Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix

Immaculate Conception Catholic School- Cottonwood

Preschool Director

 

POSITION TITLE:         Preschool Director

Department:                Catholic Schools

Grade:                            

Supervisor:                  Principal

 

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  Also Reports To: Pastor and/or Diocesan School Superintendent
  Supervises: All preschool staff, including teachers, aides, and support personnel

  
  

  Position Summary:
  Under the general supervision of the Principal, Pastor and the Diocesan School Superintendent, the Preschool Director is the spiritual, educational, and operational leader of the preschool. The Director is responsible for creating and maintaining a vibrant, safe, and nurturing Catholic early childhood environment that aligns with the teachings of the Church and the educational standards of the Diocese. The Director ensures the holistic development of each child, fosters a collaborative and professional team, builds strong parish and community relationships, and oversees all aspects of preschool administration and compliance.

  
  

  Essential Job Functions:

  
  

  1. Strives to Achieve and Promote the Goals of Catholic Education:

  
  
  
  
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    Serves as the faith leader of the preschool, ensuring the Catholic philosophy of education permeates all programs and activities.

    
    
  
  
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    Promotes Gospel values and Catholic moral teachings in word and action.

    
    
  
  
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    Upholds and models the doctrinal teachings of the Catholic Church.

    
    
  
  
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    Exemplifies Catholic living both within the school and the wider community.

    
    
  
  
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    Ensures religious curriculum and ministry formation are integral to the preschool program.

    
    
  
  
  
  

  2. Assumes Responsibility for Educational and Administrative Leadership:

  
  
  
  
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    Provides visionary leadership in early childhood education in accordance with Diocesan Early Childhood Standards.

    
    
  
  
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    Oversees the development, implementation, and evaluation of curriculum, ensuring it is age-appropriate, comprehensive, and mission-focused.

    
    
  
  
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    Conducts regular observations and evaluations of teaching staff to ensure instructional excellence and professional growth.

    
    
  
  
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    Manages all daily operations, including scheduling, record-keeping, budgeting, and resource allocation.

    
    
  
  
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    Acts as the final authority and positive role model in routine and unexpected situations, using prudent judgment.

    
    
  
  
  
  

  3. Develops and Leads the Preschool Team:

  
  
  
  
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    Recruits, hires, trains, mentors, and supervises all preschool staff.

    
    
  
  
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    Conducts regular staff meetings and professional development sessions focused on Catholic identity, pedagogy, and safety.

    
    
  
  
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    Fosters a collaborative, professional, and positive team environment.

    
    
  
  
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    Manages staff schedules, assignments, and performance reviews.

    
    
  
  
  
  

  4. Develops and Maintains an Appropriate Learning, Social, and Safe Environment:

  
  
  
  
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    Ensures the physical environment is safe, welcoming, clean, and conducive to learning and social interaction aligned with Catholic community building.

    
    
  
  
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    Maintains full compliance with all Arizona Department of Health Services (DHS) Child Care Licensing regulations and diocesan policies.

    
    
  
  
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    Implements and oversees all health, safety, security, and emergency procedures.

    
    
  
  
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    Manages the procurement and maintenance of educational materials, equipment, and facilities.

    
    
  
  
  
  

  5. Evaluates Program Needs and Student Well-being:

  
  
  
  
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    Oversees the process for observing and assessing individual student development and needs.

    
    
  
  
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    Collaborates with teachers and parents to support children with diverse learning needs.

    
    
  
  
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    Acts as the primary point of contact for referrals and consultations regarding suspected learning challenges.

    
    
  
  
  
  

  6. Oversees Student Assessment and Family Communication:

  
  
  
  
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    Establishes systems for evaluating and reporting student progress.

    
    
  
  
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    Serves as the primary liaison between the preschool and families, maintaining regular, transparent, and positive communication.

    
    
  
  
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    Organizes and leads parent orientations, conferences, and community-building events.

    
    
  
  
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    Addresses parent concerns with compassion and professionalism.

    
    
  
  
  
  

  7. Establishes and Nurtures Positive School and Community Relationships:

  
  
  
  
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    Maintains cooperative and supportive relationships with the Pastor, parish staff, and parish community.

    
    
  
  
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    Actively promotes the preschool within the parish and the wider community.

    
    
  
  
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    Represents the preschool at diocesan and local early childhood education meetings and events.

    
    
  
  
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    Ensures the preschool’s reputation reflects the values and mission of the Catholic Church.

    
    
  
  
  
  

  8. Ensures Continuous Professional and Program Development:

  
  
  
  
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    Maintains current knowledge of best practices in early childhood education, Arizona DHS licensing, and diocesan policies.

    
    
  
  
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    Pursues ongoing professional development in educational leadership and Catholic catechesis.

    
    
  
  
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    Evaluates and enhances preschool programs, policies, and procedures annually.

    
    
  
  
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    Ensures all staff complete required diocesan trainings, including Safe Environment and Code of Ethics.

    
    
  
  
  
  

  9. Performs any other job-related tasks deemed necessary and/or assigned by the Pastor or Diocesan Superintendent.

  
  

  Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required to Perform Essential Job Functions:

  
  
  
  
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    Must meet or be willing to complete Ministry Formation Certification as required by Diocesan Policy.

    
    
  
  
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    If Catholic, willing to make a public Profession of Faith.

    
    
  
  
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    Comprehensive knowledge of Arizona DHS Child Care Licensing Regulations and ability to ensure full compliance.

    
    
  
  
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    Exceptional leadership, communication, interpersonal, and conflict-resolution skills.

    
    
  
  
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    Strong organizational, financial, and administrative abilities.

    
    
  
  
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    Deep understanding of child development, early childhood curriculum, and assessment.

    
    
  
  
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    Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.

    
    
  
  
  
  

  Minimum Qualifications:

  
  
  
  
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    Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Educational Leadership, or a closely related field. Master’s degree preferred.

    
    
  
  
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    A minimum of three years of experience in early childhood education, including at least two years in a leadership or supervisory role.

    
    
  
  
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    Current Arizona Director Credential or ability to obtain one within a specified timeframe.

    
    
  
  
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    Preference given to practicing Catholics in good standing with the Church.

    
    
  
  
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    Must have participated in (or will participate immediately upon hire) Safe Environment Training and sign the Diocesan Code of Ethics.

    
    
  
  
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    Must pass required background checks and FBI Fingerprint Clearance.

    
    
  
  
  
  

  Physical Demands and Work Environment:
  The role involves both office work and active engagement in preschool classrooms and events. The Director must be able to move freely throughout the facility, interact with young children at their level, and respond quickly to emergencies.