Program Director - Preschool

Montessori Association of Covina; California (MO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Montessori Association of Covina is seeking an experienced Agency Program Director to oversee the operations and program quality across our San Gabriel Valley sites. You will lead site supervisors, ensure compliance with Title V and Title XXII, and manage budgets and grant processes.

This role requires strong leadership, the ability to build partnerships with educational agencies and local governments, and a commitment to Montessori and early childhood education principles that support children

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) required.
• Program Director Permit or documented education and experience to apply for one.
• 2-3 years of experience as a Program Director OR 3-5 years as Site Supervisor with leadership and compliance skills.
• Montessori Diploma from an accredited institution is required, or commitment to obtain within two years.
• Minimum 4 years of lead teacher experience in a preschool classroom (ages 2-5).
• Minimum 4 years of experience with the Desired Results Developmental monitoring system and annual assessment process.
• Proven ability to nurture respectful relationships across diverse cultural, socioeconomic, and linguistic backgrounds.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with strong attention to detail.
• Personal integrity and deep commitment to children's and families' developmental goals.

Responsibilities

• Lead multi-site operational leadership across all agency school sites, ensuring compliance with Title V & Title XXII and budgets.
• Oversee program and curriculum delivery to ensure developmentally appropriate, high-quality services.
• Hire, train, develop, support, and evaluate Site Supervisors and staff across campuses.
• Oversee budgets and grant management, including USDA/CDE CACFP and licensing applications.
• Collaborate with Administrator and Site Supervisors to set strategic goals and engage community partners.
• Observe and evaluate sites and classrooms for quality, safety, and documentation, with follow-up.

Job description

Job Description

AGENCY PROGRAM DIRECTOR

At Montessori Association of Covina, we are passionately committed to making a transformational impact on children and families through high-quality early childhood education. Operating across multiple sites in the San Gabriel Valley and Greater Los Angeles areas, our programs seamlessly integrate Montessori and Early Childhood Education principles for children aged birth through 5. We believe in fostering an environment where every child thrives and every family is supported. Join us as a leader dedicated to our core values and vision!

The Opportunity

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Program Director to oversee the operational success and programmatic excellence of all our agency school sites. Reporting to the Administrator, you will be the key external face of our organization in the community, driving team development, ensuring seamless program delivery, and upholding the highest standards of quality and compliance. This role requires exceptional leadership to manage multi-site operations, develop staff, and ensure the consistent delivery of high-impact educational services.

What You'll Do (Key Responsibilities)

• Multi-Site Operational Leadership: Lead and manage the operational success of all agency school sites, ensuring efficient administration, compliance with Title V & Title XXII regulations, and adherence to prescribed budgets.
• Program & Curriculum Oversight: Ensure the consistent delivery of high-quality, developmentally appropriate programs across all sites, monitoring children's developmental progress and program effectiveness.
• Team Management & Development: Cultivate a positive, professional, and achievement-oriented school culture. Hire, train, develop, support, and evaluate Site Supervisors and staff across all campuses, setting high expectations and fostering collaboration.
• Fiscal & Grant Management: Oversee budgets, manage programs funded by entities like USDA/CDE (CACFP), and facilitate the processing and submission of new grant and licensing applications for program expansion.
• Strategic Planning & Community Engagement: Collaborate with the Administrator and Site Supervisors to set strategic goals. Act as the primary external representative, actively networking with educational agencies, local governments, businesses, and service providers to secure resources and enhance community standing.
• Quality Control & Evaluation: Regularly observe and monitor sites and classrooms to evaluate program quality, staff training needs, site safety, and curriculum implementation, ensuring thorough documentation and follow-up.

What You'll Bring (Required Qualifications)

• Bachelor's Degree (BA/BS minimum).
• Program Director Permit or documented education and experience to apply for one.
• Minimum 2-3 years of experience as a Program Director OR 3-5 years of experience as a Site Supervisor with demonstrated leadership, management, and programmatic compliance skills.
• Montessori Diploma from an accredited institution is required, or a commitment to obtain one within the first two years of employment. (Agency-level or other internal Montessori training is insufficient.)
• Minimum 4 years of lead teacher experience in a preschool classroom (ages 2-5).
• Minimum 4 years of experience with the Desired Results Developmental monitoring system and annual assessment process.
• Proven ability to nurture respectful relationships, with sensitivity to diverse cultural, socioeconomic, and linguistic backgrounds.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with strong attention to detail.
• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and a deep commitment to children's and families' developmental goals.

Desired Attributes

• Demonstrated ability to inspire staff, model proactive problem-solving, and manage conflict constructively.
• Excellent planning and organizational skills for timely and efficient task completion.
• A natural networker with proven ability to build strong relationships with external partners.
• Capable of setting high expectations and fostering a positive, welcoming, and learning-conducive school culture.