Full Job Description
This position requires fluency in both English and Mandarin
Exempt, full-time position
WELCOME!
Join the vibrant community at the Chinese American International School as Director of the Early Childhood Center, responsible for leading and coordinating the Early Childhood Center Team, which includes preschool (full Mandarin immersion) and kindergarten (50/50 Mandarin/English) faculty. The Director oversees faculty and staff supervision, family communication, and daily program operations to ensure a safe, nurturing, and developmentally responsive environment for young learners. While CAIS has dedicated Mandarin and English curriculum leaders, the ECC Director plays a key role in supporting the organization, alignment, and implementation of curriculum and assessment systems within the early childhood division. Working closely with school leadership, the Director helps advance a cohesive vision for early childhood education and strengthens strong partnerships among teachers, families, and the broader school community.
OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate aligns strongly with our Dual Language Early Childhood Center philosophy and has a deep understanding of child development for children ages 2–6. This leader brings knowledge and practical experience in Mandarin immersion early childhood education, where young children learn through meaningful, play-based experiences primarily in Mandarin during the preschool years, and then gradually develop bilingual skills in kindergarten through developmentally appropriate dual-language practices. This leader supports teachers and families in navigating the unique opportunities and challenges of a dual-language environment, communicates with clarity and empathy, and consistently centers young children in decision-making. We seek someone who embraces CAIS’s mission and contributes to an equitable, inclusive community for all children, families, and educators.
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Educational Leadership, or a related field.
- Extensive knowledge of child development for children ages 2–6.
- Experience in early childhood program leadership, school administration, or comparable supervisory roles.
- Understanding of Chinese immersion and bilingual early childhood education, including developmentally appropriate practices for dual-language learners.
- Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and collaborate with diverse teaching teams.
- Strong communication skills in both Mandarin and English, with the ability to partner effectively with families and navigate sensitive conversations.
- Commitment to the school’s mission, core values, and strategic vision.
- Commitment to the school’s approach to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
- Excellent work ethic.
- Flexibility, patience, compassion, resilience, and good humor.
- Technical/computer skills as required for the job.
COMPENSATION
CAIS has an established salary scale that recognizes experience and other qualifications including (but not limited to) education and training, leadership, and bilinguality. The salary range for this position is: $140,000 - 170,000.
BENEFITS
CAIS is dedicated to attracting, developing, rewarding and retaining world-class employees and ensuring that this is a great place to work. We put a high priority on advances in compensation, benefits, and work climate with a 2026–2027 benefits package and perks
Contact Website Administrator Refund/Exchange Policy Privacy Policy