Preschool Director

Job Context: Annunciation Catholic School is launching its own internal preschool in the summer of 2026. We are in the midst of transitioning our on campus preschool programming from a community partner provided education to an Annunciation provided education. We are looking for a director to begin immediately and are open to considering a co-director setup in this inaugural and transitional year.

Job Purpose: Under the general supervision of the school principal, the Preschool Director strives to achieve the goals of Catholic education at the early childhood level; assumes responsibility for leadership; works as a member of the preschool team and school administration; develops an appropriate learning and social environment (working toward an International Baccalaureate certification); evaluates the needs of each student; evaluates and reports student progress; ensures compliance with Minnesota Department of Human Services (MN DHS) Rule 3 licensing requirements; establishes positive school community relationships; continues professional development; performs other job-related tasks as deemed necessary and/or assigned by the principal.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strives to achieve the goals of Catholic education

• Promotes Gospel values and Catholic moral teachings
• Exemplifies Catholic living both in and out of the classroom, and inspires and provides opportunity for servant-leadership for preschool staff and students
• Ensures staff provide consistent religion instruction aligned with K-8 program
• Upholds the doctrinal teachings of the Catholic Church

2. Assumes responsibility for the leadership of the program

• Maintains licensure and accreditation in accordance with MN DHS Rule 3
• Ensures compliance with Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 245A (Human Services Licensing Act) and Minnesota Rules, Chapter 9503 (Child Care Licensing)
• Monitors safety of students, staff, and facilities
• Provides operational and philosophical leadership
• Oversees training and supervision of preschool staff, ensuring compliance with DHS-required staff qualifications and training hours
• Collaborates with principal to prepare and manage the budget
• Collaborates with Dean of School Culture to manage marketing and enrollment
• Collaborates with Dean of Academic Excellence to manage IB Early Years Program
• Collaborates with principal on strategic planning
• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of developmentally appropriate practices, child development, and early childhood education standards
• Supervises staff in providing daily instruction and learning activities appropriate to student needs
• Supervises staff in establishing learning outcomes and educational objectives based on developmentally appropriate practices
• Ensures staff-to-child ratios and group size limits comply with DHS licensing standards
• Reviews curriculum materials and ensures alignment with Catholic values and DHS requirements
• Reviews and evaluates lesson plans
• Ensures staff meet required continuing education and training as per DHS guidelines
• Models a professional, respectful, and positive attitude
• Demonstrates adaptability and flexibility
• Demonstrates good judgment in daily encounters

3. Leads the preschool team

• Facilitates staff meetings with preschool team and participates in all school staff meetings
• Facilitates trainings, including DHS-required professional development hours
• Participates in community activities
• Maintains a professional attitude
• Demonstrates positive communication skills

4. Oversees an inclusive and welcoming learning and social environment for early childhood learners

• Supports staff in creating a meaningful, functional learning environment
• Supports staff in creating a Catholic community within the classroom and school environment
• Supports staff in developing an environment that promotes learning and social interaction
• Ensures the safety, welfare, and care of each student in compliance with MN DHS health and safety regulations
• Ensures proper maintenance of attendance records, health and safety logs, and DHS-required documentation

5. Manages staff in evaluating the needs of all students

• Responds to teacher referrals regarding student needs
• Consults with outside professionals as needed
• Reviews observation and documentation on student development

6. Manages staff in the evaluation and reporting of student progress

• Reviews staff observation and documentation of student progress
• Communicates with parents
• Supports staff at conferences
• Ensures compliance with MN DHS developmental screening and assessment requirements

7. Establishes positive school community relationships

• Works collaboratively in partnership with parents
• Coordinates and promotes school events and school programming
• Maintains professionalism and is a role model of Catholic faith

8. Participates in professional development

• Maintains knowledge of current instructional practices
• Participates in professional activities and in-services
• Maintains membership in professional organizations
• Attends and participates in school and diocesan-sponsored faculty meetings, in-services, and staff development opportunities
• Ensures compliance with MNCYF continuing education requirements for child care program directors

9. Performs any other job-related tasks deemed necessary and/or assigned by the principal

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience in preschool methods that focus on play and inquiry.
• Must meet the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Credentials for Preschool Director
• Commitment to ongoing professional learning, specifically related to International Baccalaureate Early Years Program and other schoolwide focuses
• Meets Essential 3 requirements of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis (Virtus Training, Background Check, Code of Conduct)
• Complies with Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) licensing requirements for Preschool Director, including:
  • Minimum education and experience requirements per DHS Rule 3, such as a bachelor's degree in early childhood education or a related field
  • Required training in child development, health and safety, and supervision
  • Meets annual continuing education requirements
  • Ensures staff comply with DHS-mandated CPR, First Aid, and Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID)/Abusive Head Trauma (AHT) training
• CPR and First Aid certified within 90 days of hire

Join our Joy! 

Interested applicants should contact Teresa Thein, Business Manager at Annunciation Catholic School
and Church at tthein@annnunciationmsp.org with:
1. Cover letter
2. Resume
3. Two professional letters of reference