OVERVIEW
What is a Preschool Director?
A preschool director is an individual committed to fostering a safe, educational atmosphere for all preschool students. The position itself requires that you lead staff and design preschool programs to foster a healthy, educational environment for students.
They’re also responsible for before and after-school programs that offer further educational opportunities for students.
A preschool director is required to maintain multiple concurrent licenses, and refrain from any criminal activity or child-related legal issues that would quickly disqualify candidates from job contention.
RESPONSIBILITIES
What Does a Preschool Director Do?
Responsible for providing leadership in their academic setting, a preschool director’s job duties can vary depending on the day’s most pressing needs. Typically, preschool director responsibilities can include:
- Daily oversight of all preschool operations
- Creation of preschool curriculums that accommodate state and federal standards
- Facilitation of continual teacher training
- Authorization of all in-school meals
- General property and facility maintenance
- Upkeep of school website, directory listings, and online branding
They maintain responsibility for fostering a positive, stress-free educational landscape for all students. They encourage students and teachers to learn and to grow in a productive, non-judgmental environment.
EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES
What Education Do Preschool Directors Need?
A preschool director position commonly requires a bachelor’s degree in early childhood development. Some preschool directors instead hold degrees in elementary education or other closely related fields. But a bachelor’s degree will be an important first step.
After obtaining a bachelor’s degree you will want work experience in preschool settings, helping young children learn. A preschool teacher or other role with young students will be an important piece of work experience that will help you be qualified to move forward in your career.
A master’s degree in educational leadership is a critical piece of being qualified to become a preschool director. This kind of credential demonstrates that you have leadership and management skills that are key to success. You’ll need to learn about financial management, strategy, curriculum, and more. This degree program is crucial for enhancing your career.
In addition, preschool directors are required to sustain an active state license, and sometimes additional certification from the National Child Care Association — if required by the state. Some preschools may also look for candidates with a Child Care Administrator License, and generally prefer candidates with at least three years experience in a classroom setting.
What Certifications Do Preschool Directors Need?
Preschool directors must maintain several active certifications. Individual licenses and certifications often vary by state, so job candidates should first check individual state requirements before applying.
They need to maintain an active license in the state in which they work. Additionally, some preschools may require you to have a certification from the National Child Care Association, as well as a potential Child Care Administrator License.
Other preschools require a ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI) Director’s Certificate, a license that helps preschool directors better understand the management of a childcare center.
Best Degrees for Preschool Directors
Education
Educational Studies – B.A.
These online, non-licensure educational studies degrees prepare you to...
These online, non-licensure educational studies degrees prepare you to make a difference in a field that interests you.
Based on your career goals and interests, you can choose an educational studies program in one of 10 content areas that meets your needs while working toward employment in school settings, corporate training, or instructional design. These programs do not lead to a teaching license.
- Time: Completion time varies depending on the specialty track you choose.
- Tuition: $3,825 per 6-month term.
- This bachelor's degree allows students to learn about education but does not include student teaching and it does not lead to a teaching license.
Focus areas of this educational studies degree program include:
- Elementary Education
- Elementary and Special Education
- Mild to Moderate Special Education
- Secondary Biology Science Education
- Secondary Chemistry Science Education
- Secondary Earth Science Education
- Secondary Physics Education
- Middle Grades Science Education
- Secondary Mathematics Education
- Middle Grade Mathematics Education
Education
Educational Leadership – M.S.
An online master's degree for current teachers looking to move into a...
An online master's degree for current teachers looking to move into a school or district leadership position, like principal, vice principal, or administrator.
- Time: 60% of grads earned this degree within 23 months.
- Tuition: $4,125 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 13 total courses in this program.
This program is for licensed teachers who are ready to take the next step in their education career.
Skills for your résumé included in this program:
- School Law
- School Financial Leadership
- People & Talent
- School Operations and Management
- Leadership Ethics
Put your leadership skills to good use—in the service of America's children—with this education master's degree.
States that do not accept this program: Alabama, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Kansas, and Minnesota.
How Much Does a Preschool Director Make?
$42,154
The exact salary of a preschool director will vary based on a number of factors, including the director’s experience, location of employment, number of years on the job, and performance-related benchmarks.
Preschool director salaries average $42,154 in the United States, where income ranges from $29,000 to $62,000 per year.
What Is the Projected Job Growth?
1%
The job outlook for a preschool director is a positive one. From 2019 to 2029, preschool director employment is forecasted to grow by 1%. Specifically, this means that a total of 69,200 preschool director positions in 2019 is expected to become 69,900 positions by 2029. While this growth rate is slower than the average for all U.S. jobs, it’s still a favorable trajectory.
The position itself should continue to remain important in the near future. Parents and guardians will continue to rely on preschools as a dependable source for early childhood education. Especially for caregivers who work during normal school hours, preschools remain important both as childcare and educational service.
SKILLS
What Skills Does a Preschool Director Need?
As a specialized profession, they must have several skills. These include:
- Interpersonal communication. The ability to correspond effectively with students, teachers, school staff, and parents
- Organizational proficiency. The ability to multitask, meet project deadlines, and keep tasks organized
- Business management. The ability to effectively run the corporate aspects of a preschool for long-term business success
- Team leadership. The ability to lead preschool administration and implement effective policies
- Problem-solving. The ability to offer and implement creative solutions to any obstacles
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