Head Start Teacher Director

About the role

We are looking for an early childhood professional who enjoys working in the classroom while serving children and families in Santa Cruz County. The Head Start (HS) Teacher Director oversees day-to-day operations of classroom services that provide high-quality learning environments through center-based programs. Position is regular, full-time with placement in North County. Position works part-year (late July – mid-April OR late July - 3rd week in May). Position works with children ages 3-5 years of age. Salary is $28.54 - $34.78 per hour, dependent on education and experience. Hourly pay differential for bilingual skills awarded upon qualification.

Responsibilities

• Ensures accurate, up-to-date record keeping/documentation within required deadlines
• Plans and coordinate class activities with staff team, and act as a liaison with other managers and sites
• Demonstrate good judgment and problem-solving skills; seek assistance when needed; exercise discretion when speaking of clients and colleagues
• Implement the curriculum, ensuring individualization to meet the different needs of children as well as ensure the adequate supervision of children to ensure safety while in the program
• Provide guidance and support to center team staff and parents when needs or concerns arise
• Work with the center team to promote interdisciplinary service strategies addressing the needs of Head Start clients

Requirements

• Have an AS/AA degree (required) or BA/BS or advanced degree (preferred) in child development or ECE OR Have an AS/AA, or BA/BS, or advanced degree in a related field with coursework equivalent to a major relating to ECE and experience teaching preschool children OR Have a BA/BS or advanced degree and is (or was) admitted into Teach for America Program.
• Meet ONE of the CCL Director Options
• Minimally 15 college units & 4 years teaching experience in a licensed program 3 of the units in Admin/Supervision 12 units ECE Core courses (Child Growth or Human Growth & Development, Child Family Community, Curriculum)
• Have, and maintain, a current California Child Development Site Supervisor Permit or higher
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a diverse population and comply with program regulations
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task, successfully and manage stressful situations
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work at children’s physical level, by: bending, squatting, sitting & rising from floor, moving swiftly
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) required
• Basic to Intermediate computer literacy skills
• Must have a valid driver’s license, vehicle insurance, good driving record
• Provide own transportation and be familiar with community resources
• Must be able to pass and maintain background check
• Health Screen, TB, MMR & Tdap (vaccines) clearance before hire
• Proof of citizenship or right to work in the United States
• Flexible schedule that may include evenings and weekends

Qualifications

• Have an AS/AA degree (required) or BA/BS or advanced degree (preferred) in child development or ECE OR Have an AS/AA, or BA/BS, or advanced degree in a related field with coursework equivalent to a major relating to ECE and experience teaching preschool children OR Have a BA/BS or advanced degree and is (or was) admitted into Teach for America Program.
• Meet ONE of the CCL Director Options
• Minimally 15 college units & 4 years teaching experience in a licensed program 3 of the units in Admin/Supervision 12 units ECE Core courses (Child Growth or Human Growth & Development, Child Family Community, Curriculum)
• Have, and maintain, a current California Child Development Site Supervisor Permit or higher
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a diverse population and comply with program regulations
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task, successfully and manage stressful situations
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work at children’s physical level, by: bending, squatting, sitting & rising from floor, moving swiftly
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) required
• Basic to Intermediate computer literacy skills
• Must have a valid driver’s license, vehicle insurance, good driving record
• Provide own transportation and be familiar with community resources
• Must be able to pass and maintain background check
• Health Screen, TB, MMR & Tdap (vaccines) clearance before hire
• Proof of citizenship or right to work in the United States
• Flexible schedule that may include evenings and weekends

Skills

• Good judgment and problem-solving skills
• Discretion when speaking of clients and colleagues
• Curriculum implementation
• Interdisciplinary service strategies
• Parent involvement
• Supervision of children
• Record keeping/documentation
• Classroom management
• Communication skills
• Physical activity
• Language proficiency (Bilingual)
• Computer literacy
• Driving ability

Benefits

Total compensation package includes a comprehensive medical and dental insurance plan, 403(b) retirement plan, paid winter and spring break, vacation, holidays and sick time.

Pay

$28.54 - $34.78 per hour, dependent on education and experience. Hourly pay differential for bilingual skills awarded upon qualification.

Schedule

Regular, full-time with placement in North County. Works part-year (late July – mid-April OR late July - 3rd week in May).