Director, Early Childhood Education

Director, Early Childhood Education

Location:

The Goddard School – San Antonio

Employment type:

Full-time

Reports to:

Desirae Melter

We are seeking a passionate and experienced Preschool Director to lead our early childhood education program. The ideal candidate is dedicated to creating a nurturing, safe, and engaging environment for young learners. This leadership role is responsible for curriculum oversight, staff management, family engagement, and ensuring full compliance with licensing and accreditation standards.

All candidates should meet one of the following options and all requirements mandated by state and local licensing authorities:

• OPTION 1: A bachelor’s degree or higher in early childhood education, elementary education, child development or a related field, and experience in a licensed childcare center or preschool.
• OPTION 2: A bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field, 12 semester hours in courses related to young children from birth to age eight, and experience in a licensed childcare center or preschool.
• OPTION 3:
  An associate degree in early childhood education, elementary education, child development or a current Child Development Associate credential, 12 semester hours in courses related to young children from birth to age eight, and a minimum of one year of experience working in a licensed childcare center or preschool.

Additional recommended qualifications include:

• Previous management experience in a licensed childcare facility or experience managing faculty members or staff.
• Ability to provide effective training to faculty members in performing their responsibilities and complying with all applicable laws, regulations and GSL standards.
• Ability to interact closely with children at their level.
• Ability to supervise children with sight and hearing and assist in toileting where necessary.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with school personnel, children and parents.
• Ability to handle crisis situations, including assisting in evacuating the building during emergencies.
• Ability to comply with all applicable laws and regulations relating to childcare.
• Ability to comply with franchisee’s employment policies and all applicable regulations.

Design, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive early childhood curriculum that supports cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development.

Recruit, hire, train, and supervise teaching and support staff.

Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide professional development opportunities to promote staff growth and retention.

Compliance & Licensing

Ensure compliance with state licensing regulations and early childhood education standards.

Maintain accurate records and prepare for inspections and audits as needed.

Child Safety & Well‑being

Promote a safe and healthy learning environment.

Implement emergency procedures and safety protocols to protect all children in care.

Family Engagement

Build trust with families and children.

Communicate and engage with families and children daily.

Tour school with a first‑impressions approach and perform family retention strategies.

Build strong relationships with families through regular updates, conferences, and school events.

Encourage family involvement in classroom activities and school‑wide initiatives.

Oversee school operations, including budgeting, enrollment, tuition collection, and procurement.

Monitor resource allocation to support program needs efficiently.

Community Outreach

Establish partnerships with community organizations, local schools, and educational networks to enhance the preschool experience.

Stay current with trends and research in early childhood education.

Apply innovative strategies to continually improve program quality and outcomes.

Health and Safety

Maintain the safety and security of children, families, and faculty.

Adhere to regulatory standards (state licensing, Quality Assurance, accreditors, etc.).

Know how to handle a crisis (training in crisis management is recommended).

Maintain ratios and implement corrective measures if needed.

Execute emergency preparedness plan and engage with Goddard Systems.

Create systems to support…