SRU/SGA Preschool and Child Care Center Director

Job Summary

We are seeking an energetic and dedicated Preschool and Child Care Center Director to lead and inspire our early childhood education community. In this vital role, you will oversee daily operations, ensure compliance with licensing standards, and foster a nurturing environment where young children can thrive. Your leadership will drive program excellence, support staff development, and promote positive relationships with families. This position offers an exciting opportunity to shape the future of early learners while managing a dynamic team committed to educational excellence. The ideal candidate is an experienced and effective mission-driven leader who is deeply committed to early childhood education.

Responsibilities

· Provide visionary leadership to the preschool and childcare center, setting high standards for quality education and care.

· Manage daily operations, including enrollment, staffing, budgeting, and maintaining compliance with all regulatory bodies (NAEYC, PA DHS, PA DOE, OCDEL/PreK Counts, Keystone STARS, CCW and CACFP).

· Recruit, train, and support staff and foster a program culture that encourages team building and staff collaboration.

· Develop and implement curriculum plans that facilitate high-quality instruction and promote social-emotional growth, cognitive development, and physical activity.

· Foster strong relationships with families through regular communication and community engagement.

· Monitor safety protocols and maintain a clean, safe environment conducive to learning and exploration.

· Conduct classroom observations, performance evaluations, and ongoing professional development initiatives that support educational best practices.

· Develop community and business partnerships and pursue donors and grants to support growth.

Qualifications

· Proven experience in early education administration or managing a childcare or preschool facility (3-5 years preferred).

· Bachelor or Master degree (preferred) in Early Childhood Education, Educational Leadership, or related field.

· Demonstrated teaching experience working directly with young children or students in an educational setting.

· Excellent leadership skills with the ability to inspire staff and foster teamwork.

· Knowledge of licensing requirements for childcare centers and familiarity with state regulations governing early childhood programs.

· Strong communication skills to effectively engage with families, staff, and community partners. Join us in creating a vibrant learning environment where children are empowered to explore their potential! This role offers the chance to make a meaningful impact on young lives while leading a passionate team dedicated to educational excellence.

Additional Information

The SRU/SGA Preschool and Child Care Center operates Monday – Friday, 7 am – 6pm. We currently employ 4 full-time head teachers and 30 part-time classroom assistants who are graduate and undergraduate students at Slippery Rock University. Our current enrollment is 130 children. We recognize the contributions of our team members and offer a competitive compensation and benefits package, including health care, dental and vision benefits; group life and short/long term disability; retirement plans with employer match; employee and employee dependent tuition waivers; and annual leave. Candidates will be required to complete criminal background checks, including Act 34, Act 151, and FBI clearances. SRU/SGA is an equal opportunity employer.

Applicants shall be accepted until the position is filled. Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter and resume HERE