Discoveryland Preschool is excited to announce the reopening of our preschool program in August 2026 after its temporary closure during the 2020 pandemic. Located in the heart of beautiful Santa Cruz, Discoveryland Preschool operates on the campus of VHM Christian School, a Kindergarten through 8th grade Christian school committed to academic excellence and spiritual growth. Together, our programs provide families with a Christ-centered educational pathway for children from preschool through middle school.

We are seeking a passionate, organized, and mission-driven Preschool Director to lead the reopening and ongoing operation of Discoveryland Preschool.

The Preschool Director will oversee all aspects of the preschool’s operations, including enrollment management, staffing, scheduling, compliance, administration, and daily program leadership. This individual will play a key role in rebuilding and growing the preschool community while ensuring excellence in early childhood education and adherence to all licensing and organizational requirements.

The Director reports to the local school board and is responsible for communication and reporting to state agencies, conference, union, and local school board leadership.

Position start date is July 2026. The selected candidate should be prepared to begin work in July to assist with reopening preparations for the August 2026 launch.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the daily operation of Discoveryland Preschool
• Manage student enrollment and admissions processes
• Recruit, hire, supervise, and evaluate preschool staff
• Develop staff schedules and operational procedures
• Ensure compliance with all state licensing regulations and reporting requirements
• Maintain communication and reporting with state agencies, conference, union, and local school board
• Foster a safe, nurturing, Christ-centered learning environment
• Build strong relationships with families, staff, church, and community members
• Support curriculum planning and program development
• Manage administrative and organizational responsibilities related to preschool operations
• Collaborate with VHM Christian School administration and staff to support a unified campus culture

Qualifications

Candidates must:

• Be a baptized member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in good standing
• Hold an Early Childhood certification or
  • An Associate of Arts degree from an accredited or approved college or university with a major or emphasis in Early Childhood Education or Child Development
• Have at least two years of teaching experience in a licensed child care center or comparable group child care program
• Have completed at least three semester units (or equivalent quarter units) in administration or staff relations
• Meet California licensing requirements for Preschool Director qualifications
• Demonstrate strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills
• Have a passion for Christian education and early childhood development

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading or reopening an early childhood program
• Experience with licensing compliance and preschool administration
• Ability to collaborate effectively with church and school leadership
• Strong interpersonal and team-building skills

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit:

• A cover letter & Resume

Applicants will be sent further items to complete before an interview is scheduled.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received until the position is filled.

Join us in rebuilding a vibrant preschool ministry that will serve children and families in the Santa Cruz community for years to come.