Assistant Preschool Director

Assistant Preschool Director

Palisades Preschool

About Us

Palisades Preschool was founded in 1965 in Fort Lee, NJ, and has been serving children ages 2–6 ever since. The original school was established by Maryann and Richard Hubschman Sr. and remains proudly family-owned and operated today by the third generation, Tiffany and Rich Hubschman. Their vision is to honor the longstanding traditions of Palisades Preschool while thoughtfully expanding to new locations beyond Fort Lee NJ.

Position Overview

Palisades Preschool is seeking a dedicated, organized, nurturing, and technology forward Assistant Preschool Director in the Fort Lee location to support the daily operations of our school. This role is ideal for an experienced early childhood professional who thrives in a collaborative environment and is passionate about both administrative leadership and hands-on classroom support.

The Assistant Director works closely with the Director to ensure the smooth day-to-day functioning of the school, maintain high-quality educational standards, and help expand enrichment opportunities for our students. Join us in creating inspiring early learning experiences that lay the foundation for lifelong success!

Key Responsibilities

School Operations & Administration

• Support the Director in overseeing daily school operations
• Assist with scheduling, staffing, and classroom coverage
• Help maintain compliance with state licensing and safety regulations
• Communicate with families in a professional and timely manner
• Assist with enrollment, tours, and general administrative tasks

Classroom Support

• Step into classrooms as a float teacher when needed
• Maintain a positive, engaging, and safe learning environment
• Support teachers in classroom management and daily routines
• Build strong, nurturing relationships with students, teachers and parents

Curriculum Support

• Partner with the Director to design and implement the Palisades curriculum—a child-led approach that thoughtfully integrates elements from Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf philosophies
• Work closely with the teachers to implement the new curriculum
• Ensure consistency and quality across all classrooms
• Provide guidance and support to teachers on lesson planning and execution
• Help maintain developmentally appropriate practices

Program Development & Enrichment

• Lead the development and launch of enrichment programs (e.g., music, language, STEM, movement) for younger children(6 months )
• Launch afterschool program for Kindergarteners if the market supports the opportunity
• Coordinate with outside vendors and instructors as needed
• Identify opportunities to enhance the student experience
• Support marketing and communication of new programs to families

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field (preferred)
• 3 years of experience in a preschool or early childhood setting
• Prior leadership or administrative experience strongly preferred
• Technology first mind-set
• Excellent communication skills to effectively collaborate with staff, families, and external partners
• Ability to multitask and adapt in a fast-paced environment
• Warm, positive, and team-oriented can-do attitude
• Knowledge of state licensing requirements (or willingness to learn)
• Candidates must pass comprehensive criminal history (CHRI) fingerprint checks and child abuse record information (CARI) checks.
• Passion for early childhood education combined with a proactive approach to management and leadership.

What We Offer

• Supportive, family-oriented school community
• Opportunity for leadership growth, we plan on expanding to 20 schools in the next 5 years.
• Collaborative and positive work environment
• The ability to make a meaningful impact on young children and families

Benefits

• Employee discount on childcare
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Retirement plan

Hours

• Full time, M-F, 7:30am - 3:30pm

Pay: From $55,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Childcare
• Employee discount
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program

Work Location: In person

Salary : $55,000