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Preschool Program Director Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

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Preschool Program Director information

See Arizona salary details

$25.2K

$50.9K

$71.8K

How much do preschool program director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for preschool program director in Arizona is $50,917.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,900.00 and $58,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a preschool program director do?

A Preschool Program Director oversees the daily operations of a preschool or early childhood education program. Their responsibilities include managing staff, developing curriculum, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations, and maintaining a safe, nurturing environment for children. They also communicate with parents, handle budgeting, and coordinate enrollment processes. The director plays a crucial leadership role in setting the tone and quality standards for the entire program.

What are the typical challenges a preschool program director faces in balancing administrative duties with staff support?

Preschool Program Directors often juggle a variety of responsibilities, including curriculum planning, regulatory compliance, budgeting, and staff management. One common challenge is finding the right balance between administrative tasks and providing hands-on guidance and support to teachers and staff. Effective directors prioritize open communication, delegate tasks when possible, and establish efficient processes to ensure both the program's daily operations and team development needs are met. This balance is essential for fostering a positive learning environment and maintaining high program standards.

What is the difference between Preschool Program Director vs Preschool Teacher?

AspectPreschool Program DirectorPreschool Teacher
CredentialsEarly childhood education certification, management experienceChild development or early childhood education certification
Work EnvironmentAdministrative office, overseeing programsClassroom setting with children
ResponsibilitiesProgram planning, staff supervision, complianceTeaching children, implementing curriculum

The Preschool Program Director focuses on managing the overall program, staff, and compliance, while the Preschool Teacher directly educates and cares for children. Both roles require early childhood credentials, but the director's role is more administrative and supervisory, whereas the teacher's role is classroom-focused.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a preschool program director?

To thrive as a Preschool Program Director, you need a background in early childhood education, program management experience, and often a relevant bachelor's degree or higher. Familiarity with licensing regulations, curriculum development software, and child assessment tools is essential. Outstanding leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help foster a positive environment for staff, children, and families. These abilities ensure the preschool operates smoothly, meets educational standards, and provides a safe, nurturing space for young learners.
What are popular job titles related to Preschool Program Director jobs in Arizona? For Preschool Program Director jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Preschool Program Director jobs in Arizona look for? The top searched job categories for Preschool Program Director jobs in Arizona are:
What cities in Arizona are hiring for Preschool Program Director jobs? Cities in Arizona with the most Preschool Program Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Preschool Program Director job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,917 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

Head Start Teacher, Flagstaff

Northern Arizona Council of Governments

Flagstaff, AZ

$19.58 - $26.24/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

$19.58-26.24/hr, 40 hrs/wk, 44 wks/yr

Summary

In compliance with Federal Law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Working under general supervision and with moderate difficulty, this position is responsible for instructing preschool-aged children in activities designed to promote social, physical, and intellectual growth.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Instructs children and facilitates developmentally appropriate activities to encourage growth in all areas of childhood development
  • Develops and maintains trusting relationships with children and families to ensure a successful learning environment
  • Develops and implements weekly lesson plans to ensure program compliance
  • Assigns duties to staff and monitors work to ensure a successful learning environment
  • Completes and submits paperwork (logs, reports) to document program compliance
  • Cleans and prepares classrooms regularly to ensure a safe, healthy learning environment
  • Completes regular playground and classroom inspection checklists to ensure a safe, healthy learning environment
  • Conducts health screenings for Head Start children (vision, hearing, mental health, and physical health)
  • Plans and conducts parent-teacher conferences to establish and assess progress toward family goals
  • Other related duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

Level I: Childhood Development Associate Credential (CDA) that is age appropriate to the children being served; or a state-awarded certificated for preschool teachers that meets or exceeds the requirement for a CDA.

Level II: Associate degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development; or an Associate Degree in a filed related to Early Childhood Education or child Development with experience teaching preschool children and a State-awarded certificate to teach in a preschool program.

Level III: Bachelors of Art or Bachelors of Science in Early Childhood Education or Child Development; or a BA or BS in a field related to Early Childhood Education or Child Development with experience teaching preschool children and a State-awarded certificate to teach in a preschool program.

Level IV: Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development; and 36 credit hours in Early Childhood Education or Child Development beyond undergraduate level.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

  • Criminal Background Check
  • Fingerprint Clearance Card, Level I
  • TB Skin Test

CERTIFICATES & LICENSES:

  • Food Handlers license (within 6 months)
  • CPR/first aid/interrater (within 6 months)

TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

  • AZ Early Learning Standards
  • Behavior management
  • Childhood development
  • Early childhood education
  • Head Start Performance Standards

GENERAL COMPETENCIES:

  • Collaboration
  • Communication
  • Conflict resolution
  • Cultural competence
  • Discretion
  • Initiative/innovation
  • Mentoring/training
  • Problem solving skills

TRAVEL REQUIRED:

X < 5% □ < 25% □ < 50% □ < 75% □ 100%

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Physical Activity: Frequent listening, talking, standing, walking, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, pushing, lifting, finger use, grasping, feeling, and repetitive motion. Occasional sitting and pulling.

Physical exertion: ___ Sedentary; __ Light; _X_Medium; __ Heavy; __ Very Heavy. Work involves exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Visual requirements: Close visual acuity for compiling and analyzing data; viewing a computer screen; and reading.

Working conditions: Regular exposure to potential physical harm, hazardous chemicals, and infectious disease. Occasional exposure to extreme weather conditions.

NACOG is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by the state, federal, or local law. NACOG is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individual with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact the Human Resources Director, 928-774-1895, HR@nacog.org.

Benefits include: Agency paid health, dental, vision; Arizona State Retirement (ASRS); Paid sick leave & holiday pay