The Preschool Director provides overall leadership for the program, overseeing operations, staff development, collaborating with host church leadership, and engaging with families. This role combines strong organizational leadership with a supportive, service-oriented approach to fostering a positive, values driven culture. Demonstrates integrity by balancing business excellence with genuine care and a strong commitment to the values of EnCourage Preschools. The Director ensures the delivery of high-quality early childhood education while maintaining full compliance with Texas licensing standards. This role also fosters a welcoming, inclusive environment for all families and collaborates closely with leadership from the host church.
The successful candidate must possess experience in opening new centers and as a preschool director.
Key Responsibilities
Program Leadership
- Lead the daily operations of the preschool with excellence, and ensure full compliance with all licensing and regulatory requirements
- Maintain a safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning environment
- Implement mission-aligned curriculum supporting academic, social-emotional, and character development
- Collaborate with leadership of the host church, including sharing space and resources, while maintaining operational independence of the preschool program
Values-Based Environment
- Promote a culture of respect, kindness, and professionalism
- Support age-appropriate activities that reflect mission-aligned values and beliefs (stories, songs, and character-building experiences)
- Model integrity, humility, and professionalism in all interactions with children, families, team members, and leadership of the host church
Communication and Relationship Building
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust quickly.
- Collaborative leadership style that fosters teamwork.
- Ability to navigate difficult conversations with professionalism and empathy.
- Strong presentation and public speaking skills.
Leadership and Strategic Planning
- Hire, train, and support a team of educators, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment
- Provide coaching, encouragement, performance feedback, and professional development
- Visionary, servant leadership with the ability to build a positive, mission-driven culture.
- Strategic planning and execution from concept through operational launch.
- Strong organizational and project management skills.
- Sound decision-making and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to prioritize multiple initiatives in a fast-paced startup environment.
- Results-oriented with a focus on continuous improvement.
Talent Acquisition and Employee Retention
- Experience recruiting, hiring, and onboarding high-performing educators.
- Ability to build and sustain a positive workplace culture.
- Skilled in coaching, mentoring, and developing staff.
- Strong employee engagement and retention strategies.
- Experience conducting performance evaluations and providing constructive feedback.
- Ability to recognize and develop future leaders.
Family & Community Engagement
- Build meaningful and strong relationships with families through clear, consistent communication
- Create opportunities for family connection through events, celebrations, and community-building activities.
- Organize events and opportunities for family involvement
- Develop connections with the local community, the leadership of the host church, and organizations to promote the preschool and build partnerships that align with the mission of EnCourage Preschools
Enrollment & Family Engagement
- Proven ability to develop and execute enrollment strategies.
- Strong community outreach and relationship-building skills.
- Exceptional customer service with a family-first mindset.
- Ability to conduct tours that convert prospective families into enrollments.
- Experience maintaining high family satisfaction and retention.
- Skilled in conflict resolution and family communication.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, child development, or related field
- Hands-on experience opening a new preschool or childcare center from concept through operational launch.
- Must meet the Texas Health and Human Services Child Care Director Qualifications for a preschool center director (education and experience)
- Current CPR/First Aid certification
- 3–5+ years of leadership experience as a director in a preschool setting
- Proficient with ProCare and Intellikids
- Knowledge of licensing regulations and best practices
- Familiar with FrogStreet and Orange Curriculum
- Demonstrated leadership, communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills
- Ability to support a values-driven program that may include activities such as prayer and Bible stories
Core Competencies
- Servant Leadership, team development and emotional intelligence competencies
- Operations Start-Up managing timelines and procuring supplies, equipment, and classroom materials
- Relationship-building, interpersonal and communication skills
- Problem-solving and sound judgment
- Commitment to early childhood education and whole-child development
- Ability to lead within a values-based work environment
Work Environment
- Full-time position; evenings or weekends may be required
- Professional, collaborative setting focused on positive culture and high standards in a values-driven work environment
- Environment where faith-inspired values are reflected in daily program activities and interactions
Why Join EnCourage Preschools
- Opportunity to lead and grow a thriving early childhood program inspired by faith-based values
- Supportive and collaborative team environment creating a welcoming environment for children, families, and team members who support a values-driven approach to early childhood education.
- Competitive compensation and professional development opportunities
Equal Employment Opportunity
Encourage Preschools is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status under applicable law. If you are passionate about early childhood education and leading a mission-aligned program, we invite you to apply.
Let’s make a difference—together.
Benefits:
Application Question(s):
- Have you successfully prepared a new center for its initial licensing inspection?
Experience:
- Preschool Director : 5 years (Required)
License/Certification:
- Texas Child Care License (Required)
Work Location: In person
