Position Title:
Assistant Preschool Director
Reports To:
Preschool Director
Position Overview:
Scaffold PlaySchool is seeking an experienced, organized, and collaborative Assistant Director to support the leadership and daily operation of our early childhood program. Working closely with the Preschool Director and Founder, the Assistant Director will help oversee staff coordination, family communication, licensing compliance, enrollment, and the consistent implementation of the school’s educational approach.
We are looking for a dependable and thoughtful leader who combines strong management and communication skills with a genuine passion for early childhood education. The Assistant Director should be capable of supporting a cohesive, high-performing team, handling daily operational needs, and stepping into a leadership role when the Preschool Director is unavailable.
This is a hands-on position requiring someone who can build trust, anticipate challenges, maintain organization, and help ensure that the school’s daily practices remain aligned with its educational philosophy and long-term vision.
Key Responsibilities
LEADERSHIP & PROGRAM SUPPORT: Support the Preschool Director in maintaining a positive, consistent, and mission-driven school culture. Help ensure that the school’s educational approach is understood and applied consistently by all staff. Model professionalism, curiosity, empathy, and reflective leadership. Assume leadership responsibilities when the Preschool Director is unavailable.
COMMUNICATION & COLLABORATION: Serve as a supportive bridge between teachers, families, the Preschool Director, and the Founder. Promote open, respectful, and solution-oriented communication across the school. Help build trusting relationships with families through active listening, responsiveness, and transparent dialogue. Collaborate with the leadership team to ensure that operational decisions support the school’s educational goals.
OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT: Assist with daily school operations, including scheduling, staffing, classroom coverage, licensing documentation, enrollment, and compliance with state regulations. Support the maintenance of accurate administrative records and systems. Anticipate daily needs, respond calmly to challenges, and help ensure smooth coordination across classrooms and programs.
STAFF SUPPORT & DEVELOPMENT: Assist with recruiting, onboarding, mentoring, and evaluating teachers and staff. Provide guidance, feedback, and classroom support in collaboration with the Preschool Director. Help implement professional development plans based on staff strengths and areas for growth. Encourage teachers to collaborate, reflect on their practices, and take ownership of their responsibilities.
FAMILY ENGAGEMENT: Develop positive and professional relationships with families. Respond to questions and concerns with empathy, discretion, and a solution-oriented approach. Support family conferences, school events, enrollment communication, and other opportunities for family involvement.
LICENSING & COMPLIANCE: Help maintain compliance with California licensing requirements, health and safety standards, staff documentation, and school policies. Monitor classrooms and school spaces to ensure consistent adherence to required procedures. Assist with licensing visits, inspections, emergency preparedness, and required reporting.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Support relationships with local families, organizations, and community partners to strengthen the school’s presence. Represent Scaffold Preschool professionally at school and community events. Encourage staff and families to participate in community projects and initiatives.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, or a related field.
- California Child Development Site Supervisor Permit or Director Permit.
- Minimum 2–4 years of experience in early childhood education, including classroom leadership, supervision, or school administration.
- Demonstrated ability to support staff, coordinate daily operations, and maintain accurate administrative systems.
- Knowledge of California childcare licensing regulations and early childhood health and safety requirements.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to mediate concerns and connect effectively with teachers, families, and leadership.
- Demonstrated ability to mentor, motivate, and support the professional growth of team members.
- Deep commitment to high-quality early childhood education.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities calmly and effectively.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality, professionalism, and sound judgment.
- CPR and First Aid certification
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience as an Assistant Director, Site Supervisor, Lead Teacher, Program Coordinator, or similar leadership role.
- Experience supporting enrollment, budgeting, staff scheduling, licensing, and family engagement.
- Experience building relationships with local organizations and community partners.
Ideal Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate is both a supportive leader and an active learner—organized yet flexible, confident yet humble, and capable of balancing administrative responsibilities with a warm, visible presence throughout the school.
They are passionate about early childhood education, skilled at bringing people together, and comfortable supporting both the Preschool Director’s leadership and the daily needs of teachers, children, and families. They take initiative without losing sight of collaboration, respond to challenges with professionalism and empathy, and understand that strong school leadership is built through trust, consistency, communication, and shared purpose.
They view education not only as a profession but as a meaningful responsibility, and they bring that commitment to every interaction with children, staff, families, and the wider community.
Pay: $65,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
License/Certification:
- Child Development Site Supervisor Permit (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
