Position Title: Director of Preschool

Department: Community Education

Supervisor: Executive Director of Community Education and the Executive Director of Exceptional Student Services 

Term of Employment: 12 months

Salary Classification: Administrative Salary Schedule (Director) 

Job Summary: The person in this role will be responsible for the planning and operation of Special Education and Community Preschool programs. He/she provides guidance in implementation of Arizona Early Learning Standards and ensures compliance with state and federal regulations including national accreditation and state licensing. The Director of Preschool also provides professional development to preschool staff to help them guide and improve student learning and provide students with the readiness skills needed to for school success. The Family Resource Center is overseen by this position.

Essential Functions: Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include, but are not limited to, the following tasks, duties, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents in this class.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES generally include the following. Other duties may be assigned: 

• Administers and oversees Developmental Preschool and Community Preschool programs.

• Ensures that preschool programs are aligned with state standards and federal & state regulations.

• Maintains membership in and participates in professional organizations related to Early Childhood Education and Community Education.

• Analyzes information, connects with the community, integrates curriculum, and ensures student achievement in all programs under his/her direction.

• Stays current on Early Childhood Education issues on the state and federal levels.

• Conducts direct and frequent observations of instructional programs.

• Evaluates certified, classified and related services staff. 

• Responsible for curriculum alignment, instructional strategies and implementation.

• Responsible for maintaining Quality Star ratings as determined through ECERS and CLASS evaluations and the Quality Star rating system in order to qualify for scholarships for families.

• Responsible for or oversees monthly/end of year reporting for scholarships through First Things First, Family Resource Center, and any additional grant funded reporting requirements.

• Responsible for coordinating early entrance testing for kindergarten and first grade.

• Oversees ADE required ECQUIP process.

• Oversees Arizona Department of Health Services childcare licensure for preschool programs and City of Glendale AM/PM programs run by the district.

• Oversees Family Resource Center.

• Oversees data collection, portfolios for students, digital curriculum distribution and updating student portfolio data for funding sources for Teaching Strategies GOLD.

• Maintains acceptable accounting practices for grants and tuition.

• Responsible and accountable for sound fiscal management.

• Provides monthly professional development for all preschool staff.

• Performs other duties as assigned or required.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: 

• Knowledge of applicable Federal, state, county and city statutes, rules, policies and procedures. 

• Knowledge of applicable Peoria Unified School District and departmental policies and procedures. 

• Understanding of current rules and regulations concerning the administration of state and federal preschool grants.

• Demonstrated ability to provide instructional leadership. 

• Demonstrated ability to assess student learning.

• Ability to prioritize program issues.

• Excellent problem solving and negotiation skills.

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment.

• Must possess outstanding oral, written, and interpersonal skills.

• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relations with co-workers, vendors, students, parents, the general public and others having business with the school district.

• Skill in operating a personal computer utilizing a variety of software applications.

Minimum Requirements: Master’s (M.A.) in Early Childhood Education, Education, Leadership or related field AND three (3) years of early childhood program administration or any equivalent combination of experience and/or education from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved may be considered. Must also have a minimum of 3 years as a classroom teacher OR any equivalent leadership experience in related field, with experience in public sector preferred.

Other Requirements: 

• Must hold or be eligible to obtain within 1 year an Arizona Administrative Certificate

• Must be able to pass a fingerprint and background clearance check

• Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid government issued ID

• Student-centered; our team makes decisions based on what is in the best interest of students

• Must be passionate about public education with a growth mindset 

• Must have excellent written, verbal and non-verbal communication skills 

• Must be a self-starter with strong attention to detail 

• Must be efficient in Microsoft Office application and the ability to use other technologies as tools to advance the work of the department 

• Must maintain confidentiality and follow all applicable laws related to HIPAA and FERPA 

• Must have an understanding of district policies and procedures 

• Must be available full-time, Monday through Friday, but may include holidays and weekends or occasional early mornings/late evening hours when required to assist with special programming or events 

• May be required to lift and carry heavy, bulky supplies and materials weighing up to 35 pounds 

• May be required to travel to perform work functions 

These responsibilities tie into our strategic plan for student success, safety and well-being, stewardship of community resources, and community connection.? We believe these four areas help us remain focused on Peoria Unified’s vision: Every Student, Every Day, Prepared to Shape Tomorrow.

What We Offer:Peoria Unified School District offers a robust benefits package that can help increase your financial security, advance professionally, and promote a healthy, fulfilling life. We also participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS). Some of the benefits offered include: Medical, Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program, Flexible Spending Accounts, Life Insurance, a Wellness Program, Paid Time Off, and discounts on many other services. 

Already Applied? Once you have applied to one of our openings, your information is shared with the site administrator or supervisor. Should they wish to discuss your qualifications further, they will contact you directly and schedule an interview. 

To apply for any Peoria Unified School District job, please visit our jobs page: https://www.applitrack.com/peoriaud/onlineapp/default.aspx