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Preschool Program Director Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Assistant Director

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$45K - $54K/yr

Experience as an Admissions, Administrative, Program or School Director for a preschool * Familiarity with the Montessori method of education or a Montessori certification * Experience working with ...

PreK Teacher

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$16 - $18.50/hr

... Pre-K Preschool Teacher to plan and implement an ongoing program of activities that promote the ... Assists in other capacities that Director, or designee, determines is necessary. Desired skills and ...

PreK Teacher

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$16 - $18.50/hr

... Pre-K Preschool Teacher to plan and implement an ongoing program of activities that promote the ... Assists in other capacities that Director, or designee, determines is necessary. Desired skills and ...

Showing results 41-60

Preschool Program Director information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$26.2K

$53.1K

$74.8K

How much do preschool program director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for preschool program director in Raleigh, NC is $53,113.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,700.00 and $61,200.00 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 Raleigh, NC?

For Preschool Program Director jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Preschool Program Director jobs in Raleigh, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Preschool Program Director jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Preschool Program Director jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Preschool Program Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Preschool Program Director job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, and 12% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,113 per year, or $25.5 per hour.

Instructional Assistant - General Education, Pre-Kindergarten, Title 1 (NC Pre-K)

Wake County Public School System

Raleigh, NC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Wake County Public School System rating

5.5

Company rating: 5.5 out of 10

Based on 36 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

521st of 631 rated elementary and secondary schools


Job description

Overview
POSITION TITLE (Oracle title)
INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT-PRE-K (General Education, Special Education, or Title I)
WORKING TITLE
Instructional Assistant-Pre-K Blended (Assignment could be divided and be in a Pre-K General Education classroom, Pre-K Special Education assignment, and/or Pre-K Title I school site assignment)
SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT
Office of Early Learning (OEL)
LOCATION
School Site
PAY GRADE
Noncertified Grade 20 or 21 (Dependent upon assignment(s))
FLSA STATUS
Nonexempt
ELIGIBILITY FOR EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT
No
WORK WEEK SCHEDULE
Monday-Friday (occasional evenings and weekends)
POSITION PURPOSE:
Performs instructional support work assisting classroom teachers in classroom activities as well as general administrative support tasks. Implements goals and objectives established by licensed teachers and works directly with students. Assists in the instruction of individual students or groups of students in all curricular areas as directed by teachers or administrators. Plans and collaborates with teachers in devising special strategies related to childcare licensure requirements, if applicable. Position can be utilized in more than one assignment (blended).
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSAs)
  • Considerable knowledge of Microsoft Office, specifically Microsoft Word, Excel, and Power Point; Google Apps;
  • Working knowledge of successful instructional delivery methods;
  • Working knowledge of the core subjects at the grade level to which employment assignment is made;
  • Ability to recognize and support students of diverse backgrounds, learning abilities, and learning styles;
  • Ability to protect the confidentiality of personally identifiable information in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) and other applicable federal and state laws, policies, and regulations;
  • Ability to work in a team environment and effectively collaborate with others;
  • Ability to motivate students;
  • Ability to constantly supervise the safety and well-being of students;
  • Ability to work with a diverse student population and recognize variations in student backgrounds, abilities, and learning styles;
  • Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both in oral and written form using a variety of communication techniques and tools to ensure the appropriate flow of information, collaborative efforts, and feedback;
  • Ability to implement academic and behavioral interventions, as needed;
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with school system staff, students, parents, businesses, community agencies, and the public.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE FOR NC PRE-K PROGRAMS (can include Blended and/or Title I)
  • High school diploma or GED and shall hold or be working towards, an Associate's degree in birth-through- kindergarten, child development, early childhood education, or an early childhood education related field or a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. Instructional assistants working toward the minimum of an associate degree shall make progress by completing a minimum of six documented semester hours per year; AND
  • For Title I schools, meet the employment requirements outlined by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Public Law 114-95.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE FOR NON NC PRE-K PROGRAMS(can include Preschool Special Education/Self-Contained, Blended, and/or Title I)
  • High school diploma or equivalent; AND
  • For Title I schools, meet the employment requirements outlined by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Public Law 114-95.

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
  • Maintain a Crisis Prevention and Intervention (CPI) certification (specific program to be determined based off position; maintain that certification through the proper renewal process; adhering to all timelines; CPI training will be provided through WCPSS, if needed.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • CPR and First Aid certification.
  • For Pre-K Special Education and Blended programs, experience working with or assisting individuals with special needs (an individual with one or more difficulties such as, a physical, emotional, behavioral, or learning disability or impairment that causes an individual to require additional or specialized services or accommodations).

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
All Pre-K Programs:
  1. Provides assistance with activities and duties that implement the total school program, assists teachers in instructional activities, and assists teachers in ensuring an encouraging, caring, safe and healthy environment for all students.
  2. Aids teachers with planning and organizing, evaluating instructional activities, developing classroom licensure procedures, and preparing necessary materials; ensures materials for students are readily available according to the needs of the lesson plan.
  3. Demonstrates professional and technical skills necessary to function effectively in the classroom and to support the school program.
  4. Works with an individual student and/or specific groups of students in different pre-k licensed classrooms and/or area of the school, as needed.
  5. Participates in the district staff development program and continued professional growth in the area of assignment.
  6. Maintains a positive disposition, exercises good judgement, and remains calm when dealing with students at all times.
  7. Compiles, maintains, and files reports, records, and other required documents, maintaining confidentiality.
  8. Coordinates and assists students with special health care needs, which could include:
    1. Personal hygiene, restroom functions, diapering, etc.;
    2. Mobility assistance including lifting, positioning or transferring student(s);
    3. Behavioral assistance and CPI skills.
  9. Performs other related duties, as assigned.

Preschool Special Education/Blended Programs:
  1. Provides support and assistance to teachers in coordinating instructional programs for special education students, including familiarity with student's IEP; ensures an encouraging, caring, safe, and healthful environment for all students.
  2. Assists teachers with strategies related to the implementation of students' behavioral intervention plans.
  3. Assists teachers with implementation of low- and high-tech assistive technology and augmentative communication devices in the classroom to meet both class-wide and individual student needs.
  4. Performs other related duties, as assigned.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
This job operates in a classroom environment and requires sitting and standing throughout the day. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, scanners, and copiers. The position, at times, must be able to come into direct contact with school system staff, staff members of external funding agencies, and the community. Work is considered medium physical work, requiring the exertion of up to 50 pounds force occasionally, and/or up to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. School can contact the school's Physical Therapist for assistance, if needed, with proper lifting techniques.
EFFECTIVE DATE:6/2026
DISCLAIMER: The above statements are intended to describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this position. They are not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required by the employees assigned to this position. This description may be revised by HR and approved at any time.

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About Wake County Public Schools

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Wake County Public Schools (WCPSS) is a well-regarded educational institution based in Cary, NC, United States. As the largest school district in North Carolina and the 15th largest in the U.S, it operates within the education industry providing primary and secondary education to students in Wake County. The district oversees a wide array of schools, including traditional calendars, year-round calendars, modified calendars, and magnets. Founded in 1976, the WCPSS has consistently strived to meet the individual needs of all students by providing a safe, supportive, and rigorous learning environment.

Industry

Education

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

Cary, NC, US

Year founded

1976