Interim Program Lead

About the Role

The Program Lead manages all programmatic and staffing aspects of an early care and education center, ensuring program quality is maintained in a single Catalyst Family Inc. licensed childcare center. This position provides oversight of planning, implementation, assessment, and program requirements for school-age and/or infant/toddler-age children. The Program Lead coaches, mentors, and provides ongoing observation and feedback to teaching staff to ensure quality programming. They ensure all children receive quality staff-child interactions in a safe and healthy environment, collaborate with the Center Manager/Site Supervisor on center operations, and foster an environment that reflects diversity among staff, children, and families.

Program Leads are in ratio approximately 33% of the time.

Responsibilities

• Program Quality:
  • Serve as liaison for communicating Catalyst Family Inc.’s vision, mission, philosophy, and curriculum approaches to staff, parents, school personnel, and government agencies.
  • Ensure streamlined processes for documented learning from observations to lesson plans, assessments, and reviews consistent with Catalyst’s mission and values.
  • Support, mentor, and role model for teachers in creating and implementing center action plans through diverse strategies.
  • Collaborate with staff to provide enriched, dynamic indoor/outdoor environments that meet diverse and cultural needs of children.
  • Assess program quality, curriculum implementation, health/safety, and licensing standards; take steps to continuously improve in alignment with agency standards.
  • Lead QRIS for Infant/Toddler programs and maintain knowledge of Developmentally Appropriate Practices and applicable curriculum influences (e.g., Reggio Emilia, California’s Learning Framework, PITC).
  • Develop and implement child growth plans using staff observations and program assessment tools.
  • Follow Catalyst’s Positive Behavior Approach and provide tools/resources to support implementation.
• Managing, Coaching & Supporting Staff:
  • Manage a team of 2-5 staff; coach, support, and provide regular feedback to ensure high performance.
  • Conduct annual performance reviews and provide ongoing feedback.
  • Facilitate effective team meetings that foster ownership of outcomes.
  • Observe staff interactions with children and provide immediate, constructive feedback.
  • Provide on-site mentoring and modeling in the classroom.
  • Train and mentor teaching staff, including reviewing lesson plans and curriculum implementation.
  • Orient and integrate new staff to achieve high retention.
  • Set clear job expectations and communicate the agency’s mission and philosophy.
  • Develop professional growth plans and provide opportunities for continuous development.
  • Hold staff accountable to high performance expectations and implement corrective action plans as needed.
• Leadership:
  • Commit to continuous improvement in child/youth development, curriculum, and leadership skills.
  • Attend internal/external trainings and implement research-based practices in classrooms.
  • Act as a change agent to advocate and implement organizational changes.
  • Nurture team spirit and maintain high staff morale.
  • Mentor internal candidates for new positions.
  • Encourage staff to act as recruiters and promote the employee referral program.
• Family & Community Partnerships:
  • Provide excellent customer service and maintain culturally responsive relationships with children, families, schools, and communities.
  • Organize and support a parent advisory committee for family feedback.
  • Represent Catalyst in school/community activities (e.g., PBIS meetings, IEP meetings, PTO events).
  • Assess community needs and adjust programs/services accordingly.
  • Engage in ongoing, two-way interactions with families to discuss child progress and address concerns.
  • Provide parent education and community resource information.
  • Participate in advocacy efforts for children and families.
• Compliance:
  • Ensure full compliance with agency policies, state licensing regulations, and funding terms.
  • Maintain required adult-to-child ratios and meet health/safety/nutrition standards.
• Business Management:
  • Forecast staffing needs and partner with recruiting to hire best candidates.
  • Create and maintain staffing schedules and purchasing for classrooms/center.
  • Obtain and maintain full enrollment and attendance; earn all ADE as determined by leadership.
  • Identify ways to improve center performance, support enrollment/marketing, and follow budget guidelines.

Requirements

• Education:
  • HS Degree or GED AND completion of 15 units of ECE (3 in administration or staff relations).
  • OR AA degree with 24 ECE/CD units (6 in administration, 2 in adult supervision).
  • OR BA with 12 ECE/CD units (6 in administration, 2 in adult supervision).
  • Site Supervisor Permit or above preferred (or expected to acquire upon hire).
  • Continuing education to meet professional growth standards required.
• Experience:
  • 2-3 years’ experience in an ECE/CD setting.
  • At least 1 year of experience mentoring/leading adults or teaching staff.
• Other Qualifications:
  • Complete Child Care Center Part II Orientation Certificate and Mandate Reporter training.
  • Pass Criminal Record Clearance, health screening, TB test, and have updated immunizations.
  • Knowledgeable about cultural impact on child development and values diversity/inclusivity.
  • Strong interpersonal skills: ability to listen, receive/give constructive feedback, and interact with children consistent with Catalyst’s philosophy.
  • High initiative, motivation, and direction; ability to manage staff, coach, and mentor.
  • Knowledge of agency philosophy, DAP, and curriculum standards; ability to role model consistent practices.
  • Ability to partner with the community and internal departments.
  • Stay abreast of new research/theories in ECE/Youth fields.
  • Working knowledge of staffing, marketing, and communication (highly desirable).
  • Proficiency in second languages (desirable).
  • Effective leadership, strategic planning, and budget-tracking skills.
  • Team player mentality with a commitment to continual improvement.

Schedule

Full-time, temporary position (anticipated duration: 08/2026 – 02/2027).

Monday – Friday, 8-hour shift between 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits.
• 401(k) Retirement plan and Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Personal Health Advocate.
• Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays.
• Commuter pre-tax benefit.
• Discounted childcare.
• Access to the Calm app.
• Tickets at Work employee discounts.
• Ongoing training and professional growth advisory.