What are the responsibilities and job description for the Principal/Director Pre-Kindergarten Program position at Johnston Public Schools?
Principal/Director Pre-Kindergarten ProgramThe Principal/Director of Pre-Kindergarten oversees the administration, supervision, and instructional leadership of the districts Pre-K program. This role ensures the delivery of high-quality early childhood education aligned with state standards, district policies, developmental best practices, and family engagement expectations. The Principal/Director manages all program operations, including curriculum, assessments, staffing, compliance, budgeting, and community partnerships.Supervisory ResponsibilitiesEarly Childhood StaffEssential FunctionsEstablish and maintain a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for children ages 3-5.Lead the implementation of curriculum aligned with state early learning standards.Analyze student data to monitor progress, adjust instruction, and guide targeted interventions.Support teachers in implementing evidence-based early childhood instructional practices, play-based learning, and inclusive classroom strategies.Oversee MTSS processes for Pre-K learners and coordinate with special education staff to ensure compliance with IDEA and related services.Manage daily operations of the Pre-K program including scheduling, classroom assignments, supervision of arrivals and dismissals, and parent communication.Ensure compliance with state licensing regulations, district policies, health and safety requirements, and federal program standards.Develop and manage program budgets, grants, and resources.Oversee enrollment, eligibility verification, and attendance procedures.Coordinate transportation, food services, facilities management, and other operational needs.Recruit, hire, and evaluate early childhood educators, paraprofessionals, and support staff.Provide ongoing coaching, professional development, and performance feedback.Facilitate a collaborative, inclusive, and professional working environment among the staff.Ensure staff compliance with district employment policies, certification requirements, and training mandates.Build strong relationships with families to support childrens learning and development.Communicate regularly with parents/guardians about student progress, program expectations, and available supports.Coordinate family engagement events, workshops, and community outreach.Ensure accurate and timely reporting of attendance, assessments, incidents, licensing documentation, and state/federal reporting requirements.Maintain student records in accordance with FERPA and district policies.Prepare data reports and program evaluations for district leadership.Required Knowledge/Skills/AbilitiesKnowledge of curriculum development, instructional strategies, student assessment, data analysis and best practices in secondary education.Knowledge and understanding of state and federal education laws, regulations, and compliance requirements (e.g. IDEA, FERPA, Title IX).Knowledge of educational leadership theories, school-improvement planning, and data-driven decision-making.Strong grasp of student behavior management systems, disciplinary procedures, and progressive discipline.
Knowledge of budgeting, scheduling, and resource allocation in a school setting.Leadership skills to inspire influence, and support staff students, and families.Communication skills, both verbal and written, to engage diverse stakeholders effectively.Interpersonal skills to build trust, rapport, and positive relationships with students, staff, and families.Conflict resolution and problem-solving skills to address issues quickly and fairly.Ability to create and maintain a positive school climate that promotes respect, collaboration, and high expectations.Ability to evaluate instructional practices and provide constructive feedback to improve teaching and learning.Ability to promote and model ethical and professional behavior at all times.Ability to work collaboratively with district administrators, teachers, staff, families, and the community.Education and ExperienceBachelors degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field (Masters degree preferred).Valid state Administrator/Principal certification.Minimum 5 years of experience in early childhood or elementary teaching.Demonstrated knowledge of early childhood development, curriculum, and instructional best practices.Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.Physical RequirementsSchool-based environment with consistent interaction with children, staff, and families.Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds at a time.Must be able to access and navigate all areas of the schools and other facilities as needed.Occasional evening or weekend events to support family engagement or professional development.Johnston Public Schools provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, and transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act, it is the policy of the Johnston Public Schools to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the human resources department at (401) 233-1900 ext.
2450.
Knowledge of budgeting, scheduling, and resource allocation in a school setting.Leadership skills to inspire influence, and support staff students, and families.Communication skills, both verbal and written, to engage diverse stakeholders effectively.Interpersonal skills to build trust, rapport, and positive relationships with students, staff, and families.Conflict resolution and problem-solving skills to address issues quickly and fairly.Ability to create and maintain a positive school climate that promotes respect, collaboration, and high expectations.Ability to evaluate instructional practices and provide constructive feedback to improve teaching and learning.Ability to promote and model ethical and professional behavior at all times.Ability to work collaboratively with district administrators, teachers, staff, families, and the community.Education and ExperienceBachelors degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field (Masters degree preferred).Valid state Administrator/Principal certification.Minimum 5 years of experience in early childhood or elementary teaching.Demonstrated knowledge of early childhood development, curriculum, and instructional best practices.Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.Physical RequirementsSchool-based environment with consistent interaction with children, staff, and families.Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds at a time.Must be able to access and navigate all areas of the schools and other facilities as needed.Occasional evening or weekend events to support family engagement or professional development.Johnston Public Schools provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, and transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act, it is the policy of the Johnston Public Schools to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the human resources department at (401) 233-1900 ext.
2450.