At Brightwheel Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

TITLE: Associate Director - Early Childhood Education Center

DEPARTMENT: Loma Linda Academy Children's Center

REPORTS TO: Children's Center Director

STATUS: Full-Time, Salary, 12-Month Exempt

Summary

In collaboration with the Children's Center Director, supports daily operations, licensing compliance, staff supervision, enrollment, curriculum development, parent engagement, and direct classroom support. Ensures a safe, nurturing environment meeting state regulations and quality standards, and provides the Director with feedback for faculty growth.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Center Enrollment

• Maintain enrollment records and assist the director in marketing and recruitment; report enrollment to the director by the 13th of each month.
• Ensure all required enrollment paperwork (emergency cards, medications, allergies, physicals, immunizations) is obtained and organized in compliance with state licensing regulations.
• Prepare late fees and drop-in reports for the finance office; communicate with parents regarding tuition billing and collection.
• Assist the director in maintaining and updating student records (immunizations, parent handbooks) on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis.

Instructional Leadership

• Supports the Director in overseeing school-wide instructional quality and academic programming. Assist the director in training and in-service sessions (curriculum, Brightwheel, etc.).
• Provides ongoing coaching, classroom visits, and actionable feedback to teachers aligned with school-wide goals and the school's Model of Instruction.

Student Support & Intervention

• Interacts with children in a caring manner, providing behavioral and socio-emotional support as needed.
• Coordinates targeted interventions, monitors their effectiveness, and partners with teachers, the director, the ECE coordinator, and parents to support student growth.

Teacher Support & Staff Coordination

• Coordinates teacher onboarding and records/approves staff attendance in Timeforce, the LLACC binder, and the Daily Schedule Agenda; consults with the director regarding time-off requests.
• Assists the director in staff scheduling assignments at the start of each school year.

Administrative & Operational Duties

• Maintain staff-to-child ratios; schedule daily classroom coverage including on-call teachers; communicate the daily schedule to the director and administrative assistant.
• Assist the director in overseeing staff duties, schedules, and payroll; record staff attendance in Timeforce, the LLACC binder, and the Daily Schedule Agenda; consult with the director on time-off requests.

Supervision of Students

• Interact with children in a caring, firm, and encouraging manner; ensure no child is ever left unsupervised.
• Perform health checks at arrival and throughout the day; contact parents regarding fevers or accidents.
• Assist children with personal care needs, including diapering.
• Understand and fulfill the role of mandated reporter of suspected child abuse; report findings to the director.

Job Specifications

Education & Experience

• SDA member in good standing.
• Bachelor's degree or higher in Early Childhood Education.
• At least three years of experience as a preschool teacher, or one year as an assistant director or center director in a licensed childcare center.
• Enrolled in ECE classes toward the PUC Professional Achievement Recognition certification, level two or higher.
• Knowledge of Title 22 licensing regulations.
• Meets requirements for physical exam, immunizations (DTaP, MMR, TB, CPR), and background checks.
• Understanding of basic preschool financing, enrollment, billing, developmentally appropriate teaching, positive discipline, and developmental stages.
• Self-motivated; demonstrates emotional maturity, stability, physical stamina, good judgment, and crisis management skills.
• Ability to communicate professionally with staff, parents, and potential enrollees; skilled at providing safe supervision at all times.

Licenses

• Child Development Site Supervisor Permit or higher (California Commission on Teacher Credentials).
• Valid California driver's license.
• Food handler's certificate.

Skills & Competencies

• Language: Ability to communicate clearly in written and oral form; present to groups; respond to sensitive inquiries; read and interpret state regulations.
• Math: Proficiency with basic arithmetic, ratios, percentages, and introductory algebra and geometry.
• Computer: Proficiency in word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation software, email, and Brightwheel.
• Interpersonal: Conflict resolution, confidentiality, active listening, teamwork, cultural sensitivity, and leadership.
• Operations: Ability to work within an approved budget and implement cost-saving measures.

Physical Requirements

• Lift up to 50 pounds; bend, kneel, squat, and sit on the floor; climb stairs; stand for extended periods.
• Fine motor dexterity; high-functioning visual, hearing, and speaking abilities.
• Moderate noise work environment.

* * * Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.