Early Childhood Education Director

The Program Director of Head Start/State Preschool provides leadership in education at Creative Child Care, Inc.'s mission by building, strengthening, and maintaining an equitable, comprehensive, and quality childcare and development system for children and families to integrate childcare services that serve the whole child and the whole family.

The Program Director of Head Start/State Preschool/ Family Child Care Network Option performs administrative assignments, consultation, and technical assistance for local, State, and Federal education programs; monitors program components, prepares reports and makes recommendations for improving program effectiveness. Under the general direction of the Senior Director of Education and Disabilities, S/He joins the leadership team of Creative Child Care, Inc. to achieve the agency's mission, plan, and response to the needs of children and families in San Joaquin County. S/He supports developing and implementing comprehensive service areas in federal, state, and all funding source guidelines, including California Department of Education, Head Start and Early Head Start Program Performance Standards, Community Care Licensing regulations, and other funding sources. 

This position requires the ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines and may require excess hours. This position requires traveling to centers as needed, and is expected to perform functions and duties under the guidance of Creative Child Care, Inc.'s core values. This position requires daily use of a copier, telephone, computer, and general office equipment, as needed. This position may require a handcart to transport documents and equipment over 20 pounds (i.e., Laptop, computer, projector, reference manuals, solicitation documents). The incumbent must be committed to maintaining a working environment free from discrimination and sexual harassment. This position requires regular, consistent, predictable attendance, good working habits, and adherence to all agency policies and procedures. 

$70,000 - $78,000 DOQ/DOE

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS and RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensure that services provided to children and families follow federal Head Start Performance Standards and other applicable state and federal requirements in assigned geographical area.
• Oversee and monitor early learning and development centers to ensure that the environment meets health and safety standards set by the Agency and follows state and federal regulations.
• Ensure implementation of a plan to involve parents in developing and planning curriculum and in classroom activities.
• Ensure that regular early learning and development center staff meetings are held, including the printing and distribution of agendas and minutes.
• Plan, organize and direct the daily operations of Child Development programs and provide leadership within the assigned geographic region.
• Lead and oversee the service delivery system of Child Development Services in compliance with the Department of Health and Human Services regulations as mandated by the Head Start Performance Standards, California Department of Education Title 5 Funding Terms and Conditions, and California Department of Social Services, Title 22.
• Consult with local partnering agency representatives, including program directors, curriculum specialists, and representatives from the child development community, to develop and promote the agency's vision, mission, and goals.
• Promote training, observation, coaching, reflective supervision, staff development, and continuous learning.
• Supervise, manage, monitor, and conduct timely performance reviews of Center Directors.
• Participate in continuous program planning and improvement, ensure prompt action, and work with management staff in formulating and administering corrective action plans.
• Oversee staff selection, training, and other related activities in assigned areas.
• Evaluate work performance; ensure adherence to NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct and Statement of Commitment, Creative Child Care, Inc. policies, and procedures.
• Proactively identify areas for improvement; and implement changes to work methods and techniques when appropriate.
• Participate in implementing revised policies and procedures to achieve compliance or improve programs.
• Provide consultation and interpretation of policies and procedures to subordinates.
• Establish partnerships and collaborations with LEAs to ensure School Readiness goals align with receiving schools' expectations for children entering Kindergarten.
• Participate and support the process of referrals for special education diagnostic evaluations and obtain diagnostic reports and confirmation of disability by qualified professionals and manage confidential special education reports.
• Write, review, edit, and/or prepare reports that support child development program regulations; prepare written responses to letters and other inquiries; and draft correspondence for the signature of others, including directors up to the Executive Director and partnership programs, as appropriate.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of parents, employees of the organization, and public.
• Participate in staff meetings; keep the Senior Director of Education and Disabilities apprised of the status of projects and problems; participate in conference planning activities.
• Coordinate, oversee, and participate in a screening and assessment process that promotes school readiness, early intervention, and prevention, second language learning and is used to fidelity.
• Coordinates and oversees the system that ensures a smooth transition from infant to toddler, toddler to pre-school and pre-school to Kinder.
• Develops public relations and community resources that promote the Agency/Program as a valuable service organization and resource at the local, state, and national levels.
• Ensure the program's computerized database and record-keeping systems are updated and maintained.

FAMILY CHILDCARE HOME NETWORK ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS and RESPONSIBILITIES- Option

• Support the recruitment of providers as needed to maintain enrollment.
• Support network staff qualify for the program and meet security clearance.
• Support the orientation of new providers and ensure existing providers are kept
• informed about FCCHN procedures and requirements.
• Support network with professional learning, health and safety, family engagement, screenings, assessments, instructional programming, and additional support services.
• Assist and work collaboratively with staff and providers to ensure the provision and accessibility of required program services for families and children are maintained.
• Conduct regular announced and unannounced monitoring visits to FCCHN providers, provide written and verbal feedback to the providers.
• Mentor and coach FCCHN providers to improve the quality of their programs.
• Model appropriate teaching and learning practices for providers including nurturing teacher-child interactions and early care routines.
• Maintain provider files and a ready supply of forms, including a waiting list of prospective providers.
• Track and file received monthly required documentation from providers.
• Assist in community outreach events and attending community meetings as assigned, including marketing the FCCEN within the community and the Family Child Care
• Collaborative meetings.
• Coordinate and keep a current list of available provider placements and share list with the family development/eligibility specialists.
• Prepare weekly and monthly activity reports as directed by supervisor.
• Facilitate and prepare follow-up activities on behalf of providers regarding the health, safety, and nutritional needs of enrolled children placed with the providers.
• Participate in staff meetings, monitor and submit required reports by established deadlines including findings, conclusions, and recommendations for the Annual Program
• Self Review.
• Facilitate, plan, and prepare with other infant/toddler program staff quarterly Parent
• Advisory Committee meetings and quarterly provider meetings per year.
• Participate and support networks with audits.
• Cultural Awareness
• Ensures awareness of multicultural workplace issues, enabling employees to work effectively. Multicultural awareness is incorporated into all interactions with children, families, staff, and communities.
• Leads reciprocal, respectful relationships that emphasize the valuing of the opinions, viewpoints, and interpretations of others and the importance of shared responsibility.
• Talent Management
• Use deep program expertise and data.
• Develop and make presentations at meetings, conferences, and workshops for agency staff and various professional organizations; use multiple delivery modes, including on-site visits, teleconferences, and videos; and be the technical expert for educational issues.
• Performance Management
• Oversee the administrative aspects of program implementation.
• Lead subordinates as necessary to ensure the quality of child development services.
• Inspire and motivate education staff.
• Evaluate program effectiveness and provide recommendations for areas of
• improvement.
• Plan and manage program activities.
• Maintain accurate records of all projects.
• Critical thinking and decision-making skills.
• Proficient in finding creative solutions to complex problems.
• Strong time management skills and ability to multi-task.
• Ensure the program meets the objectives of the organization.
• Self-driven and strong sense of purpose.
• Support the recruitment, appointment, evaluation, training, and termination of staff.
• Resource Management
• Research current issues relating to various Relationship-Based Competencies to Support Families and Promote Family Well Being Practices.
• Stay current on Early Learning and Development practices.
• Other Duties as Assigned
• Perform other related duties to fulfill Creative Child Care, Inc.'s mission, goals, and objectives. Additional responsibilities may include assisting where needed within the team/unit, which may consist of special assignments.

Required Education and Experience: Early Learning and Development

Level I:  

• Minimum BA/BS Degree in Child Development/Early Childhood Education, or a closely related field.
• 6 semester units in Administration and 2-semester units Adult Supervision. 
• Obtain a Child Development Program Director Permit within 6 months of employment.
• Familiar with Creative Curriculum practices, Trauma Informed Care practices.
• Minimum Three years experience with Head Start/State Child Care Policies and regulations. 
• Bilingual Required.

Level II:  

• BA/BS or advanced degree in Child Development/Early Childhood Education, or closely related field.
• 6-semester units Administration and 2-semester units Adult Supervision.
• Obtain a Child Development Program Director Permit within 6 months of Employment.
• Familiar with Creative Curriculum practices, Reggio Emilia educational philosophy, Trauma Informed Care practices.
• Must have applied knowledge of Head Start and state practices Child Care Policies and regulations, NAEYC Accreditation Experience, and Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) certification. 
• Bilingual Required.

Travel:

Must have dependable, insured transportation and valid California Driver’s License (mileage to be reimbursed) and acceptable driving record. A DMV printout and proof of insurance will be required.

Since 1992, Creative Child Care, Inc. (CCCI) has been committed to providing exemplary child development programs through a comprehensive network of community support and collaboration.

Beginning with only 2 locations and 200 children, CCCI has expanded to meet the growing needs of San Joaquin County. We currently operate eleven centers in the Stockton area.