Director, Early Education

VISTA UNIFIED SCHOOL District

CERTIFICATED JOB DESCRIPTION

TITLE OF POSITION: Director, Early Education

A. Primary Function: Responsible for leading, planning, organizing, and directing programs and initiatives 

related to MTSS, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), the VUSD Instructional Framework, and the 

Comprehensive Assessment System. Provides leadership and coordination of curriculum, instruction, and assessment across early education and elementary grades (TK–5), ensuring coherence, consistency, and high-quality implementation of standards-based teaching and learning. Works collaboratively with site and district administrators, teachers, and support staff to strengthen instructional practices and improve student outcomes across all content areas. Supports the ongoing development of a high-quality educational program that reflects the District’s commitment to equity, access, and academic achievement. Leads and facilitates both vertical and horizontal articulation, including alignment across grade levels (TK–5) and transitions from elementary to middle school, to ensure a seamless and cohesive learning experience for all students. Serves as the District’s lead for Early Education Services (EES) and preschool programming, including coordination and alignment of the P–3 Network.

B. Directly Responsible to: Assistant Superintendent of Educational Excellence & Innovation

C. Representative Duties:

1. Provides leadership, support, and accountability in the development, implementation and coordination of the District’s level instructional program to meet the needs of the District’s diverse student population. E

2. Provides leadership and direction in the identification and interpretation of needs and the establishment of priorities related to the instructional program (assessment, curriculum, and instruction, program improvements and instructional technology). E

3. Supports the District’s curriculum and instructional design/development programs, instructional delivery systems, strategies and techniques for achieving optimal educational and instructional results which includes but is not limited to the selection of textbooks, instructional media and materials for curricular and instructional programs. E

4. Assists with the coordination of a professional development program with District and school site staff that relates to the implementation of the District’s  instructional program priorities. E

5. Analyzes performance assessments for students; analyzes corresponding District educational programs for effectiveness in improving students’ academic achievement. E

6. Works collaboratively with others in EE&I to analyze student achievement, program design and implementation, and effectiveness of instructional program and initiatives, assessments, District professional development and support strategies as well as to ensure the coordination, alignment, and articulation of a comprehensive curricular and instructional program. E

7. Provides leadership, direction, and support for the District’s P3 program, including P3 focus group and other related activities and committees. E

8. Leads in the expansion and oversight of Preschool and Transitional Kindergarten. 

9. Works collaboratively with the Information Technology department in the development and maintenance of an online system of programs and assessments to measure and support student performance which provides evidence useful to the evaluation of revisions of educational programs.  

10. Works collaboratively with the Human Relations department to plan, direct, coordinate and evaluate before/after school and summer intervention programs.   

11. Assists Assistant Superintendent when providing leadership and expertise in forming, guiding, and counseling District committees, groups, councils, and advisors for assigned areas of responsibility as well as to District staff and members of the community to ensure through communication relative to the educational design and delivery process. E

12. Supports the process pursuant to the selection of textbooks and instructional materials for the District in accordance with established District procedures. E

13.  Provides oversight of teacher professional development and ensures that professional development is evaluated for effectiveness and resources are utilized properly. 

14.   Provides assistance in directing program and fiscal planning, curriculum development professional development, special programs, budgeting, staffing, implementation, monitoring, grant writing and evaluation of assigned programs. E

15. Provides ongoing leadership development, professional growth and adult learning, aligned with high standards and school site needs resulting in continual student success.  E

16.  Maintains research based knowledge in reform and utilizes this knowledge to ensure ongoing improvements in high academic achievement and improved student outcomes.  

17.  Mobilizes resources to best achieve District goals, objectives, and expectations. 

18.  Establishes a climate within the department that is conducive to appropriate conduct, performance, attitude, job satisfaction, and service orientation. E

19.  Communicates with other administrators, personnel and outside organizations to coordinate activities and programs, resolves issues/conflicts; exchanges information and develops policies and procedures to encourage effective and efficient management controls; attends and participates in a variety of staff development and meetings; participates in/or coordinates professional growth activities.

20.  Maintains the confidentiality of information used in personnel issues and or District functions. 

21.  Interviews, recommends candidates, and participates in staffing meetings for hiring team members to support the vision of the District and department. 

22.  Supervises and evaluates the performance of all assigned personnel in accordance with District policies.

23.  Performs other related duties as assigned.

D. Education and Experience:

Appropriate valid California Clear Teaching Credential

Valid California Administrative Services Credential 

Completion of a Master’s Degree

Valid California driver’s license

At least five (5) years of of successful educational leadership experience

Principal experience preferred

E. Qualifications:

Knowledge of: 

Effective and research based curriculum, instruction and pedagogy

Effective strategies, curriculum and instruction to support all students and subgroups 

Budget planning and monitoring 

Data to evaluate and monitor programs and assessments

Investigation, research and report writing techniques

Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy 

Modern Technology and office procedures and methods, computer equipment, and computer software necessary to perform required duties

Abilities to:

Communicate competently and with clarity to stakeholders

Work in a diverse socio-economic and multicultural community

Maintain consistent, punctual and regular attendance

Supervise and evaluate the performance of assigned staff

Plan, organize, and prioritize work to meet multiple schedules and deadlines, and manage simultaneous tasks, with many interruptions

Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with District personnel, community members, and external companies and agencies 

Express commitment to promote the concept that all students have identifiable talents/skills which will be emphasized throughout the educational program  

Maintain records and exercise confidentiality 

Use a computer or other technology-based equipment

F. Physical Demands:

Occasionally sitting for extended periods of time 

Frequently walking, standing, stooping or bending 

Variable hours

Physical agility and stamina (occasionally to frequently)

Occasionally lifting, pushing or pulling objects weighing up to 15 pounds, seldom weighing up to 30 lbs

Occasionally climbing, reaching overhead (above the shoulders), twisting, crouching or kneeling 

Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard (occasionally to frequently)

Frequently listening and speaking to exchange information and make presentations

Physical Demands Frequency Definitions Based on an 8 hour day:

N = Never = 0%

S = Seldom = 1 - 10% (< 45 minutes)

Oc = Occasionally = 11 - 33% ( up to 3.0 hours)

F = Frequently = 34 - 66% (up to 6 hours)

C = Continuously = 67 - 100% (> 6 hours)

G. Salary: Range 30

H. Work Year: 227 days

Updated 4/2026