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Preschool Program Director Jobs in Ridgewood, NJ

Heartshare

School Administrative Assistant

Queens, NY · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Receive and direct all telephone calls to the program. Take and relay messages as necessary ... Welcome all visitors to the Preschool Program and ensure that they sign-in in the Visitor's Log.

Primrose School

Assistant School Director

Morristown, NJ · On-site

$50K - $55K/yr

The successful candidate will be responsible for the overall academic, social, and emotional development of the children in the program. The Preschool Assistant Director also acts as a role model for ...

smart start academy

Preschool Teacher

Jersey City, NJ · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

Stimulates emotional, intellectual, and social growth of students by developing and directing educational programs and activities tailored to assigned class; supervising preschool * Develops and ...

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All JobsPreschool Program JobsPreschool Program Director JobsPreschool Program Director Jobs in Ridgewood, NJ

Preschool Program Director information

See Ridgewood, NJ salary details

$27.3K

$55.3K

$77.9K

How much do preschool program director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for preschool program director in Ridgewood, NJ is $55,282.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,500.00 and $63,700.00 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 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 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.

How much does a preschool program director make?

The average salary for a preschool program director in Florida is approximately $45,000 to $60,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and the size of the program. Salaries may also vary based on certifications and the specific organization or location within the state.

What degree do I need to be a preschool program director?

A preschool program director typically needs a bachelor's degree in early childhood education, child development, or a related field. Some positions may require a master's degree or additional certifications in early childhood administration or management. Relevant experience in teaching or childcare is also important for this role.

What job categories do people searching Preschool Program Director jobs in Ridgewood, NJ look for?

The top searched job categories for Preschool Program Director jobs in Ridgewood, NJ are:

What cities near Ridgewood, NJ are hiring for Preschool Program Director jobs?

Cities near Ridgewood, NJ with the most Preschool Program Director job openings:

Preschool Program Director jobs near you

Teaching Director (Lead Preschool Teacher & Education Director)

New York Kids Club

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Title: Teaching Education Director (Lead Preschool Teacher & Education Director)
Location: Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Long Island City, Queens
Salary Range: $85,000-$95,000 /year
Reports to: Head of School
Schedule: Year-round, Monday-Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
About us:
New York Preschool & Kids Club is an early childhood education and enrichment platform serving modern New York families through high-quality preschool education, enrichment programming, extended day, and summer camp experiences for children ages 2-6 years old. With multiple schools across NYC and private-equity backing, NYPKC is building a best-in-class operating platform, delivering on the full family experience for children and parents.
About the Role
The Teaching Education Director (Lead Preschool Teacher & Education Director) is a hybrid leadership role for an experienced early childhood educator who serves as both a lead classroom teacher and instructional leader within the school community.
In this role, you will lead a preschool classroom serving 2s, 3s, or 4s while also supporting overall program quality across the school through teacher coaching, classroom observations, onboarding support, and educational leadership. You will model strong teaching practices, help maintain consistent classroom quality, and partner closely with the Head of School to support teachers, families, and daily school operations.
The Teaching Education Director plays an important role in building a strong teaching culture where educators feel supported, classrooms run smoothly, and children receive a high-quality early learning experience every day.
How This Role Fits Into the Organization
The Teaching Education Director (Lead Preschool Teacher & Education Director) reports to the Head of School and is responsible for program quality and teaching excellence within the school.
This role partners closely with:
  • Head of School (site leadership, enrollment, operations)
  • Teaching team (coaching, support, development)
  • Education leadership (curriculum alignment, standards)

This role plays a critical part in ensuring NYPKC delivers a consistent, high-quality educational experience across all classrooms.
What You'll Do
Lead Teacher (Primary Responsibility)
  • Serve as the lead teacher in a preschool classroom
  • Deliver high-quality, developmentally appropriate instruction
  • Create a warm, engaging, and well-managed classroom environment
  • Build strong relationships with children and families

Program Quality & Curriculum Implementation
  • Ensure fidelity to NYPKC curriculum and educational approach
  • Maintain strong classroom environments aligned to standards
  • Support lesson planning, classroom setup, and instructional quality
  • Ensure consistency across all preschool classrooms

Teacher Coaching & Development
  • Support and coach teachers through observation and feedback
  • Model strong teaching practices in your own classroom
  • Provide guidance on classroom management, instruction, and engagement
  • Help onboard and support new teachers

Classroom & Compliance Oversight
  • Ensure classrooms meet all licensing and safety requirements
  • Support adherence to DOH/DOE standards where applicable
  • Maintain organized, compliant classroom environments
  • Partner with leadership on inspections and readiness

Family Experience
  • Support strong communication with families
  • Help ensure a positive, consistent classroom and school experience
  • Address classroom-level questions or concerns in partnership with Head of School

Partnership with Head of School
  • Collaborate closely on:
    • staffing and classroom coverage
    • program quality and improvements
    • parent experience and communication
  • Support alignment between education quality and overall school performance

The statements in this job description are intended to describe the essential nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be all responsibilities or qualifications of the job.
Requirements
What We're Looking For
  • Education: A Bachelor's or Master's Degree in ECE or a related field required
  • Certification: A NYS Early Childhood Initial or Permanent Certification (B-2 or 1-6) required
  • Experience: 3-5+ years of lead teaching experience in Pre-K (2-4 year olds) or Kindergarten.
  • Leadership: At least 1 year of leadership experience preferred
  • Special Edge: Be a passionate teacher and lifelong learner!

Physical exam and background checks are required for this position.
What Success Looks Like
  • You have a "model classroom" where Creative Curriculum or Tools of the Mind Curriculum is executed so effectively that students consistently are meeting developmental benchmarks and enjoying a love of learning.
  • Teaching staff shows consistent instructional quality, and new hires feel supported and prepared to step into their roles after training is complete.
  • The school location runs smoothly, and your leadership ensures that daily operations, safety protocols, and DOH requirements are met with consistency and organization.
  • Parent satisfaction and student retention are high, driven by both your instructional ability and your capacity to ensure families feel connected to what is happening in the classroom.
  • You have cultivated a high-performance, safe, and supported environment amongst students and staff where staff turnover is low, teacher engagement is high, and the school is recognized as a premier NYC location for early childhood programs.

Why You'll Love Working Here
  • Time to Recharge: Enjoy 15 PTO days to start, 7 sick days, paid company holidays, and a full week off during winter break, because supporting educators starts with supporting balance.
  • Career Investment: Tuition Reimbursement Program up to $5,000 annually to help you reach your next educational goal.
  • Comprehensive Care: Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage, plus a 401(k) Plan with Company Contribution
  • The Extras: Commuter programs, discounted fitness memberships, and more!

Physical Demands: The role involves standing, walking, sitting, constant movement, and occasional climbing. The ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds is required. Specific sensory abilities include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and adjustment of focus.
Inclusivity and Diversity: NY Preschool & Kids Club is committed to an inclusive and diverse community. We celebrate differences, leading with kindness and respect. We are an equal opportunity employer, prohibiting discrimination based on various factors.
Accommodations:The NY Preschool & Kids Club complies with ADA requirements. If you need accommodation in completing the application, please contact interview@nykidsclub.com.
Salary Description
$85,000-$95,000 /year

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