• Interpret, apply and explain policies, rules and regulations.
• Develop, implement and conduct age‑appropriate recreational programs and activities for school‑age children.
• Maintain accurate records and files.
• Handle medical emergencies and injuries in a calm and effective manner, including providing basic first aid.
• Maintain facilities and equipment in a clean, safe, and secure manner.
• Exercise independent judgement and initiative within established policy guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience: At least (5) years of experience working in a preschool setting (specialty infant/toddler experience preferred). At least (1) year of experience supervising preschool staff. 12 units in Early Childhood Education required. A bachelor's degree may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Must possess a valid California class C driver's license and a satisfactory driving record. The City of Piedmont monitors DMV record information over the course of employment.
• Must possess or have the ability to attain First Aid and CPR Certifications.

Successful candidates must pass a Department of Justice live fingerprint scan, background reference checks, and Tuberculosis screening prior to start of employment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess strength, stamina and mobility to perform moderate physical work; strength to lift and carry recreation equipment weighing up to 35 pounds for extended periods of time; and flexibility to lift, carry, push, pull, or move objects. May involve significant standing, walking, pushing, bending and/or pulling to participate in recreation activities. Visual acuity sufficient to perform computer work and other essential functions of the position. Hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the phone.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS

Employees work in an indoor/outdoor classroom setting with loud to moderate noise levels, and controlled temperature conditions. Incumbents may be exposed to blood and body fluids rendering first aid and CPR and required to wear appropriate attire for the recreation activity to which they are assigned. Employees may interact with challenging staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Must be fingerprinted for submission to the California Department of Justice in order to work with children. All public employees are designated as Disaster Service Workers. As such, all City of Piedmont employees may be called upon to assist in the event of fire, flood, earthquake, or other natural or man‑made disasters.

WORK WEEK

This is a part‑time at‑will position, requiring an average of 20‑29 hours per week, typically Monday–Friday, and anytime between 8:00 am and 3:00 pm. Schedules can vary depending on site and program, and weekend work may be required. Hours of work may not exceed 1,440 hours a year. Management reserves the right to change work hours.

BENEFITS

Part‑time employees in this classification who are scheduled to work more than 1,000 hours during a fiscal year are eligible for the following benefits:

• Retirement: Benefit depends upon membership date—Classic employee CalPERS 2% @ 60, employee share is 7%. New Members 2% @ 62, employee share is currently 7.75%. The City also participates in Social Security.
• Medical: Eligible to enroll in the City’s health care plan. The City shall contribute the minimum amount required by law toward the monthly premium for hospital and medical care benefits under the CalPERS Public Employees' Medical & Hospital Care Act (PEMHCA) Health Plan, which is currently $162/month. Any remaining premium is the responsibility of the employee.
• Sick leave accrual earned at the rate of 1 hour for every 30 hours worked, with a maximum accrual of six (6) days or 48 hours.
• Section 125 plan available for contributions toward health care and dependent care expenses on a pretax basis.
• 457 retirement plan is available for voluntary salary contributions on a pretax basis.

The City of Piedmont complies with EOE, AA and ADA.