Preschool Assistant Director

School Name: St. John School Encinitas - Preschool

Location: 1003 Encinitas Blvd, Encinitas, CA 92024

Reports to: Director and Principal

Employment: Full Time (9:00am-5:30pm)

Pay Rate: $55,000 (10 Month Contract); Salary depends on Education and Experience

Summary

Saint John School Preschool is seeking an experienced Assistant Director to support the Director in overseeing daily operations at the preschool, ensuring a high-quality learning environment that aligns with the school's mission. This role combines administrative leadership, staff management, curriculum support, and hands-on engagement with students, parents, and faculty. The Assistant Director assumes full leadership responsibilities in the Director’s absence.

Administrative Duties:

• Oversee daily operations and maintain accurate student records.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures to ensure a safe, nurturing, and educational environment.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations related to early childhood education.
• Manage enrollment and admissions processes, including maintaining waitlists and enrollment forms.
• Assist the Director with class lists.
• Create and distribute sign-in/out forms for Preschool 1 - Preschool 4 (P1-P4).
• Create and laminate classroom ratio lists for teachers.
• Support classroom operations: provide 10-minute teacher breaks and substitute when teachers are absent.
• Maintain incident/ouch reports: Make copies, send originals home, and file records properly.
• Assist with preschool and Pre-K assessments in October and April (including Kindergarten readiness assessments).
• Maintain consistent attendance and professionalism, including arriving 30 minutes before school begins and staying 30 minutes after dismissal.

Staff Management & Leadership:

• Assist in hiring, training, and supervising preschool teachers.
• Conduct performance evaluations, provide feedback, and coordinate professional development opportunities.
• Address staff concerns, conflicts, and disciplinary issues professionally and confidentially.

Curriculum & Instructional Support:

• Oversee the development and implementation of an age-appropriate, standards-aligned curriculum.
• Monitor and evaluate teaching strategies to ensure effectiveness.
• Provide teaching support and resources for staff.
• Demonstrate expertise in curriculum by engaging in classroom instruction when needed.
• Organize instruction to maximize student learning and engagement.
• Implement differentiated instruction to meet individual student needs.
• Regularly review and update curriculum and instructional methods for continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with teachers to enhance instructional planning and professional development.

Parent & Community Engagement:

• Uphold and promote the Catholic mission of the school by incorporating faith-based education and values.
• Participate in religious retreats, school Masses, and faith-based activities.
• Foster strong relationships with parents and families, providing regular communication about student progress.
• Organize Parent-Teacher Conferences: Create sign-ups on School Speak, distribute forms, and ensure final drafts are prepared.
• Address academic and behavioral concerns by setting up meetings with families.
• Distribute teacher notes to parents at pick-up (e.g., ouch reports, meal/sleep updates).
• Respond promptly to parent inquiries and conference requests.

Health & Safety Compliance:

• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized environment for children and staff.
• Conduct and oversee emergency drills, safety protocols, and health guidelines.
• Monitor children's health and well-being, ensuring appropriate care for illnesses and behavioral issues.
• Handle student health concerns: Check temperatures, notify parents, and supervise students awaiting pickup.
• Notify families if two or more cases of contagious illnesses (e.g., pink eye, COVID-19, lice) occur.

Religious Qualifications:

• Active, practicing Roman Catholic (preferred)
• Respects and understands a Catholic school philosophy

Professionalism & Work Ethic:

• Maintain punctuality and reliable attendance, arriving on time and prepared for the day.
• Demonstrate professional communication with staff, parents, and students at all times.
• Uphold confidentiality regarding student and staff matters.
• Exhibit a positive, team-oriented attitude while maintaining strong leadership.
• Dress appropriately according to school policies and represent the school in a professional manner.
• Take initiative and problem-solve effectively to support the school community.
• Be adaptable and open to changes in scheduling and responsibilities as needed.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field.
• 3-5 years of experience in early childhood education, with 1-2 years in a leadership role.

Licenses & Certifications:

• CPR/First Aid Certification
• Negative TB test
• Clear background checks
• Coursework in School Administration (preferred)
• Obtain the Diocese of San Diego Basic Catechist Certificate and complete necessary requirements to renew the certification every 3 years.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong leadership and communication skills to effectively guide staff and interact with families.
• Thorough knowledge of child development and best practices in early childhood education.
• Excellent organization and time management skills to handle multiple responsibilities.
• Ability to problem-solve and take initiative in the best interest of the school.
• Flexibility and adaptability to manage unexpected challenges.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to take direction and work as part of a team.

Physical Requirements:

To successfully meet the needs of the students in his/her care, the preschool assistant director must:

• Lift and assist children as needed, moving classroom furniture, restocking supplies, and setting up materials for lessons and events.
• Assist teachers with activities, setting up learning materials, and engaging with students.
• Actively monitor children indoors and outdoors, ensuring safety during transitions, playtime, and activities.
• Be on their feet for extended periods, walking between classrooms, playgrounds, and other areas of the school.
• Assist with drills, respond to accidents, and help in evacuations when necessary.
• Assist in event setup & breakdown such as arranging tables, chairs, and decorations for celebrations and school functions.
• Administer first aid to children who are injured or ill.
• Ensure proper cleanup and sanitation of accidents, including vomit or urine, to maintain a safe and hygienic environment.
• Assist in moving children's desks and chairs to change the layout of the classroom to influence the learning situation. It is occasionally necessary to lift and carry boxes weighing up to 25 pounds.

While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to be inside the classroom. The employee is required to be mobile to, from, and within the classroom and preschool environment, as well as maneuver throughout the school facility to attend meetings, trainings, and other work-related events. The employee may be required to conduct trips to, from, and within various city and county-wide locations to attend trainings or workshops.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Please note this position description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

St. John School, Encinitas – Preschool, as part of the Catholic Diocese of San Diego, is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, national origin, genetics, disability, age or veteran status.