Job Description

Leap Ahead Preschool is a small, high-quality, play-based early learning center in Boise focused on education through hands-on activities and play. We are family-owned and operated with owner being active in the classrooms daily, supporting teachers and ensuring every child is learning, exploring, and thriving in a positive, drama-free environment.

We are not a daycare -- we are a school. Our program values strong relationships, outdoor exploration, and purposeful curriculum designed to support the whole child.

About the Role

This

Assistant Director

position is not a traditional office-based role. It's a

hands-on leadership position

for someone who loves being on the floor, working directly with teachers and children, and leading by example. This role will include being the floater and substitute when a teacher is out in one of our three classrooms: preschool, toddler and infant. This role will begin working under owner in the preschool classroom for the first three months to learn the routine and expectations.

You'll spend approximately

80% of your time in classrooms

-- teaching, modeling, coaching, substituting, and ensuring high-quality care and curriculum implementation. The remaining

20%

will be spent on curriculum preparation, organization, and supporting the owner in maintaining licensing standards and classroom excellence.

This role requires someone who can confidently step into the lead preschool teacher position when needed and ensure that the center runs smoothly when the owner is away.

Hours are full time Monday-Friday 8:45am-5:30pm. Overtime will be required from time to time and paid at legal overtime rates. No staff children allowed.

Responsibilities

Serve as a positive, professional leader and role model in all classrooms Support and guide teachers in curriculum delivery, classroom management, and child development best practices Maintain compliance with Idaho licensing regulations and help ensure all standards are met daily Lead or co-lead classroom activities, including circle time, music, sensory exploration, and process art Support outdoor exploration and unrestricted outdoor playas a core part of the program philosophy. Outdoor play through all seasons is required. Be willing to jump in and help anywhere needed in the responsibilities of caring for the children such as diapering, cleaning, set-up, and supporting children as needed Build strong, trusting relationships with families, teachers, and children Help ensure the school remains a kind, respectful, and drama-free environment A love of cleaning and organizing is a must, keep our school clean and organized is a team effort and leaders are to model this and take on tasks as needed

Qualifications

5+ years

of classroom experience in a licensed early childhood setting (more preferred)

IdahoSTARS RISE trainings

- minimum of 20 completed (more preferred) Current

CPR & First Aid certification

Completed

background check

through Idaho Health and Welfare Strong understanding of

child development

and what's developmentally appropriate for each age Knowledge of

Idaho licensing requirements

Proven experience with

curriculum implementation

in process art, fine motor, language, and STEM Ability to lead staff with

kindness, professionalism, and high expectations

Must be physically able to meet the demands of an active classroom (lifting, cleaning, and outdoor play in all weather) Must be able to stand for 8 hours per day, this is not a sit down position, being active and working fast and efficiently is a must

We're Looking for Someone Who:

Loves working directly with children and teachers every day Can model best practices and "walk the walk" Believes outdoor learning and play are essential Brings strong organization, initiative, and follow-through Communicates effectively and respectfully with staff and families Is dependable, drama-free, and a true team player.

Why Leap Ahead

Supportive, hands-on ownership that values collaboration and quality Work with a passionate, positive, and dedicated teaching team A chance to make a lasting impact in a high-quality, loving learning environment
Leap Ahead Preschool requires strict attendance for the Assistant Director role. This is a leadership position where consistent presence is non-negotiable. While mild, non-contagious illnesses are understandable, the Assistant Director must always be able to maintain legal classroom ratios, especially when the owner is out of state. Preplanned days off with notice are allowed, but unplanned callouts must be extremely limited. Attendance is tied to pay, with bonuses for reliability and deductions for callouts. During the first 30 days, candidates must prove they can be trusted to show up consistently and run the classroom independently. Failure to meet attendance expectations may result in reassignment to a different role or termination. This role requires someone who can prioritize the children's safety and the center's needs above personal convenience.

If you're an experienced early childhood educator who wants to take on a leadership role without giving up time in the classroom -- this is the role for you.

Apply today and help us continue to make Leap Ahead Preschool the warm, inspiring place it's meant to be for children, families, and teachers alike. Be sure to check us out on Facebook and our google reviews to learn more about the level of quality we expect at Leap Ahead.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $18.00 - $23.00 per hour

Work Location: In person