Find & Apply For Preschool / Childcare Director Jobs in Queen Creek, Arizona

San Tan Montessori is opening our newest Signal Butte campus in Queen Creek, and we're looking for the person who will make it feel like magic. You'd be leading a small, close-knit program two Primary classrooms, one Toddler classroom, and our Toddler Launchpad plus our before and after care program serving students preschool through 8th grade. San Tan Montessori has served East Valley families since 2005. Our preschool serves children ages 1-5 in authentic Montessori toddler and primary environments, year-round, with before-care, after-care, and summer programming. This is a hands-on leadership role at a small campus. Some days you're interviewing candidates and building the schedule. Other days you're covering a classroom, greeting families at the door, and singing at circle time. If that sounds like the best kind of day, keep reading. Who You Are. . . You're the person other people describe as composed and delightful at the same time. You're joyful with children. You sing. You get down on the floor. You know that a two-year-old in tears at 7:45 a.m. You lead by serving. You're the first one in the building and the one who stays to help a new teacher reset her classroom. Your team follows you because of who you are, not your title. You believe discipline is formation, not control. You're grounded in approaches like Love and Logic helping children build character, empathy, and self-regulation rather than simply managing behavior. You believe deeply in the Montessori method — the prepared environment, the three-year cycle, following the child, and the dignity of a young child at work. You're flexible and genuinely available. Our campus runs from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and you're the person who makes that work including covering a classroom when someone calls out. You're always learning. You say yes to training, coaching, and new certifications. You're musical, creative, or both. Song, movement, and storytelling are part of how you build culture. Not required — but if this is you, tell us. What You'll Do. . . Lead the preschool Serve as the ADHS-designated Facility Director for the Signal Butte campus Oversee two Primary classrooms, one Toddler classroom, and the Toddler Launchpad Support authentic Montessori practice — the prepared environment, observation, and record-keeping Coach and mentor guides and assistants Lead before and after care (preschool-8th grade) Oversee the full extended care program from early morning through evening Build schedules, staff coverage, and daily programming Ensure ratios, safety, and a warm, well-run environment at every hour Hire and build the team Interview, hire, and onboard guides, assistants, and extended care staff Build and manage staff schedules across preschool and extended care Handle day-to-day people management — coaching, feedback, and support Partner with families Lead tours and enrollment conversations Be the trusted, visible presence parents look for at drop-off and pickup Guide families through the Montessori three-year cycle and the transition into our Kindergarten programs Run a compliant, healthy campus Maintain full compliance with Arizona Department of Health Services licensing — ratios, records, health and safety, and inspection readiness Oversee enrollment, classroom capacity, and daily operations Work closely with our leadership team across campuses What You Need. . . Required 21 years of age or older Qualification as a Facility Director under Arizona Administrative Code R9-5-401, which requires documentation of one of the following: 24 months of childcare experience, a high school diploma or equivalent, and 6+ college credit hours in early childhood or child development, or 60 hours of instruction in early childhood plus 12 hours in program administration; or 18 months of childcare experience and 24+ college credit hours including at least 6 in early childhood Availability across our full operating window, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Valid Arizona DPS Fingerprint Clearance Card, or eligibility to obtain one Current CPR and First Aid certification, or willingness to obtain before starting Strongly Preferred Montessori credential (AMI or AMS), 0-3 and/or 3-6 Prior experience as a preschool director, assistant director, or lead guide Training in Love and Logic, Conscious Discipline, or a comparable character-formation approach Experience with school-age or extended care programs Musical ability — singing, guitar, ukulele, piano, or movement and rhythm Not fully Montessori-trained yet? We sponsor credentialing for the right person. Tell us in your application. What We Offer $50,000 - 65,000 per year base salary + enrollment bonuses Year-round, full-time position with paid time off Health benefits 401K Retirement plan Sponsored Montessori credentialing and ongoing professional development Free tuition for your own children

Pay:

$50,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Professional development assistance Retirement plan Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person