This study sought to understand and illuminate the distinctive nature of the role of educational leader in preschool settings. Research regarding the educational leader role is limited, and in preschool settings it is scant. The theory of practice architecture was applied as an analytical framework to investigate how educational leaders of New South Wales preschools enacted their role. This article discusses phase 1 of a mixed method study which surveyed 153 preschool educational leaders. The findings indicated that preschool educational leaders were experienced, educated and enacted their roles in varied ways. They frequently used practices that were informal and collaborative, responding to their unique contexts and situations.