Preschool Director

We seek a dedicated, compassionate educator who understands the importance of early childhood education and has a strong commitment to diversity and innovative practice.

About Buen Dia Family School

Buen Dia Family School serves 30 pre-school-aged children with school day and full-day programs.

Buen Dia was founded in 1977 by two women educators who had a dream of creating a preschool with a Spanish bilingual component, with a nurturing, arts- focused environment. They wanted children to be able to express themselves through the language of play, follow their own interests, and make their own choices. Their vision was for teachers to fully collaborate in children’s learning and adventures.

The underlying spirit and mission of our founders continues to guide us today, as we continue to grow and evolve with the needs of the children, our families, and our community. Buen Dia remains a safe, inclusive, and welcoming place for preschoolers’ personal discovery and a foundation for competence and self- confidence.

We have had only two directors in our 45-year history, providing stability and strong leadership. Governance is provided by a Board of Directors of current and alumni parents. The School is managed prudently, operating consistently within budget. We strive to serve families regardless of their financial status, offering scholarships, and accept Office of Early Care and Education (OECE) subsidies.

A Message from Founder Yvonne Gavre

Buen Dia belongs to the kids! It is a place for kids to call home, a place they can be themselves, a place to have fun. That was our passion when Buen Dia began, and it still drives us today.

We understand that when children follow their own interests, they plan, experiment, focus and concentrate better. At Buen Dia children are seen, heard, and valued as human beings.

Art is at the core of our curriculum because we see how it allows children to speak their truth, giving form and expression to feelings that words cannot relate. The process of children’s self-expression through play and creation is more important than what is produced.

Director Role Qualifications

Buen Dia encourages applicants with the following qualifications to apply:

• BA or MA; 24 Early Childhood Education

• Extensive early childhood in-classroom experience

• Operational, curriculum development, admissions, teacher coaching and

  mentoring, and fundraising experience

• A minimum of five years of experience as a director in a nonprofit early

  childhood educational setting or school with direct evidence of leading

  successful licensing and accreditation processes

• Spanish Bilingual preferred

Job Description

The Director at Buen Dia holds a multi-faceted role with diverse responsibilities. As we are a small school, direct involvement with the program, teachers and families is a significant component of the role.

The Director has the overarching responsibility to keep the program effectively meeting the needs of children and parents in alignment with the founders’ vision and school philosophy. This requires deep knowledge, leadership, and coaching skills in:

• Early child development

• Supporting the needs of all children

• Supporting staff and families with children diagnosed or suspected disabilities

  and learning differences; serving as advocate and support to staff and families to obtain assessments and support services as needed through SFUSD and other public and private agencies

• Arts-based curriculum development, touching on all disciplines (including STEM)

• Develop and foster relationships with families

• Mentoring and coaching head teachers regarding program and staff needs

• Listening and problem solving with teachers about staff, children, parents and

  program

• Advocacy and community building

• Healthy, plan-based nutrition for children

The Director also holds significant administrative responsibilities, including:

• Developing and managing the annual budget

• Managing relationship with contract back-office services vendor

• Ensure compliance with Community Care Licensing and necessary credentials,

  insurance and filings

• Acting as liaison to the Board

• Supervise the Administrative Manager

Role Responsibilities

In overseeing Buen Dia’s educational program, the Director’s responsibilities include:

• Represent and promote Buen Dia’s mission and vision in its educational philosophy

• Provide leadership, continuity and mentorship in developing curriculum that fosters free play, personal discovery, and exploration of materials and ideas

• Promote anti-bias and inclusive curriculum and related best practices in all facets of the program

• Act as a thought leader in topics, developments and trends in Early Childhood Education

• Meet regularly with teachers to support their needs and quality of the school’s programs

• Observe staff interactions with children, parents, and classroom team and offer mentoring and constructive feedback

• Creating and maintaining a work environment that attracts, retains and inspires a group of diverse employees that are qualified, talented, and committed to early childhood education

In providing administrative leadership and managing operations, the Director’s responsibilities include:

• Promote active and broad participation of parent volunteers

• Maintain relationships and effective communication with parents, staff,

  and the Board of Directors

• Maintain sound financial practices, including preparation and alignment

  to the annual budget

• Lead development and outreach with alums, foundations and other

  agencies

• Make decisions about enrollment acceptance and financial assistance

• Ensure the school maintains a diverse population of children and families

• Ensure the school environment is clean, safe and in state compliance at

  all times

• Maintain official records and documents and ensure compliance with all

  federal, state and local regulations

• Maintain good relationships with directors at local independent pre-

  schools

• Ensure the school is fully staffed

Buen Dia Family School serves 30 pre-school-aged children with school day and full-day programs.
Buen Dia was founded in 1977 by two women educators who had a dream of creating a preschool with a Spanish bilingual component, with a nurturing, arts- focused environment. They wanted children to be able to express themselves through the language of play, follow their own interests, and make their own choices. Their vision was for teachers to fully collaborate in children’s learning and adventures.
The underlying spirit and mission of our founders continues to guide us today, as we continue to grow and evolve with the needs of the children, our families, and our community. Buen Dia remains a safe, inclusive, and welcoming place for preschoolers’ personal discovery and a foundation for competence and self- confidence.
We have had only two directors in our 45-year history, providing stability and strong leadership. Governance is provided by a Board of Directors of current and alumni parents. The School is managed prudently, operating consistently within budget. We strive to serve families regardless of their financial status, offering scholarships, and accept Office of Early Care and Education (OECE) subsidies.

Recommended Skills

• Administration
• Assessments
• Child Development
• Coaching And Mentoring
• Communication
• Curriculum Development