Early Childhood Director

Early Childhood Director

SLOCA’s VISION OF AND FOR EMPLOYEES

Highly desirable employees at SLO Classical Academy are those who are: passionate about education and children, committed to personal and professional growth and development, effective and loyal team players, creative thinkers, in full support of our core values, and interested in the health and growth of SLO Classical Academy.

POSITION PURPOSE / JOB SUMMARY

The Early Childhood Director (ECD) carries ultimate responsibility for the thriving of SLOCA’s early childhood programs (Tiny Wonders and Little Wonders) and people. The ECD ensures that we are delivering both on our rich educational promises and on fulfilling all licensing responsibilities.

JOB STRUCTURE AND WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

• Full-Time, Year-Round, Exempt Employee Status
• 40 hours per week, benefits, PTO

PRIMARY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS **

• The Early Childhood Director will report to the Academic Dean.
• The Early Childhood Director oversees the Early Childhood Assistant Director.
• The Early Childhood Director oversees the Early Education teachers, co-teachers, and aides.
• The Early Childhood Director cares for the students and families at the Wonders Campus.
• The Early Childhood Director works with our Admissions and Retention teams
• The Early Childhood Director serves on the Broader Leadership Team, EduLeads Team, and Team SLOCA

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field
• Must hold a minimum of 15 ECE units specifically:
• ECE 201 Child Growth and Development
• ECE 202 Child Family Community
• ECE 203 Curriculum and Planning
• ECE 204 Child Health and Safety
• ECE 205 Introduction to Early Childhood Education: Principles and Practices
• Must have 6 units of Administration and Supervision of Early Childhood Schools
• At least 5 years of experience teaching in the classroom.
• A minimum of 5 years of management (people and programs) experience in a center
• Demonstrated strong leadership, organizational, and relational skills in job settings

SLOCA-specific

• A willingness to learn about and support passionately the mission of SLO Classical Academy
• Committed to supporting and upholding the school’s unique makeup as non-sectarian and accessible to families and employees from various backgrounds and beliefs
• Clear a background check and TB screening
• Ability to carry out duties as described below

CORE COMPETENCIES * *

Leadership and administrative

• Organized, responsible, and prioritizes the right things at the right time.
• Highly effective people and team skills: establishes positive, respectful, and professional relationships with children, parents, colleagues, and the SLOCA community.
• Able to hold staff accountable, provide appropriate support, and address concerns effectively.
• Uphold the Wonder’s program policies and philosophy with parents, co‐workers, and the community, and ensure staff understand and adhere to them.
• Maintain confidentiality about issues regarding staff members, children, and families
• Excellent communicator—timely, sensitive, truthful.
• A creative thinker and strong problem solver.

Educational

• Understands childhood development and best practices with nurturing infants through kindergartners.
• Understands SLOCA’s educational philosophy, or is drawn to it and willing to learn and follow it.

Personal

• Committed to and owns personal and professional growth
• Eager to learn, take and apply input, and work as part of a team.
• Demonstrates SLOCA’s core values and is committed to virtue development.
• Continue professional growth by attending courses and workshops, asking for feedback, and reading professional literature.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

In support of our excellent academic program, the duties and responsibilities of the Early Childhood Director include, but are not limited to, the following:

Leadership and Administration

• Commit to and own ongoing growth as a leader.
• Develop Early Childhood staff
• Grow and support the Assistant Director of Early Childhood, developing a strong working relationship and holding that person accountable for fulfilling their job responsibilities.
• Hire, develop, and support teaching staff; move people on as required.
• Nurture, grow, and give supportive and constructive, timely input to staff, holding them accountable.
• Grow lead teachers towards competency in overseeing their aides.
• Provide internal and external training on our educational philosophy, curriculum/content, classroom best practices, and regulations..
• Policies, regulations, and licensing compliance
• Be aware of all policies and regulations, taking ultimate responsibility for them at the Wonders campus.
• Regularly review and update policies.
• Ensures all policies and regulations are followed
• Follow all licensing protocols
• Relationships and communication
• Develops strong relationships with licensing, parents, Wonders staff, and SLOCA leadership.
• Lead regular communication with Wonders' staff and parents.
• Provide parent care and development
• Respond promptly to crises with all those involved and affected.
• Oversee, help develop, and take responsibility for meeting the Early Childhood budget

Education and culture

• Commit to ongoing development in classical education and early childhood best practices.
• Develop and implement our Early Childhood educational philosophy, pedagogy, and practices, leaning into and highlighting the unique nature of what we offer.
• Communicate SLOCA’s vision for our Early Childhood program
• internally to staff, team SLOCA, etc.
• externally to parents
• Develop a culture of wonder, growth, joy, and accountability.
• Host community events for parents & caregivers to connect
• Invite and support guests to enhance the educational experience of our students (ie music, firefighters, petting zoo, etc)

Growth and retention

• Work with the Admission and Recruitment teams to grow our Wonders program and fill the seats.
• Support the Assistant Director, who directly handles admissions.
• Provide tours and any other assistance required to grow the program.

Staff members are expected to adhere to all Administrative Directives as well as any applicable SLOCA Policies, including those specifically outlined in the Employee Manual.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Able to lift up to 25 pounds on a limited basis. Able to sit at a desk or in meetings for long periods of time and move about campuses easily. Able to work irregular hours if needed for meetings, etc.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $65,000.00 - $78,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Childcare
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• This position must hold a minimum of 15 ECE units. Do you satisfy this requirement?

Work Location: In person

Salary : $65,000 - $78,000