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Preschool Director

Overview

Are you a passionate and experienced leader in early childhood education looking to make a meaningful impact in a supportive, fun, and dynamic environment? Racker is excited to invite applicants for the full-time Early Childhood Services Site Director position to oversee our preschool special education and childcare programs in Ithaca. As a Site Director at Racker, you will lead a dedicated team of special education teachers, daycare teachers, teaching aides, and assistants. You’ll oversee five preschool special education classrooms and three infant/toddler childcare classrooms, fostering a collaborative environment that celebrates growth, learning, and play. In addition to your team, you’ll partner closely with related services programs both within Racker and the community to ensure a seamless, holistic approach to child development.

 

What You’ll Do:

  • Lead, motivate, and support a team of educators to create a nurturing, joyful environment where children thrive.
  • Foster a culture of fun and learning, while ensuring a high standard of care and educational quality.
  • Supervise the day-to-day operations of preschool and infant/toddler classrooms.
  • Partner with internal and external teams to provide integrated services for children with diverse needs.
  • Ensure the smooth operation of our programs, providing guidance, mentorship, and professional development opportunities for your team.

What We’re Looking For:

  • Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire, motivate, and guide a diverse group of educators.
  • Experience in early childhood education and special education, including leadership experience in managing teams.
  • A passion for creating a positive, engaging, and joyful learning environment for children and staff alike
  • A commitment to collaboration, community, and continuous learning.

What We Offer:

  • Starting salary range of $58,000–$70,000, depending on experience.
  • A competitive benefits package, including a variety of healthcare options for families and individuals.
  • Funding and paid time for continuing education to help you grow in your career.
  • Retirement investment with employer match to help you plan for the future.
  • Paid vacation for school holidays and breaks, plus paid sick time.
  • 20% discount on childcare services for children of full-time staff.

At Racker, we believe in the power of joy and fun, and we know that a great leader can make all the difference in the lives of children, families, and staff. If you are ready to lead with passion, creativity, and a sense of purpose, we would love to hear from you!

 

Apply Today to Join Our Team and Make a Difference!

Responsibilities

  • Ensure that Racker ECS complies with relevant laws, regulations and rules, including but not limited to NY State Ed and OCFS
  • Organize and manage staff, site, and services in a clear and efficient manner that effectively utilizes resources
  • Facilitate creation of environment where all people know they belong
  • Collaborate with ECS leadership team
  • Serve as a representative of the program to outside organizations and funding sources
  • Attend meetings and speak to community groups representing Racker ECS
  • Work with other staff members in developing agency philosophy, planning and overseeing issues that affect Racker ECS
  • Complete applications and reports required by State and other funding sources

Qualifications

  • Education/Certification: Bachelor’s Degree in early childhood education, special education , or related human services/educational field preferred; fingerprinting clearance; clearance from New York State Central Registry
  • Skills/Abilities: Effective management skills in program planning, development and evaluation, financial management and human resource management; demonstrated ability in administration and personnel supervision; skills in interpersonal relationships; oral and written communication skills
  • Knowledge: Two (2) years relevant administrative experience; experience with education inclusion; knowledge of policies and regulations from the State Department of Education, Office of Children and Family Services and the Department of Health

 

Our approach to Diversity and Inclusion -

"A world where all people know they belong."

 

Average salary estimate

$64000 / YEARLY (est.)
min
max
$58000K
$70000K

If an employer mentions a salary or salary range on their job, we display it as an "Employer Estimate". If a job has no salary data, Rise displays an estimate if available.

What You Should Know About Preschool Director, Racker

Are you ready to make a lasting impact in early childhood education? Racker is thrilled to offer the full-time position of Preschool Director in beautiful Ithaca! In this exciting role, you will lead an enthusiastic team dedicated to empowering young learners in our preschool special education and childcare programs. As the Preschool Director, you'll have the amazing opportunity to oversee five preschool special education classrooms along with three infant/toddler care settings, ensuring a nurturing and engaging environment where every child can thrive. Your role involves not only supervising daily operations but also inspiring and motivating dedicated educators, creating a culture of joy and learning. Strong collaboration with both internal teams and community partners is key, as you aim to provide holistic support for children with diverse needs. With a competitive starting salary ranging from $58,000 to $70,000 and an attractive benefits package, Racker is committed to investing in your professional growth, offering opportunities for continuing education and a retirement plan with employer matching. If you're passionate about education, dedicated to creating joyful learning environments, and looking to lead a team that believes in making a difference every day, we'd love to hear from you! Join us at Racker and help shape the future of early childhood education in Ithaca. Apply today and be the leader who inspires both children and educators alike!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Preschool Director Role at Racker
What are the main responsibilities of a Preschool Director at Racker?

As the Preschool Director at Racker, your primary responsibilities include leading a team of educators to create a nurturing environment, supervising preschool and infant/toddler classrooms, and ensuring the compliance of programs with state regulations. You'll also collaborate with internal and external partners to provide integrated services for children with diverse needs.

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What qualifications do I need to apply for the Preschool Director position at Racker?

To apply for the Preschool Director role at Racker, you should ideally hold a Bachelor's Degree in early childhood education, special education, or a related field. Relevant administrative experience, strong leadership skills, and a commitment to creating an inclusive learning environment will also be essential.

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How does Racker support the professional development of its Preschool Director?

Racker is dedicated to the professional growth of its staff, including the Preschool Director. The organization offers funding and paid time for continuing education, ensuring you have opportunities to enhance your skills and stay current in the field of early childhood education.

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What is the salary range for the Preschool Director position at Racker?

The starting salary for the Preschool Director role at Racker ranges from $58,000 to $70,000, based on experience. This competitive salary reflects the importance of leadership in early childhood education and the valuable impact you will have in the community.

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What is the culture like at Racker for the Preschool Director role?

The culture at Racker is centered around joy and fun, with a strong emphasis on collaboration, community, and continuous learning. As a Preschool Director, you'll be part of a community that celebrates growth and fosters a supportive environment for both children and staff.

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Common Interview Questions for Preschool Director
What leadership style do you believe works best in an early childhood education setting?

In an early childhood education setting, a supportive and collaborative leadership style often proves most effective. Emphasizing open communication, encouragement, and team involvement helps create a nurturing environment where educators feel motivated and children thrive.

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How would you handle conflicts between staff members in your role as Preschool Director?

Addressing conflicts between staff members requires careful listening and mediation skills. As a Preschool Director, I would aim to understand each perspective and facilitate a resolution that aligns with our educational goals and maintains a positive team dynamic.

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What methodologies do you use to enhance classroom engagement?

I believe in a child-centered, play-based approach that encourages exploration and creativity. Utilizing engaging activities and integrating various learning styles helps keep both children and educators engaged, fostering a love for learning.

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How do you ensure compliance with early childhood regulations?

Ensuring compliance requires a thorough understanding of state regulations and consistent staff training. Regular audits and open lines of communication with regulatory bodies help maintain transparency and adherence to all necessary guidelines.

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Can you describe your experience with inclusion in education?

Inclusion is a crucial aspect of early childhood education. I have worked extensively with diverse learners, ensuring tailored strategies are implemented to meet individual needs. This approach not only respects diversity but also promotes understanding and acceptance among all children.

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How do you evaluate the success of educational programs under your direction?

Evaluating program success involves setting clear goals and using multiple assessment methods, including observations, feedback from educators, and performance metrics. This comprehensive approach allows for adjustments that enhance educational quality.

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What qualities do you think are essential in the team you will lead?

Essential qualities include versatility, passion for educating young learners, strong communication skills, and a commitment to collaboration. A team embodying these traits creates a positive environment conducive to growth and development.

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How would you foster a positive relationship with families?

Building positive relationships with families involves regular communication, transparency, and inviting them to participate in school activities. I believe in being approachable, ensuring families feel valued and included in their child's learning journey.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What role do you believe play has in early childhood education?

Play is fundamental to early childhood education as it promotes social, emotional, and cognitive development. I advocate for integrating play into daily curriculum as it creates meaningful learning experiences while allowing children to express themselves freely.

Join Rise to see the full answer
How do you handle budget constraints while ensuring quality education?

Managing budget constraints requires creativity and prioritization. I focus on efficiently allocating resources, exploring community partnerships for additional funding, and ensuring that essential services remain uncompromised while making quality education a priority.

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We envision a world where all people know they belong.

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DEPARTMENTS
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TEAM SIZE
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Full-time, on-site
DATE POSTED
April 22, 2025

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