Temporary 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 and are supervised in a safe, healthy environment. The role involves collaborating with the Center Manager/Site Supervisor to support center operations, including enrollment, attendance, purchasing, and community relationship building. The Program Lead celebrates diversity and creates environments reflecting the backgrounds of children, families, and staff. They 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, 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.
  • Collaborate with staff to provide enriched, dynamic indoor/outdoor environments meeting diverse and cultural needs of children.
  • Assess program quality, curriculum implementation, health/safety, and licensing standards; continuously improve in alignment with agency standards.
  • Lead QRIS for Infant/Toddler programs and maintain knowledge of Developmentally Appropriate Practices and 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.
  • Scheduled to be in ratio 33% of the work week, depending on center needs.
• Managing, Coaching & Supporting Staff:
  • Manage a team of 2-5 staff, proactively coaching and providing feedback to ensure high performance.
  • Conduct annual performance reviews and provide regular feedback.
  • Facilitate effective team meetings fostering ownership of outcomes.
  • Observe staff interactions, lesson plans, and learning environments; provide immediate and constructive feedback.
  • Provide on-site mentoring and modeling in the classroom.
  • Orient and integrate new staff to achieve high retention.
  • Communicate clear job expectations and ensure alignment with agency values.
  • 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 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, and communities.
  • Organize and support a parent advisory committee for family feedback.
  • Represent Catalyst in school and 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 resources as needed.
  • 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 units in administration, and 2 units in adult supervision.
  • OR BA with 12 ECE/CD units, 6 units in administration, and 2 units 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 or leading 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 the impact of culture on child development and values diversity and inclusivity.
  • Strong interpersonal skills; ability to provide and receive constructive feedback.
  • High initiative, motivation, and ability to interact with children consistent with Catalyst’s philosophy.
  • Knowledgeable about agency philosophy, DAP, and able to implement and role model program practices.
  • Ability to partner with the community and internal departments.
  • Stay abreast of new research and theories in ECE/Youth fields.
  • Working knowledge of staffing, marketing, and communication.
  • Proficiency in second languages desirable.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage staff, coach, and mentor.
  • Effective leadership, strategic thinking, and planning skills.
  • Ability to track and follow a budget.
  • Team player mentality.

Schedule

Full-time, 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.