Preschool Director

Preschool Director – Mandarin Immersion Preschool

Wonderland Preschool | Palo Alto, CA 94306
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $85,000–$110,000 per year
Work Location: In person

About Us

Wonderland Preschool is a newly licensed Mandarin immersion preschool in Palo Alto serving children ages 2–5.

Our program is research-informed, Reggio-inspired, and play-based, with an emphasis on hands-on exploration, Positive Guidance, social-emotional development, and meaningful learning through everyday experiences.

We are seeking an experienced, warm, caring, and highly responsible Preschool Director to lead our team as we move through enrollment, pre-opening, and into full operations.

Job Summary

The Preschool Director will oversee the day-to-day operations of Wonderland Preschool, including staff leadership, licensing compliance, program quality, family relationships, enrollment, and school operations.

This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who genuinely enjoys working with young children, can effectively lead and support a preschool team, communicates well with families, takes initiative, and follows through reliably on responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily preschool operations and maintain a safe, nurturing, organized, and high-quality environment
• Ensure compliance with California Community Care Licensing, Title 22, and applicable health and safety requirements
• Recruit, onboard, supervise, train, and support teachers and staff
• Manage staffing schedules, classroom coverage, and teacher-child ratios
• Support implementation of Wonderland’s educational philosophy, curriculum approach, Positive Guidance practices, and Mandarin immersion program
• Monitor classroom quality and developmentally appropriate teaching practices
• Build strong relationships with families and communicate professionally regarding children’s needs, progress, questions, and concerns
• Support enrollment through family tours, Open Houses, Family Play Days, prospective-family communication, and follow-up
• Maintain organized personnel, child, licensing, and operational records
• Support budgeting, enrollment planning, staffing decisions, and basic operational reporting
• Conduct staff meetings and support ongoing professional development
• Handle operational challenges calmly, make sound decisions, and take initiative when problems arise
• Step in to support classrooms and daily operations when needed
• Maintain clear and timely communication with the owner regarding important school matters

Qualifications

• Valid California Child Development Site Supervisor Permit or Program Director Permit — required
• Must meet California Community Care Licensing requirements to serve as a Child Care Center Director
• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field preferred
• Strong preschool and early childhood education experience, including leadership or supervisory experience
• Strong knowledge of California Community Care Licensing (Title 22) and preschool operations
• Strong staff-management, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Warm, caring, patient, and respectful in working with young children
• Highly responsible, dependable, proactive, and consistent with follow-through
• Able to build positive relationships with families and staff while maintaining clear professional expectations
• Comfortable being hands-on and supporting the classroom when needed
• CPR and First Aid certification, or willingness to obtain prior to start
• Mandarin fluency is highly preferred, but not required. We warmly welcome qualified candidates who do not speak Mandarin to apply.

Schedule & Start

This is a full-time, in-person position.

Wonderland is currently in the enrollment and pre-opening stage, with a planned official opening in November 2026 and the possibility of opening earlier depending on enrollment.

The Director should be available to participate in pre-opening activities, including family tours, staff preparation, enrollment activities, and occasional weekend Open Houses or Family Play Days.

To Apply

Please submit your resume and cover letter through Indeed, including your preschool leadership experience, California Child Development Permit, and current availability.

Pay: $85,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person