Site Manager
East Palo Alto, CA Early learning
Job Type
Full-time
Description

 

About Us  

Peninsula Family Service (PFS) is a nonprofit organization that provides children, families, and older adults with the support and tools they need to realize their full potential.?As one of the largest providers of infant, toddler, and preschool programs in the region, PFS also delivers services in financial empowerment, employment, and older adult support — ensuring that people at every stage of life have access to opportunities to thrive. Established in 1950, PFS has been a trusted community partner for over 75 years, dedicated to fostering stability, resilience, and well-being for the individuals and families it serves.? 

At PFS, our values guide how we serve our community and work together as a team.?We expect every team member to?demonstrate Ownership, Proactive Engagement, and a commitment to?Continuous?Learning and?Adaptability. These values are?grounded in a shared dedication to community, service, and collaborative teamwork.? 

Job Summary 

The Site Manager provides instructional leadership and operational oversight at the center level, ensuring a high-quality, compliant, and inclusive early learning environment for children and families. This role leads and mentors site staff, maintains compliance with state and federal regulations, and serves as the primary point of accountability for program quality, child outcomes, and family engagement at the assigned site. The Site Manager oversees children ranging in age from 3 months to 5 years, or up to 12 years of age for School Age programs. 

REPORT TO: Regional Site Manager 

JOB CLASSIFICATION: Exempt, Full Time 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

Leadership and Staff Supervision 

  • Lead, supervise, and mentor teaching staff at the assigned site, including Master Teachers, Teachers, Assistant Teachers, and Internal Substitutes. 
  • Establish clear expectations for staff performance and provide regular coaching, feedback, and support. 
  • Conduct ongoing staff observations and provide reflective supervision to support professional growth. 
  • Manage staffing schedules and break coverage to maintain required ratios at all times. 
  • Track and monitor staff attendance and escalate concerns as needed. 
  • Support the onboarding and orientation of new site staff. 
  • Facilitate monthly site staff meetings and contribute to regional team meetings. 
  • Support development and implementation of Corrective Action Plans or Performance Improvement Plans in coordination with the Regional Site Manager. 

Curriculum and Instruction 

  • Provide classroom leadership and model best practices in early childhood education. 
  • Mentor staff and provide oversight of curriculum fidelity. 
  • Prepare and support lesson plans and interactions for planned activities. 
  • Lead data-driven instructional planning. 
  • Conduct classroom observations and coach staff on CLASS-informed practices. 
  • Incorporate early STEM, literacy, and social-emotional learning strategies into the classroom experience. 
  • Support children’s self-help skills, independence, and problem-solving abilities. 
  • Provide documentation on observations of children and their activities. 
  • Support reflective supervision practices. 
  • Participate in transition planning (EHS 1302.70). 

Health and Safety 

  • Ensure constant and active supervision of all children. 
  • Respond promptly to children’s needs, following individualized care routines if applicable. 
  • Maintain a safe, clean, and organized classroom that meets licensing, California Department of Social Services, and Head Start health and safety standards. 
  • Follow sanitation, diapering, toileting, and nutrition guidelines. 
  • Monitor children’s health checks daily and document concerns. 

Assessment and Documentation 

  • Complete ongoing observations and assessments. 
  • Provide observations for DRDP data. 
  • Monitor DRDP completion and accuracy. 
  • Maintain accurate and timely incident reports and child portfolios (Learning Genie). 
  • Participate in data-driven planning for children and program outcomes. 
  • Oversee child outcomes reporting and continuous improvement plans. 
  • Family and Community Engagement 
  • Establish positive, respectful, and culturally responsive relationships with families. 
  • Conduct parent-teacher conferences and at least two home visits per program year. 
  • Share developmental progress, resources, and strategies with families to support learning at home. 
  • Encourage family participation in classroom and program activities. 

Communications and Community Engagement  

  • Communicate clearly and consistently with families regarding children's developmental progress, program expectations, and site-level updates. 
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for families, staff, and site-level partners, ensuring timely and professional responses to questions and concerns. 
  • Share relevant program information, policy updates, and organizational communications with site staff in a timely manner. 
  • Represent PFS professionally in all interactions with host sites, community partners, and external visitors. 
  • Communicate site-level needs, concerns, and escalations to the Regional Site Manager promptly and with appropriate context. 
  • Maintain accurate records and documentation to support transparent reporting to program leadership. 
  • Support a communication culture at the site that is inclusive, culturally responsive, and accessible to all families. 

Compliance and Site Operations 

  • Ensure compliance with Title 22, Title 5, CDE standards, and all applicable Head Start Performance Standards. 
  • Oversee licensing compliance and lead site-level internal compliance audits. 
  • Ensure completion of developmental screenings within required timelines. 
  • Monitor daily ratio and group size. 
  • Monitor and maintain required documentation. 
  • Ensure operational stability at the staff level. 
  • Lead inclusion efforts and coordinate with early intervention specialists. 
  • Ensure implementation of individualized plans (IFSP/IEP). 
  • Work collaboratively with teaching staff, FACE Coordinators, and specialists to support children’s Individualized Family Service Plans or other identified needs. 
  • Maintain confidentiality and follow all agency policies, licensing regulations, and Early Head Start Performance Standards. 
  • Participate in 21 hours of professional development and annual required training. 
Requirements

Qualifications 

Education and Experience 

  • Site Supervisor Permit issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). 
  • 6 or more units in adult supervision. 
  • Bachelor’s degree in Child Development, Early Childhood Education, or a closely related field. 
  • Minimum 350 days of experience working in a licensed early childhood setting. 
  • One to five years of experience in a supervisory or lead role in an early learning program preferred. 

Special Requirements 

  • Working toward or eligible to obtain a Master Teacher or Site Supervisor Permit. 
  • Current Pediatric CPR and First Aid certification. 
  • Ability to pass background checks, TB tests, and meet immunization requirements. 
  • Bilingual skills (English/Spanish) desired. 

Physical Demands & Work Environment  

  • Reach a child twenty-five feet away within 10 seconds or less. 
  • Hear a child call for help from at least fifty feet away. 
  • Comprehend and react to dangerous situations involving children without hesitation. 
  • Crouch/bend to a child’s height and maintain eye contact. 
  • Reach children on the highest piece of play equipment.  
  • Ability to lift up to 50lbs. 
  • Engage in floor/sitting at ground level play with children for extended periods of time. 
  • Exposure to a childcare classroom indoor/outdoor setting, cleaning, disinfectant supplies, and noise levels that are consistent with working with young children. 

OTHER REQUIREMENTS 

  • Prior to first day of employment, must have fingerprint clearance and maintain clearance. 
  • Verification to legally work in the US and updated as required. 

Peninsula Family Service’s VALUES are expected of every staff member. All of our work is based on our commitment to Ownership, Proactive engagement, and Lean In growth, anchored in Community Pillar, Participant-Focused service, and Workforce-Centered collaboration. 

Salary Description
$95,000-$115,000