Interim Director of Early Education -Temporary

Job Description

Interim Director of Early Education \-Temporary

Job Description

120 Weeks Ave., Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Primary Support Person

Executive Director

General Position Information

*Temporary (Interim) Full time, exempt position – not eligible for overtime*

Pay \- $45\-$50 per hour (depending on experience and education). We are not able to offer pay outside the advertised range.

Benefits package includes 40 hours of paid sick leave after successful completion of 90\-day probationary period due to the limited duration.

• On\-site. Not eligible for hybrid work.
• All applicants must possess a Director’s permit
• The Director must be able to transport easily between multiple locations within the City of Santa Cruz

Role Duration

Expected duration is approximately 4\-5 months, beginning around May 18, 2026 – subject to change based on the employee’s return date.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your interest and qualifications to the link \- https://www.wafwc.org/career\-opportunities/idee\-t.

Qualifications

• Required: BA in early childhood education or related field
• Director Permit Required
• Two years of management experience, preferably in a licensed early childhood education center
• Excellent bilingual (English and Spanish) oral and written communication skills preferred
• Ability to manage a culturally diverse team
• Strong computer skills and experience with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Criminal record clearance in accordance with Community Care Licensing regulations

Summary of primary job functions

With the support of the Executive Director, the Director of Early Education is responsible for the development, support and administration of Walnut Avenue’s licensed early education programs (aka EEC). The Director will oversee quality management and ensure compliance with Community Care Licensing (CCL) regulations, Title 22 \& Title 5 requirements, and all legal and grant/contractual terms and conditions. The Director will:

• Provide leadership in developing and implementing EEC’s mission, goals, and projects in compliance with standards outlined by the CCL, funders, and Walnut Avenue’s Strategic Plan
• As part of Walnut Avenue’s Leadership Team, provide guidance and inspiration to all staff – not all might want to
• Work with EEC Site Supervisors to coordinate EEC program components in alignment with current best practices in the fields of early education and child development
• Maintain a workplace environment centered on equity, strength\-based principles, and Shared Leadership where staff and program participant input are encouraged, celebrated, and utilized for ongoing program development.

Personnel

• Be on\-call to provide back\-up to program staff
• As the support person for Site Supervisors and a Bilingual Family Engagement Specialist:
• Support Site Supervisors in their roles supervising staff and overseeing daily operations of the early education centers
• Address personnel issues promptly including appropriate documentation
• Model and encourage self\-care and healthy lifestyle habits that prevent burnout and secondary trauma
• Support with enrollment and waitlist as needed

Quality Management

• Utilize data for ongoing improvement of programs/centers
• Promote equity and trust by communicating effectively and respectfully with program participants, volunteers, and staff at the center, including persons from different racial, cultural, and ethnic groups; and from diverse backgrounds and lifestyles.
• Maintain your professional competence through participation in Early Childhood Education conferences, trainings, and workshops
• Protect the confidentiality of both program participants and regarding HR\-related issues
• Ensure staff and program participant concerns and/or grievances are addressed promptly and well\-documented
• Support in the classrooms as needed for continuity of care for families
• Support the enrollment/certification \& recertification of families as needed

Budget, Finance \& Fundraising

• Grant/Contract management including:

o Preparation and submission of grant applications

o Create systems to adhere to grant requirements

o Collect, organize, and maintain accurate program data to meet reporting requirements and deadlines.

o Submit grant reports on time.

o PLIS report quarterly

o Maintain systems that accurately document daily attendance records

o Monthly attendance and state reports on 4 different databases for CDSS and CDE

o Send out parent survey and do write up for the program evaluation

• Participate in fundraising activities when requested by the ED
• Monitor legislation having a fiscal impact on Walnut Avenue operations and in the Early Childhood Education sector
• Keep track of Management Care bulletins – they are sent by CDSS and CDE
• Participate in the annual agency fiscal audit and contract audits as needed

Collaboration \& Community Relations

• Attend Agency Leadership Team meetings, agency Staff Meetings as well as program Staff Meetings and huddles
• Prepare and submit a Board Report each month
• Meet regularly with the Executive Director to discuss key issues affecting the programs
• Work with Site Supervisors to keep families informed of and promote upcoming events
• Maintain close contact and cooperative working relationships with the local Early Childhood Education community, including attending collaborative community meetings
• Meet with public officials and other community members when appropriate to discuss policies that support the early education field
• Provide outreach and education to community\-based organizations regarding early education program services when requested
• Support EEC program events such as the Open House, Parent Meetings, Parent Education and Parent Advisory Committee Meetings as needed at both sites
• Positively and professionally represent the agency in the community
• Attend community meetings – IEEP, Childhood Advisory Committee, Subsidized Program Consortium, Early childhood policy council, CDE Monthly, CDSS/CCDD Monthly

Job Specific Knowledge, Skill \& Abilities

• English proficiency required (verbal \& written)
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred
• Able to pass licensing required FBI background check
• Must be Health Screened: Proof of full immunization and proof of negative TB test required by licensing
• Must possess Child Development Program Director’s Permit
• Excellent grant\-writing skills
• Knowledge of methods, philosophy, and techniques of early childhood education
• Excellent time management and organization skills
• Work cooperatively and effectively with other staff, parents and representatives of community organizations and agencies
• Work well as a team member and be self\-driven as an individual.
• High level of independence and critical thinking
• Must possess valid CPR certification and Pediatric First Aid training certificate
• Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment
• Ability to sit and/or stand for long periods; twisting, bending, pushing, pulling, holding, and lifting up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to hear normal speech, hear and talk to exchange information in person and telephone
• Ability to think and work effectively under pressure; problem solve and make strategic decisions; maintain a concentrated level of attention to communicate information in person and by telephone throughout a typical workday; ability to understand and retain instructions from supervisor in person, by email or by telephone; attention to detail.
• Experience managing state contracts (CSPP, CCTR and CACFP) preferred
• Experience in managing early education staff and/or programs preferred
• Highly competent in computer skills (we use Microsoft Office), including data management and reporting databases; and the ability to learn and use new technology as it becomes available to enhance early education operations
• Note: There may be staff trainings and staff meetings in the evening or on weekends. Attendance at required meetings is mandatory, a condition of employment and are paid.

Agency Specific Knowledge, Skill \& Abilities

• All offers of employment at Walnut Avenue are contingent upon clear results of a thorough background check/fingerprinting
• This position will require efficiently traveling between multiple sites within the City of Santa Cruz. If driving, a DMV background check, current driver’s license and proof of insurance are required upon hire and throughout employment if driving on behalf of the organization.
• Ability to professionally represent the agency through appropriate demeanor and attire
• Capable of working collaboratively and independently
• Maintain a high level of self\-awareness and healthy boundaries
• Desire to self\-reflect and evaluate personal beliefs, biases, values, attitudes, and actions
• Maintain and practice a self\-care routine
• Maintain flexibility regarding job roles and duties
• Ability to apply the strength\-based model with program participants and employees/co\-workers
• Ability to manage staff and volunteers including creating a welcoming environment, setting clear expectations, having healthy boundaries, and addressing performance issues
• Capacity to assess, prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast\-paced and ever\-changing environment with minimal supervision
• Ability to efficiently evaluate and problem\-solve complex issues
• Fluent and articulate writing abilities
• ommitment to maintain a mutually respectful \& supportive work environment that values and empowers team members to collectively accomplish program goals

Please note: Walnut Avenue Family \& Women’s Center complies with the ADA, including providing reasonable accommodations.

It is the policy of Walnut Avenue Family \& Women’s Center to provide equal employment, volunteer opportunities and services (EEO) to all persons regardless of race, color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 years and over), sexual orientation, veteran and/or military status, protected medical leaves (requesting or approved for leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act or the California Family Rights Act), domestic violence victim status, political affiliation, and any other status protected by federal, state or local law.

Job Type: Full\-time

Pay: $45\.00 \- $50\.00 per hour

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Application Question(s):

• Are you computer literate (MS Office Suite)?
• Do you have a BA in early childhood education or related field?

Experience:

• management: 2 years (Required)

Language:

• Spanish (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Director's permit (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (Required)

Work Location: In person