Preschool Director

Join the YWCA of Hawaii Island Team as a Preschool Director!

At the YWCA of Hawaii Island, we are committed to our mission of eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity FOR ALL. We are seeking an experienced and passionate Preschool Director to lead our early childhood education programs and support the growth and development of Hawai?i Island’s keiki.

The Preschool Director provides leadership, oversight, and strategic direction for early childhood programs serving young children and their families. This role ensures the delivery of high-quality, developmentally appropriate education aligned with NAEYC accreditation standards and Hawai?i Department of Human Services (DHS) child care licensing regulations.

The Director fosters a safe, inclusive, and culturally responsive learning environment while supporting children’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. This position also oversees staff supervision, family engagement, program operations, and continuous quality improvement.

• Provide leadership and oversight of preschool programs, ensuring high-quality early childhood education
• Ensure compliance with NAEYC accreditation standards and DHS licensing requirements
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate staff; support professional development and training
• Lead program evaluation and continuous quality improvement efforts
• Foster strong relationships with families and encourage meaningful engagement
• Collaborate with community partners and service providers
• Oversee program operations, including budgeting, recordkeeping, and resource management
• Ensure a safe, healthy, and inclusive environment for children and staff
• Promote equity, cultural responsiveness, and anti-bias practices
• Facilitate communication, teamwork, and problem-solving across staff and stakeholders
• Perform other duties as assigned

• Full-time, exempt position
• Generally Monday–Friday (schedule may vary based on program needs)
• Occasional evenings or weekends may be required

To be successful in this role, candidates must meet education and experience requirements consistent with Hawai?i Department of Human Services (DHS) Child Care Licensing and National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) accreditation standards.

Education and Experience (one of the following pathways required):

• Bachelor’s Degree Pathway (Preferred):
  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a closely related field; or
  • Bachelor’s degree in another field with relevant coursework in early childhood education, child development, or program administration, consistent with DHS and NAEYC requirements
  • Must also demonstrate experience working in early childhood education programs, including with the age group served by the preschool

OR

• Alternative Experience Pathway:
  • Associate’s degree and a minimum of four (4) years of experience working with children
  • In all cases, at least one (1) year of experience must be with children of the appropriate age group for the program

NAEYC Accreditation Requirements:

Candidates must also meet, or be actively working toward, NAEYC qualifications for program leadership:

• Bachelor’s degree with:
  • At least 9 credit hours in administration, leadership, or management; and
  • At least 24 credit hours in early childhood education, child development, elementary education, or early childhood special education (birth through kindergarten)

OR

• Demonstrate an approved plan to meet these qualifications within five (5) years

OR

• Meet qualifications through an alternative combination of education, experience, and professional credentials aligned with NAEYC-recognized pathways

• Valid Hawai?i driver’s license and reliable personal vehicle
• Current automobile insurance (minimum required coverage) and clean driving abstract
• Ability to pass background check, drug screening, and pre-employment physical
• Current TB clearance
• Registered or willing to register with DHS (fingerprinting) and Hawaii Careers with Young Children (Director GCC)
• First Aid and CPR certification preferred

• Strong leadership and program management skills in early childhood education
• Knowledge of NAEYC standards and DHS child care licensing requirements
• Ability to support and develop staff through coaching and supervision
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills with families and community partners
• Organizational and fiscal management skills
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive practices
• Sound judgment, professionalism, and ethical decision-making

Working at the YWCA of Hawaii Island means becoming part of a supportive, mission-driven team that believes in equity, community, and empowerment. We offer:

• A family-friendly workplace
• Opportunities for growth and professional development
• A meaningful opportunity to support young children and families in our community

If you are ready to make a difference and bring your leadership and passion for early childhood education to our team, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today and join an organization that values diversity, collaboration, and community impact.

Let’s work together to create a more equitable and inclusive world.