Preschool Director
Part-Time or Full-Time
15 Foster Road • Iowa City, IA
Parkview Christian Preschool is a ministry of Parkview Church, which exists to glorify God through the whole church forming whole disciples of Jesus for the good of all people. The Preschool Director leads our preschool in fulfilling that mission — providing a high-quality, Christ-centered early education that serves families in the Iowa City area and points children toward a lifetime of learning and faith.
This is an on-site role requiring weekday availability during standard preschool operating hours.
Our Mission
Loving God • Loving God’s Children
Everything we do flows from a conviction that the early years are a gift — and that helping children develop a love of learning within a community of faith is deeply kingdom work.
Role Purpose
The Preschool Director is responsible for casting and implementing the vision of Parkview Christian Preschool in close partnership with Parkview Church leadership. This person leads the staff team, ensures regulatory compliance, serves families well, and advances the preschool as a growing, sustainable ministry.
Primary Responsibilities
Vision & Ministry Leadership
- Work closely with Parkview Church leadership to cast, clarify, and implement a compelling vision for the preschool as a growing ministry.
- Understand and preserve the unique strengths of the preschool.
- Serve as the guide for the preschool’s educational philosophy, culture, and long-term direction.
- Represent the preschool within Parkview Church and the broader Iowa City community.
Preschool Administration & Compliance
- Maintain accountability for all compliance with Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) licensing requirements. Serve as the designated On-Site Supervisor under Iowa HHS regulations.
- Maintain official school records, including child and staff files, DHS documentation, and policy handbooks.
- Work closely with the Pastor of Strategy & Operations to ensure the preschool is financially sound and operating within budget.
- Oversee enrollment and admissions, including meeting with prospective families, managing the waitlist, and communicating school policies.
- Plan and execute school events and family-school partnerships.
- Lead preschool advertising and community outreach efforts.
Team Leadership
- Lead, care for, and develop the preschool staff team — fostering a team that is relationally healthy, organizationally clear, and mission-focused.
- Recruit, vet, and hire staff to fulfill the needs of the preschool.
- Ensure each staff member is equipped, supported, and growing in their role.
Curriculum & Classroom Excellence
- Oversee curriculum selection and implementation, ensuring it is developmentally appropriate and Christ-centered.
- Provide oversight of classroom management and student learning interventions.
- Monitor alignment with the Iowa Early Learning Standards across all classrooms.
Parent Relations
- Provide clear, consistent, and proactive communication with preschool families.
- Meet with parents as needed to address concerns, celebrate progress, or navigate difficult situations with grace.
Requirements
- 3–5 years of experience in primary instruction, child care, or educational leadership
- A degree in Education, Early Childhood Education, or Educational Leadership (preferred); Iowa Teaching License preferred
- Knowledge of instructional methods appropriate for preschool-aged children
- Familiarity with Iowa HHS licensing regulations and the 100-point system
- Proficiency in Google Workspace and comfort learning childcare management software (we use Playground)
- Must pass all Iowa-mandated criminal and child abuse background checks
Preferred Qualifications
- 100+ points on the Iowa HHS Director/On-Site Supervisor scale
- Prior experience with Iowa’s Quality Rating and Improvement System (IQ4K)
- Experience leading or managing a staff team in an educational or ministry setting
Competencies
- A heart to serve children and families from all backgrounds and abilities
- Ability to hold a positive, high-expectation mindset for children’s learning and development
- Strong organizational and time management skills across many and varied deadlines
- Clear communicator — verbally and in writing — with families, staff, and church leadership
- Problem-solver who works well within structure while remaining adaptable, confident in responding to emergency situations with a clear mind
Faith Alignment
The Preschool Director must be in alignment with Parkview Church’s Statement of Faith and committed to serving within a Christ-centered ministry environment. The Preschool Director must be or become a member of Parkview Church or a member of an evangelical church with a similar statement of faith.