Early Childhood Director

ARK Academy•Irvine, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

ARK Academy is seeking a talented, caring, and passionate Early Childhood Director to join our team for the 2026-2027 academic year. The Director is responsible for leading and overseeing the Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten program, ensuring that every student experiences a high-quality classroom environment that fosters strong character development and supports their holistic growth. The Director is actively engaged in instruction, while guiding staff, curriculum, and program development. The Director works closely with the Principal to uphold the school’s mission, maintain regulatory compliance, and foster strong relationships with families and staff.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field.
Minimum of 12 semester units in Early Childhood Education/Child Development.
At least 3 semester units in administration, leadership, or staff relations.
Valid Child Development Program Director Permit (or eligibility to obtain).
Minimum of 3–5 years years of teaching experience in a licensed child care center.
At least 1 year of leadership experience (e.g., Site Supervisor, Assistant Director, or equivalent).
Strong knowledge of licensing requirements through the California Department of Social Services.
Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.
CPR and First Aid Certification
Fingerprint clearance from the Department of Justice.
Health screening, including proof of Tuberculosis clearance.
Proof of eligibility to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education or Educational Leadership.
Experience opening or expanding a school program.

Responsibilities

Serve as both an instructional leader and active classroom teacher, dedicating a significant portion of time to teaching and student engagement.
Model best practices in early childhood education, including classroom management, instructional strategies, and developmentally appropriate teaching.
Support and reinforce a school culture grounded in strong character, compassion, and respect.
Collaborate with teachers to design and refine developmentally appropriate curriculum and learning plans that support language development, early literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional growth, while meeting regulatory requirements and family expectations.
Monitor and assess program effectiveness and make ongoing improvements.
Recruit, interview, and onboard early childhood staff.
Provide ongoing coaching, mentorship, and performance evaluations.
Conduct regular staff meetings and professional development sessions.
Foster a collaborative, supportive, and growth-oriented team culture.
Ensure staff adhere to school policies, procedures, and professional expectations.
Build strong relationships with families through open, consistent communication.
Meet with parents to discuss student development, progress, and any academic or behavioral concerns.
Provide guidance and support to families on early childhood development and learning strategies.
Organize family engagement opportunities and events.
Ensure the early childhood facility is safe, well-maintained, and fully stocked.
Oversee classroom organization and learning environments to ensure they are engaging and developmentally appropriate.
Assist the Principal in managing the early childhood program budget and ensure effective use of resources.
Maintain accurate records, including licensing, attendance, and student documentation.
Support enrollment efforts and program growth as needed.
Ensure the program meets all state licensing requirements and maintains full compliance.
Lead or support efforts toward program accreditation, including preparation, documentation, and continuous quality improvement.
Stay current on best practices, regulations, and trends in early childhood education.
Participate in faculty meetings, school events, and collaborative planning as required.
Uphold and reflect the mission, philosophy, and core values of ARK Academy in all professional interactions.