Director, Early Education

Highlands Recreation District•San Mateo, CA

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About The Position

The Director of the Early Education Center is in a multifaceted position requiring a blend of leadership, education, and administrative skills. The Director is responsible for the overall direction and management of the center, ensuring it meets educational standards and provides a safe, nurturing environment for children. The Early Education Center is a childcare center providing group care to children from ages 3 months through age 5.5 years and is governed by the provisions specified in the California State Care Regulations. This position reports to and is under general supervision of the General Manager. Key responsibilities include: Program Development and Implementation: Ensuring the center's curriculum aligns with local and national standards for early childhood education. Staff Management and Development: Overseeing staff recruitment, training, and performance evaluation, fostering professional growth. Facility Management: Maintaining a safe and clean facility, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations. Family and Community Relationships: Acting as the main communication link between the center and parents, addressing concerns and informing progress. Financial Management: Involvement in budget creation, management, and fundraising efforts. Compliance with Laws and Regulations: Ensuring the center complies with local, state, and federal regulations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree required.
Minimum of 5 years work experience in a licensed day care center or comparable group childcare center and previous Lead Teacher and/or Director experience in a preschool, early education setting.
At least 15 college level units in early childhood development, including 3 units in infant/toddler development and 9 units in supervision and administration.
Valid documentation of successful pass a physical exam and proof of immunization against Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) and Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap), in compliance with California Health and Safety Code requirements. Current tuberculosis (TB) clearance is also required.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in early childhood development or related field.
7 years of leadership experience in a high-quality early childhood education setting.
Possess knowledge of Licensing Title 22 regulations.
Possess knowledge of Early Education Emilia Reggio Emergent Curriculum approach.
Bilingual Spanish

Responsibilities

Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Early Education Center, ensuring all agency policies for health, safety, and emergency procedures are followed.
Provide information about health, safety, and emergency procedures to parents and staff and ensure that all fire and other emergency drills occur on a regular basis.
Ensure compliance with applicable State, welfare, and education department codes and those regulations adopted and administered under Title 22 Licensing.
Act as the primary contact with State licensing and CSPP representatives.
Ensure alignment with the California Foundations for Early Learning, NAEYC Developmentally Appropriate Practices, and the Reggio Emilia-inspired approach to curriculum and instruction.
Ensure maintenance of required children, family, and program files; including preparation and submission of accurate and timely reports and correspondence as required and maintain confidentiality regarding all personal information about children, families, and staff.
Increase staff capability and motivation through recruitment, development, leadership, evaluation, and interactive feedback.
Complete performance evaluations; maintain confidential records of teaching staff’s employment, evaluations, and staff development activities; monitor teacher permit status and assist teachers in updating their permit status.
Establish and implement an on-going staff development program based on the latest research in child development.
Develop and monitor the budget to achieve financial goals.
Establish meaningful relationships with parents and children, communicating daily updates and facilitating annual conferences to discuss children's development.
Demonstrate the ability and competencies to lead others to achieve identified outcomes in creating an impact, strengthening our resources, and protecting the District.
Supervise and interact directly with children in a warm and positive manner.
Act as liaison between Highlands Early Education Center educational programs, community, and required licensing agencies.
Assist with and attend all district special events and extra activities.
Perform other duties as assigned.