Childcare Center Director - RIE Inspired Outdoor Program

Center Director - RIE Inspired Outdoor Toddler Program

The Santa Cruz Toddler Care Center is an award winning, model nonprofit child care center serving a diverse population of one and two year olds for over 40 years. We are pioneering outdoor education for toddlers using the RIE philosophy of care, with a highly qualified staff and very low teacher:child ratio. Our organic, toddler-friendly vegetable garden serves as a resource for our curriculum and our organic vegetarian meals cooked onsite.

What’s great about this job:

• You will enjoy a dynamic and supportive partnership with our Leadership Team made up of the Center Director, Financial Director and Assistant Director.
• You will have the chance to make your mark on the future of The Toddler Care Center by promoting the center’s RIE inspired philosophy, pioneering outdoor education for one and two year olds, and shaping its future by advocating for TCC in the community.
• You will be part of a non-profit dedicated to expanding the boundaries of the highest potential of toddler care, both within the center and via community education.
• You will oversee a small program with 24 families - only 16 children in attendance daily.

What you’ll be doing:

• Oversee all program matters and all aspects relating to staff, children, parents, curriculum, environment and philosophy of care.
• Manage all aspects of the waitlist and enrollment process.
• Model and implement the RIE philosophy of child care practiced at the Center.
• Lead and coordinate Community building events such as Parent Meetings, Parent Education, Parent Potlucks and fundraising events.
• Function as a Parent Liaison to answer questions or concerns about program
• Along with the Financial Director, generate continued giving and partnerships - manage leads to create more donors and sponsors.
• Liaise with the Board of Directors by providing program reports at monthly board meetings.
• Maintain the TCC external image and voice - you are the voice for our center with the community and governmental entities.
• Oversee the physical site which is owned by the center.
• Maintain an atmosphere of respect and integrity.
• Ensure daily center operations meet all Title 22 requirements, health and safety standards, and CCL regulations for toddler programs.

Here’s how you can be excellent at this job:

• You have a background in early childhood education.
• You have an understanding and a passion for the RIE philosophy.
• You work well in partnership and value a dynamic, supportive relationship with a co-director.
• You write well - you have proven that you can adapt your writing to communicate with families, colleagues, and the larger community.
• You are proficient with G Suite, Facebook and Instagram
• You eloquently bring our voice to our partners and community.
• You work effectively with community agencies and local government.
• You are dedicated to our mission to provide high quality affordable childcare for a diverse population of families within our community.
• You meet deadlines, create and stick to plans.
• You hold yourself accountable to achieving meaningful outcomes.
• You commit to and role model green practices in all aspects of the job whenever possible.
• You embrace, model and share a love and respect of the outdoor world, and are passionate about nature based early childhood education.
• You are passionate and deeply committed to anti-bias/anti-racist curriculum and practices, as well as diversity and inclusion within our community and beyond.
• You are bilingual and/or bicultural.
• You embrace the importance of healthy food choices including a plant based diet and organic locally grown food.

Education Requirements

• MA, BA or AS degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE), Child Development, Human Development, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum 24 ECE units, including core courses required by California Title 22.
• 3 units in Administration and 3 units in Supervision (or ability to complete within the required timeframe).
• California Child Development Site Supervisor Permit or Program Director Permit preferred.
• Current Pediatric CPR/First Aid and Preventive Health & Safety certifications (or ability to obtain before start).

Experience

• Minimum of 2-3 years of experience
• leading a licensed childcare center;
• working with infants/toddlers in a licensed childcare settings;
• managing a nonprofit organization.
• A working understanding of the RIE philosophy, preferably as implemented in a childcare setting with toddlers.

COVID-19 Requirement: The Santa Cruz Toddler Care Center requires that all staff be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations as per recommendations.

The Santa Cruz Toddler Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital or domestic partner status, military or veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under California or federal law. We provide reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities.

Pay: $80,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement

Work Location: In person

Salary : $80,000 - $90,000