Assistant Director, Early Childhood Education

Preschool Director

Location: The Goddard School – San Antonio

Employment Type: Full-Time

Reports to: Desirae Melter

Position Overview

We are seeking a passionate and experienced Preschool Assistant 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.

Qualifications

All candidates you consider for the position of Goddard School assistant director should meet one of the following options and all requirements mandated by your 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; and

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; and

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.

A director must meet the qualifications of the state the school is in and the following qualifications are recommended:

·       Previous management experience in a licensed childcare facility or experience managing faculty members or staff.

·       The ability to provide effective training to faculty members in performing their responsibilities and complying with all applicable laws, regulations and GSL standards.

·       The ability to perform all job duties as outlined in the job description and/or offer letter.

·       The ability to interact closely with children at their level.

·       The ability to supervise children with sight and hearing.

·       the ability to change children’s diapers or assist in toileting where necessary.

·       the ability to understand and comply with the franchisee’s employment policies.

·       the ability to communicate effectively and professionally with school personnel, children and parents.

·       the ability to handle crisis situations, including assisting in evacuating the building during emergencies.

·       the ability to comply in all respects with all applicable laws and regulations relating to childcare.

Key Responsibilities

A director must be well organized and able to handle many different obligations. An assistant director’s responsibilities may include the following:

·       ​Program Leadership

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

·       Staff Management

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.

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.

·       Administrative Management

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 preschool experience.

·       Continuous Improvement

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.

Adhere to and execute the emergency preparedness plan.

Actively engage and participate with Goddard Systems. 

 

·       Create systems to support Quality Assurance and licensing compliance; adjust and communicate to families and faculty as needed.

Plan and conduct emergency drills and review emergency preparedness plan.

 

Manage medication administration and documentation. 

Manage faculty files. Review and ensure compliance with updated forms on a continual basis.

Monitor and adhere to regulatory changes and updates (QA, Licensing, etc.)

Schedule and plan required training (First Aid, CPR, Infant Safe Sleep, etc.).

High-Quality Programming:

Ensure Wonder of Learning is evident and visible to families; communicate benefits and the role of the family.

Manage family/teacher conferences: communications, preparation for faculty, scheduling for families.

Support implementation of Wonder of Learning inclusive of the exterior learning environment. Conduct classroom observations and provide 

feedback to teachers.

Oversee and contribute to curriculum development and the assessment cycle: review lesson plans, parent communications, provide classroom resources.

Provide professional development opportunities, build capacity and support professional growth. Identify training opportunities and provide performance feedback.

Conduct/participate in faculty orientation and onboarding. Set expectations and consistently follow up with new faculty.

Lead recruitment and retainment efforts: assist with interviewing & hiring, build trust and empower faculty.

Collaborate with faculty and plan ongoing training and information sharing through faculty meetings.

Business Management and Operations:

(Families)

Engage with new leads and families; conduct tours and participate in lead follow up. FMS management as applicable.

Participate in the enrollment process; schedule and collaborate with new family onboarding.

Be aware of enrollment opportunities: plan child transitions and review with franchisee, review & update class lists.

Participate in marketing events and in-house events.

(Faculty)

Plan and monitor teacher schedules and hours, including lesson planning time;

Maintain allotted budgets (supplies, consumables, payroll) and place orders as applicable.

Contribute to school website and social media outlets; highlight teacher and classroom activities & events.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter detailing their qualifications and educational leadership vision.

The Goddard School – San Antonio is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, families, and children.

In The Goddard School®'s unique and flexible learning environment, child development is about more than just reaching milestones. It’s about turning everyday encounters into teachable moments, allowing children’s interests to influence their learning experiences through a balance of academic, mental, physical, and social-emotional growth.