Preschool Director & Teacher

St. Joseph Catholic School • Full-time • Waconia, MN • 4d ago

This hybrid leadership role (approximately 50% teaching / 50% leadership) ensures the Director remains deeply connected to students while effectively overseeing program operations, staff, and family engagement. The ideal candidate is a strong educator and relational leader who is excited to build, grow, and shape a thriving preschool program rooted in Catholic identity and STEM learning. The Preschool Director oversees the operation and development of St. Joseph Catholic STEM School’s toddler, three-year-old, and four-year-old preschool programs. The Director ensures compliance with state licensing requirements, leads curriculum implementation aligned with Catholic values and STEM principles, and fosters strong community connections with families and staff. This role is ideal for a faith-driven, visionary educator who thrives in shaping early childhood experiences and guiding a team with joy and purpose. In alignment with the values and the mission of Catholic education, the Preschool Director is expected to support and promote St. Joseph Catholic STEM School’s:

Mission & Vision: Embrace the school’s mission and vision with a solutions-focused attitude and enthusiasm.
Focus on Meaningful Work: Take ownership of tasks and lead initiatives that uplift the team and serve the children.
Work with Purpose: Remember the mission to serve families and form children in faith and excellence.
Focus to cultivate a Joyful Culture: Uplift and support others by being a source of encouragement and respect.
Positivity: Avoid negativity and gossip; actively protect the positive culture of our school.

Use of technology as a tool: Maintain a clear understanding that preschool is not just preparation for K–8, but the foundation of forming joyful disciples of Christ.

Key Responsibilities

1. Leadership & Vision

Develop and champion a mission-aligned vision for a vibrant early childhood program within a Catholic STEM school framework.
Cultivate a preschool culture rooted in faith, joy, safety, exploration, and a love of learning.

Lead and implement a clear vision for a vibrant, faith-filled preschool program
Develop and execute a 3–5 year growth plan for enrollment and programming
Build a strong preschool-to-Kindergarten pipeline
Foster a joyful, safe, and excellence-driven culture for students and staff

2. Classroom Leadership (Teaching Role)

Teach in the classroom (half-day or defined teaching block)
Deliver engaging, developmentally appropriate instruction
Integrate:
- Catholic faith and virtues
- STEM-based exploration and play
Support social, emotional, and spiritual growth of students

3. Licensing & Compliance

Ensure full compliance with all Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) licensing and accreditation standards.
Maintain accurate records and documentation required for program audits, staff credentials, and safety procedures.
Ensure full compliance with Minnesota DHS licensing requirements
Maintain documentation, staff files, and safety procedures

4. Staff Leadership & Development

Recruit, hire, onboard, train, and evaluate preschool staff
Lead regular team meetings and professional development
Build a collaborative, positive, and mission-driven team culture
Provide coaching and support for instructional excellence
Promote a professional, collaborative, and joy-filled work environment.
Lead team meetings, goal setting, and professional development aligned with early childhood best practices and Catholic identity.

5. Curriculum & Instruction

Design and implement age-appropriate, faith-integrated, and STEM-rich curricula for toddlers, 3s, and 4s programs.
Foster inquiry-based learning, hands-on discovery, and readiness for elementary success in both academic and spiritual development.
Coordinate with teachers to support lesson planning and instruction aligned with Catholic feast days, virtues, and teachings.
Teach a class for ½ days during the school year and assist with summer care.

6. Enrollment & Admissions

Serve as the main point of contact for prospective families, guiding them through the admissions and enrollment process.
Work with the Enrollment and Marketing team to increase program visibility and retention.
Maintain accurate enrollment records, class rosters, and family communication systems.
Lead tours, open houses, and enrollment conversations
Track enrollment, retention, and trends to inform decisions
- Monitor:

Enrollment metrics
Family satisfaction
Program effectiveness

Use data to improve programming and sustainability

7. Parent Engagement & Communication

Build strong relationships with preschool families through regular communication, updates on student growth, and invitations to engage in the life of the school.
Lead conferences, host open houses, and create faith-based family engagement opportunities.
Establish clear, consistent communication systems, including:

Weekly updates to families
Strong onboarding/orientation process

Build strong, relational connections with families
Set expectations for family partnership in the preschool community

8. Catholic Identity Leadership

Integrate Catholic identity into:
- Classroom life
- Staff culture
- Family engagement
Lead faith formation efforts for preschool staff
Celebrate feast days, prayer routines, and liturgical seasons

9. Program Management

Manage daily preschool operations including schedules, staffing, budgets, and supply ordering.
Plan and oversee preschool-specific events such as Catholic Schools Week activities, family nights, and faith celebrations.
Collaborate with school administration to integrate the preschool experience with the school’s broader mission and calendar.