Anne & Jim Kenan Preschool Director

2 weeks ago Be among the first 25 applicants Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features. Atlanta Speech School is dedicated to helping children reach their full potential as readers, thinkers, and communicators. As part of this prestigious organization, the Anne & Jim Kenan Preschool serves children aged 2–5 and was established as the mainstream preschool to complement the Speech School’s specialized programs. Kenan focuses on building and nurturing pre-literacy foundations, oral language development, critical thinking, empathy, and confidence through joyful, research-based learning environments. Kenan preschool children are immersed in conversation, guided play, and language-centered experiences. This intentionality helps them to acquire the pre-literacy skills that lay the foundation for reading and writing. Kenan students develop problem-solving skills, empathetic awareness of the world around them, and the executive functions to put all these pieces together for “construction of the deep reading brain.” Kenan Preschool seeks a Director to start July 1, 2026,to lead the school in alignment with the broader mission of the Atlanta Speech School- developing each child’s “deep reading brain,” the foundation for critical thinking, empathy, and effective communication. As part of the Atlanta Speech School and by extension its Rollins Center for Language& Literacy, the efforts of the Director of the Anne & Jim Kenan preschool will radiate well beyond the School. This is an unmatched opportunity to partner with experts, teachers, and scholars in the science of reading, collaborate with engaged families, and support young learners at a pivotal stage of their development. As a key leader at the Atlanta Speech School, the Director of Kenan will be part of a global organization dedicated to advancing literacy through research-based, inclusive practices and a long-standing commitment to equity. The Director will work closely with the Directors of the Speech School’s other programs, the Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Ryan Lee-James, and the Executive Director of Atlanta Speech School, Comer Yates, and the broader administrative team. This role offers the opportunity to lead a deeply impactful school and contribute to a larger organization with a significant and ever-expanding global reach. Provide strategic leadership, vision, and execution for the Anne & Jim Kenan Preschool program while ensuring daily support for and engagement with students, parents, and staff. Facilitate a highly collaborative team that includes teachers, a curriculum specialist, an admissions coordinator, a preschool counselor, an occupational therapist, a speech-language therapist, and an outplacement coordinator to deliver exceptional services for children ages two through five. Ensure continued professional growth and support for both lead and assistant teachers across the Kenan Preschool program. Engage a thriving, established preschool community serving children academically in a setting committed to the cultivation of empathy, curiosity, and deep reading. Collaborate with the Kenan Preschool’s Educational Outplacement Coordinator to assist children and families transitioning to kindergarten. Collaborate with the Hamm and Stepping Stones preschool programs to ensure that expertise is shared and that children benefit from a continuum of care and common best practices. Refine internal systems, including staff onboarding, performance reviews, staff coaching, parent communication, and progress reports, in collaboration with other program directors and administrative leaders. Contribute to the Atlanta Speech School’s upcoming strategic plan. Affirm the School's commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Encourage continued faculty retention, both lead and assistant teachers. Foster joy, connection, and exceptional learning in every classroom. Note:

Qualifications and Personal Attributes A strategic and visionary thinker who facilitates leadership and has a deep commitment to the science of reading. A collaborative and relationship-centered leader, eager to partner with an experienced Executive Director, an exceptional Chief Academic Officer, and fellow Directors within the Atlanta Speech School. Knowledgeable in early childhood development and children’s diverse learning profiles, with an understanding of psychoeducational evaluations- including academic growth, cognitive processes, executive functioning, and social-emotional development. Deeply committed to social justice and diversity, with these values embedded in both philosophy and practice. An appreciation and ability to implement positive discipline approaches to foster a supportive and respectful classroom environment. A visible, engaged presence who leads with curiosity and openness. Required Education/Experience Master’s degree or higher in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Reading, Speech- Language Pathology, Early Childhood Special Education, Psychology, or other related fields from an accredited university Minimum of 8-10 years of experience working in an early childhood setting or similar experience Excellent oral, written, organizational, and interpersonal skills, and the ability to work collaboratively To Apply Interested and qualified candidates are invited to contact the consultants in confidence and submit the following materials as separate PDF documents: A cover letter expressing their interest in this particular position. A list of five professional references with name, relationship, phone number, and email address of each (references will not be contacted without the candidate’s permission) to: Seniority level

Director Employment type

Full-time Job function

Education Industries

Primary and Secondary Education Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Atlanta Speech School by 2x Inferred from the description for this job

Medical insurance Vision insurance 401(k) Disability insurance Get notified when a new job is posted. Sign in to set job alerts for “Preschool Director” roles.

Atlanta, GA $1,500.00-$3,800.00 3 days ago Atlanta, GA $65,000.00-$75,000.00 2 days ago Curriculum Coordinator / Director of Education

Special Agent: Education/Teaching Expertise

Atlanta Metropolitan Area $99,461.00-$128,329.00 4 days ago Partner Engagement Administrator - (Atlanta, GA)

Academic Coach - Title I Schools (397A) [187]

Atlanta, GA $70,000.00-$85,000.00 1 week ago Teacher, Elementary School Kindergarten (085)[187]

Assistant Director of Leadership - Oxford College of Emory University

Director of Student Programs and Support Services

SY 25-26 Enrollment and Records Specialist

Associate Director of Admission- Campus Visits and Events

We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.

#J-18808-Ljbffr