Preschool Director

Colonial Hills United Methodist School (CHUMS)

Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt
Reports To: School Board and Colonial Hills United Methodist Church Leadership
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m. with Tuesday & Thursday 8:00 am - 2:30 pm (Occasional evenings and limited weekends for school events, board meetings, and church functions)
Salary: Competitive and commensurate with education and experience

Position Summary

The Preschool Director is responsible for the overall leadership, administration, and success of Colonial Hills United Methodist School (CHUMS). The Preschool Director serves as the chief executive officer of the preschool ministry and is responsible for the overall operational, financial, educational, and regulatory success of the school.

The Preschool Director provides visionary leadership while overseeing all aspects of school operations, including financial management, budgeting, forecasting, enrollment, marketing, staff recruitment and development, curriculum implementation, parent relations, licensing compliance, Texas Rising Star certification, fundraising, and community engagement.

Working in partnership with the School Board and Colonial Hills United Methodist Church leadership, including the Pastor and Facilities Coordinator, the Preschool Director advances the mission and ministry of the school while fostering a Christ-centered, safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate environment for children, families, and staff.

The Preschool Director serves as the educational and operational leader of the school, providing sound financial stewardship, cultivating a culture of professionalism and continuous improvement, and ensuring the long-term sustainability and growth of the preschool through exceptional leadership, strategic planning, and a commitment to excellence in early childhood education.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent, as required by Texas Health and Human Services Child Care Regulation.
Preferred leadership experience in a licensed childcare or early childhood education program or other school setting.
Must hold or be actively working toward obtaining a Texas Child Care Director Credential Certification.
Thorough knowledge of Texas Health and Human Services Child Care Regulation, Texas Minimum Standards, and licensing compliance.
Demonstrated leadership, organizational, financial, and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, Business Administration, or a related field.
Prefers but not required- experience leading and maintaining Texas Rising Star certification and quality improvement initiatives.
Experience with curriculum selection, implementation, evaluation, and teacher coaching.
Experience implementing and supporting Conscious Discipline® throughout a preschool program.
Experience with nonprofit budgeting, financial forecasting, payroll oversight, fundraising, and strategic planning.
Experience working within a church, faith-based, or nonprofit educational setting.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership & School Operations

Provide overall leadership and management of Colonial Hills United Methodist School.
Oversee the daily operations of the preschool and ensure a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environment.
Maintain compliance with Texas Health and Human Services Child Care Regulation, Texas Minimum Standards, and all applicable licensing requirements.
Lead and maintain Texas Rising Star certification and continuous quality improvement efforts.
Develop, implement, and maintain school policies and procedures.
Maintain all required licensing documentation, records, and reporting.
Ensure proper ratios and classroom coverage as consistent with Texas Child Care minimum standards.
Ensure classrooms, playgrounds, and facilities are safe, clean, organized, and properly maintained.
Identify opportunities for program improvement, growth, and increased operational effectiveness.

Staff Leadership & Human Resources

Recruit, interview, hire, onboard, supervise, mentor, evaluate, and retain qualified teachers and staff.
Maintain appropriate staffing levels and classroom ratios.
Create and maintain staff schedules to ensure operational needs are met.
Conduct employee evaluations and provide coaching, feedback, and professional support.
Foster a positive, collaborative, and professional workplace culture.
Effectively manage different personalities, resolve conflicts, and maintain professionalism in all interactions.
Ensure staff adhere to school policies, licensing requirements, and professional expectations.

Professional Development & Regulatory Compliance

Maintain all licensing requirements and professional credentials required for the Preschool Director position.
Complete the annual professional development hours required by Texas Child Care Regulation and Texas Rising Star (currently a minimum of 30 hours), or any future requirements established by the State of Texas.
Ensure all staff complete required annual training (TRS and TX Child Care Minimum Standards) and maintain current certifications as required by licensing and school policies.
Develop, coordinate, schedule, secure, and oversee all required staff training.
Identify and arrange professional development opportunities to support teacher growth and classroom excellence.
Maintain accurate records (paper files and TECPEDS)of all staff training, certifications, and professional development hours.
Monitor updates to Texas Health and Human Services Child Care Regulation, Texas Minimum Standards, and Texas Rising Star requirements and implement necessary changes.

Curriculum & Educational Leadership

Oversee the selection, implementation, and evaluation of a high-quality, developmentally appropriate curriculum in coordination with the curriculum coordinator.
Ensure curriculum aligns with early childhood best practices and Texas Rising Star quality indicators.
Support teachers through classroom observations, coaching, mentoring, and professional development.
Provide guidance and support in lesson planning, classroom management, and instructional practices (in tandem with the curriculum coordinator)
Lead implementation and ongoing support of Conscious Discipline® practices throughout the school.
Promote positive behavior guidance, social-emotional development, and school readiness.
Ensure classrooms have appropriate materials and resources to support learning.

Financial Management

Develop, manage, and oversee the annual operating budget for Colonial Hills United Methodist School.
Prepare financial forecasts and provide recommendations regarding tuition adjustments, enrollment goals, staffing needs, and long-term financial sustainability.
Monitor income and expenses to ensure responsible stewardship of school resources.
Oversee payroll processes and ensure accuracy and compliance.
Work closely with the school bookkeeper to ensure proper allocation, tracking, and reporting of funds.
Review financial reports and provide updates and recommendations to the School Board and church leadership.
Assist with long-term financial planning and strategies to support the continued success of the preschool.

Enrollment & Administrative Systems

Oversee all aspects of student enrollment, registration, attendance, tuition billing, and family records.
Develop strategies to support enrollment growth and student retention.
Maintain knowledge and proficiency in ProCare , or other childcare management software used by the school.
Utilize childcare management systems for enrollment, attendance tracking, billing, reporting, and family communication.
Ensure student files, attendance records, billing information, and required documentation are accurate and maintained according to state regulations and school policies.
Monitor enrollment trends and provide data to support financial forecasting and operational decisions.

Parent Relations & Communication

Establish and maintain strong, positive relationships with current and prospective families.
Communicate regularly and effectively with parents regarding school programs, policies, student needs, and important updates.
Address parent concerns and questions professionally, promptly, and with a solutions-oriented approach.
Promote a welcoming environment that supports family engagement and partnership.
Ensure communication reflects the mission, values, and professionalism of Colonial Hills United Methodist School.

Marketing, Communications & Community Engagement

Develop and implement marketing strategies to promote enrollment and increase community awareness of the school.
Oversee school communications, including newsletters, website updates, social media platforms, and family communications.
Create promotional materials using Canva and other digital communication tools.
Maintain a positive public image and strengthen relationships with families, community members, and prospective families.
Coordinate fundraising efforts, special events, and community engagement opportunities that support the mission and financial needs of the school.
Develop relationships with community partners and supporters of the preschool.

Church Partnership & Relationship Management

Serve as the primary liaison between Colonial Hills United Methodist School and Colonial Hills United Methodist Church.
Work collaboratively with the Pastor, Facilities Coordinator, church staff, and church leadership.
Maintain open and effective communication with church leadership regarding school operations, facility needs, and ministry goals.
Support the mission of Colonial Hills United Methodist Church through the preschool ministry.
Maintain a positive and collaborative relationship between the school, church, families, and community.

School Board Responsibilities

Attend and actively participate in School Board meetings.
Provide annual reports regarding enrollment, finances, staffing, operations, and school initiatives.
Collaborate with the School Board on strategic planning and long-term goals.
Provide recommendations regarding policies, procedures, budgets, tuition, and program improvements.
Assist with identifying and recruiting appropriate members for the School Board in accordance with school bylaws.
Implement School Board-approved policies and initiatives.

Technology Proficiency

Google Workspace, including Google Docs, Sheets, Drive, Calendar, Gmail, and Forms
Microsoft Word and other Microsoft Office applications
Canva for marketing and communication materials
QuickBooks or comparable financial management systems
Procare, Brightwheel, or similar childcare management software
Social media management platforms
Digital communication tools used for family and staff communication

Employment Opportunities

Preschool Director