Preschool/Early Childhood Director

Build Yourself Up Youth Development Services; Westwood (NJ); On-site; USD 65,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Build Yourself Up Youth Development Services seeks a Preschool/Early Childhood Director to lead Westwood, NJ operations for children aged 2–4. This full-time, on-site position focuses on nurturing, inclusive practice, curriculum implementation, staff development, and strong family engagement.

You will supervise teaching staff, manage enrollment and licensing compliance, and partner with leadership to advance BYU’s mission and youth development goals.

Qualifications

• Experience directing preschool or early childhood programs.
• Strong knowledge of child development and play-based learning.
• Ability to work on-site in Westwood, NJ, with occasional evenings/weekends.
• CPR and first aid certification, or willingness to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the preschool program.
• Lead and support teaching staff and develop curriculum.
• Ensure a nurturing, inclusive, and safe environment for children aged 2–4.
• Coordinate enrollment, family communication, and licensing compliance.
• Partner with leadership to align with BYU's mission.

Skills

Early childhood ed

Leadership & supervision

Communication with families

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in Early Childhood Education

Job description

Company Description

Build Yourself Up Youth Development Services (BYU) is dedicated to helping children learn, grow, and thrive through play, creativity, and meaningful connections. The organization offers year-round programs for families in Bergen County, NJ, including preschool for ages 2–4, after-school enrichment, summer camp, birthday parties, and sports and recreation instruction. BYU focuses on creating a safe, inclusive, and joyful community where every child feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential. With experienced staff and a supportive environment, programs are designed to promote social, emotional, academic, and physical development. BYU is a trusted partner for families seeking holistic growth experiences for their children.

Role Description

The Preschool/Early Childhood Director is a full-time, on-site role based in Westwood, NJ, responsible for overseeing daily operations of the preschool program and related early childhood services. This role includes leading and supporting teaching staff, developing and implementing a developmentally appropriate curriculum, and ensuring a nurturing, inclusive, and safe environment for children ages 2–4. The Director collaborates with families, manages enrollment and communication, and maintains compliance with state licensing and health and safety standards. Additional responsibilities include supervising classroom practices, coordinating schedules and resources, organizing family events, and monitoring program quality and child outcomes. The Director works closely with organizational leadership to align preschool programming with BYU’s mission and broader youth development initiatives.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise in early childhood education, including knowledge of child development, play-based learning, and age-appropriate curriculum design.
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills to coach, evaluate, and support teaching staff and foster a collaborative team culture.
• Effective communication and relationship-building abilities for interacting with children, families, staff, and community partners.
• Organizational and administrative skills for managing schedules, enrollment, documentation, and regulatory compliance.
• Commitment to creating inclusive, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed learning environments.
• Ability to maintain a safe and healthy setting, including familiarity with licensing requirements, safety protocols, and classroom management best practices.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, or a related field; advanced credentials or certifications are a plus.
• Previous experience directing or coordinating preschool or early childhood programs; experience in community or youth development settings is beneficial.
• CPR and first aid certification, or willingness to obtain upon hire.
• Ability to work on-site in Westwood, NJ, with flexibility to support occasional evening or weekend events.