Preschool Director

Job Description

Preschool Director

About San Diego Hebrew Day

San Diego Hebrew Day — operating as Soille San Diego Hebrew Day School (SSDHDS) — is an independent, community-based preschool and K–8 program located in the heart of San Diego's Jewish community. For decades, Hebrew Day has been a cornerstone institution for Jewish families in San Diego, providing a comprehensive dual curriculum that integrates rigorous general studies with authentic Jewish and Judaic education consistent with Orthodox teaching.

Our mission is to build inspired Jewish leaders who are successful and proud. We foster a love of wisdom, Torah, and Israel while cultivating the social-emotional resilience each child needs to thrive. Students graduate prepared for the next phase of their lives — secure in their Jewish identity, distinguished by their respect for others, and ready to show ethical leadership in their community.

Our preschool is the entry point to this vibrant learning community, and we are proud to serve families across San Diego's diverse Jewish community — from Mission Valley to the coast. We celebrate Shabbat, Jewish holidays, and lifecycle milestones together, and our campus culture reflects warmth, inclusion, and a deep commitment to Jewish continuity.

About Our Preschool

For Hebrew Day's youngest students, every moment is an immersive, vibrant journey into Jewish life. We boast a low student-to-teacher ratio based on the conviction that the young children in our facility are unique individuals who should be nurtured to develop at their own pace. Our dedicated staff works hard to expose the children to many and varied opportunities to grow in all arenas of life.

The curriculum is divided into several areas of development, including:

• Social and Emotional Competencies: Including positive self-image and coping skills
• Middot: Helping children see their own unique nature while heightening their consideration of others
• Fine and Gross Motor Skills
• Language and Literacy, Math and Science
• Joyous Jewish experiences: Holiday celebrations, Prayer, and General Torah knowledge
• Art, Music, Yoga, and Dance

At the Hebrew Day Preschool, we are committed to upholding all state regulations regarding the welfare of our children. Each teacher is formally trained to comply with our preschoolers' personal rights as laid out by the state of California, from close supervision to managing behavior positively. We strive to build an inclusive, school-based community.

Position Overview

San Diego Hebrew Day is seeking a dynamic, mission-driven Preschool Director to lead our early childhood program. This is a unique opportunity to shape the foundational Jewish and educational experiences of the youngest members of our school community. The Director will be responsible for the overall management, compliance, and daily operations of the preschool program, ensuring adherence to California state licensing regulations while maintaining a high-quality, nurturing, and Jewishly engaged learning environment.

Salary range: $60,000 – $80,000 annually, commensurate with experience.

Preschool Hours: Monday–Thursday 8:00am–3:30pm • Friday 8:00am–2:00pm

Key Responsibilities

Licensing & Compliance

• Maintain all student and teacher files in accordance with California Community Care Licensing Division (CCLD) requirements.
• Ensure all staff meet mandated immunization, certification, CPR, and First Aid requirements.
• Keep current with Licensing PINS and CCLD regulatory changes.
• Maintain and submit licensing paperwork; ensure compliance with state and local regulations.
• Ensure proper student-to-teacher ratios and sign-in/out procedures.
• Plan and record quarterly fire and earthquake drills.
• Prepare and maintain first aid and emergency kits.

Administrative Leadership

• Oversee daily preschool operations, including staff supervision, classroom management, and curriculum oversight.
• Record and manage teacher absences, expenditures, and work orders.
• Maintain and monitor preschool budgets, supplies, and classroom materials.
• Organize and lead weekly staff and teacher meetings.
• Write the weekly Preschool Headlines newsletter.
• Serve as liaison between preschool staff and the Head of School.
• Develop, review, and update the Preschool Handbook, school policies, and procedures.

Staff Supervision & Development

• Hire, train, evaluate, and coach teachers and substitute staff.
• Conduct formal and informal classroom observations and provide feedback.
• Arrange and approve staff coverage and substitutes as needed.
• Plan and implement professional development and team-building opportunities.
• Promote a collaborative and positive work environment.

Curriculum & Program Quality

• Collaborate with teachers to plan and evaluate lesson plans across all SDHD preschool curriculum areas, including: Social and Emotional Competencies (positive self-image, coping skills, and Middot); Language and Literacy, Math, and Science; Fine and Gross Motor Skills development; Joyous Jewish experiences (holiday celebrations, prayer, and general Torah knowledge); and Art, Music, Yoga, and Dance.
• Ensure implementation of developmentally appropriate practices and a low student-to-teacher ratio that honors each child's unique pace of development.
• Supervise the creation and maintenance of student portfolios.
• Lead continuous program improvement aligned with early childhood education trends.
• Provide support for behavioral and learning needs, including special education coordination.
• Assist in classrooms when needed to support teachers and maintain program quality.
• Ensure all staff uphold California state regulations regarding children's personal rights and positive behavior management practices.

Family & Community Engagement

• Assist with enrollment, conduct facility tours, and support admissions and retention strategies.
• Communicate regularly with parents via Brightwheel and respond promptly to inquiries.
• Monitor staff-parent communication for professionalism and responsiveness.
• Organize holiday fairs, sensory events, performances, and milestone celebrations.
• Discuss and follow up on student progress with families.
• Promote a welcoming, inclusive, and respectful preschool community that honors Jewish traditions and the diversity of the San Diego Jewish community.

Health, Safety & Facility Management

• Ensure preschool and playground areas meet safety and maintenance standards.
• Observe playground supervision to enforce compliance with safety rules.
• Manage morning and afternoon carpool operations.
• Analyze and address incident reports to prevent recurrence.
• Assist with cleaning and maintaining a sanitary environment when necessary.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field (Master's preferred).
• California Child Development Site Supervisor Permit or equivalent credential.
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in early childhood education, with at least 2 years in a leadership or director role.
• Strong knowledge of California CCLD licensing regulations.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification.
• Familiarity with Jewish traditions, holidays, and values; commitment to supporting a Jewish learning environment.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• Experience with Brightwheel or similar parent communication platforms is a plus.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit a resume and cover letter to:

Romy Rothstein | rrothstein@ssdhds.org

We look forward to hearing from passionate early childhood educators eager to be part of the San Diego Hebrew Day family and contribute to Jewish education in our community.