Job Description
Director in Training, New School Opening
About the Role
Mi Casita, a network of Spanish immersion preschools, is opening new schools in Philadelphia and the surrounding suburbs, with openings currently targeted for summer 2027. We’re seeking an experienced early childhood leader to join us now as a Director in Training and grow into the founding School Director of one of these new locations. Placement may be in the city or the suburbs based on organizational need.
You’ll start by working alongside the director of a current Mi Casita school, learning our model, our culture, and how we run a school day to day. From there, you’ll lead the work of opening a new school and step into the director role when it launches. These are large schools, and this is a rare opportunity to build a school community from the ground up.
Opening dates for new schools depend on construction, licensing, and other factors, so the summer 2027 target may shift. The timing of each phase below will adjust with the opening date.
What You’ll Do
Learn and support (from start date until opening preparation begins)
• Support daily operations at a current Mi Casita school, including staffing, family communication, licensing compliance, and enrollment
• Learn Mi Casita’s curriculum, instructional approach, systems, and policies
• Build relationships across the network with directors, central office, and leadership
Open the school (in the months leading up to opening)
• Prepare the building and classrooms for opening, including ordering furniture, materials, and school supplies
• Recruit, hire, and onboard the founding team of teachers and staff
• Partner with central office to complete all state licensure requirements and inspections
• Nurture first enrollees and prospective families through tours, events, and ongoing communication so the school opens as full as possible
• Set the tone for a joyful, vibrant, Spanish-rich learning environment from day one
Lead the school (after opening)
• Take ownership of your school community as its operational and instructional leader
• Shape curriculum implementation and set the tone for a joyful, vibrant, Spanish-rich learning environment
• Coach and develop a team of educators, building a strong and stable staff culture
• Manage the business side of the school: enrollment, licensing compliance, staffing, budgets, and family communication
• Maintain regulatory standards and ensure the school is always inspection-ready
• Build deep relationships with families and serve as the face of the school for current and prospective families
Who We’re Looking For
The ideal candidate leads with energy, integrity, and a genuine love for early childhood education. You’re comfortable with ambiguity and enjoy building something new. Strong directors are reflective about their own growth, bring out the best in the people around them, and are committed to fairness, honesty, and doing the right thing.
Requirements
• Fluent in both Spanish and English (non-negotiable)
• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field
• 3+ years of management or leadership experience in a childcare or educational setting; early childhood school leadership experience strongly preferred
• Classroom experience across infant, toddler, and/or preschool age groups
• Strong knowledge of Pennsylvania child care licensing standards and DHS regulations
• Experience opening a new school or program is a plus
• Demonstrated ability to lead curriculum implementation, hire and manage staff, and partner with families
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines
• Comfort with center financial management (budgets, enrollment targets, P&L awareness)
• Flexibility to work at locations in Philadelphia or the surrounding suburbs as needs evolve
• Computer proficiency
• Must meet all state requirements for a childcare center director
What We Offer
• 7 weeks of paid time off, including 15 days of PTO, your birthday off, and multiple weeks of school holidays
• Health, dental, vision, life, short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Professional development opportunities within a mission-driven organization
• Tuition-free enrollment for your children (3 months to 5 years) at Mi Casita preschools
• 401(k) retirement plan
Mi Casita Preschool is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $60,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year
Benefits:
• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
• Why are you interested in working at Mi Casita, and why this role in particular?
Education:
• Bachelor's (Required)
Experience:
• childcare or early education: 1 year (Required)
Language:
• English (Required)
• Spanish (Required)
Work Location: In person