Highlands Recreation District is growing!!  Come work for a vibrant and enthusiastic recreation team who takes pride in serving the community and providing exceptional guest experiences.  Our offerings include early childhood education programs, aquatics, after school programs, tennis, and a wide variety of unique classes and activities for all ages groups.  Be part of a tight knit community and work environment that feels like a family.  Before applying, we encourage you to read more about the EEC's special environment, including our focus on Reggio/Play-Based and emergent curriculum - https://highlandsrec.ca.gov/eec-philosophy

Definition:

Under the direct supervision of the General Manager, the Early Education Director provides day-to-day administration of the Early Education Center. The Early Education Center is a childcare center providing group care to children from ages 3 months through age 5 and is governed by the provisions specified in the California State Care Regulations.

Essential Functions

• Demonstrate the ability and competencies to lead others in order to achieve identified outcomes in creating an impact, strengthening our resources, and protecting the District.
• Increase staff capability and motivation through recruitment, development, leadership, evaluation and interactive feedback.
• Develop and monitor the budget to achieve financial goals.
• Establish and grow meaningful relationships with parents.
• Ensure maintenance of required children, family, and program files.
• Ensure compliance with applicable State, welfare, and education department codes and those regulations adopted and administered under Title 22 Licensing and Titles V California Code of Regulations.
• Prepare and submit accurate and timely reports and correspondence as required.
• Maintain effective community relations. 
• Work with Teachers to coordinate and foster the Reggio/Play-based, emergent curriculum environment.
• Ensure satisfactory maintenance and appearance of the Early Education Center.
• Set and maintain standards for children’s behavior using positive discipline methods which teach self-regulation while supporting children’s self-esteem.
• Attend all special events and extra activities with all other salary employees.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands

Visual and auditory ability to observe and respond to critical incidents and the physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency situation. Ability to lead and interact in group activities and perform related physical skills and the ability to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel or crouch. Ability to climb, push, pull and lift and carry objects up to 50 pounds.

Additional Information:

• It may be necessary to perform other duties as assigned.
• This position is considered to have a supervisory or disciplinary relationship over minors.
• This job description is not intended to be all inclusive. It is understood that the employee will perform other duties if requested by the General Manager. Job descriptions are reviewed periodically and may be revised if deemed necessary. This job description is not a written or implied contract. 

Essential Knowledge & Abilities

• Must have demonstrated administrative and supervisory experience in a childcare program.
• Must be flexible and able to maintain a positive and supportive working relationship with staff, parents, volunteers, and children.
• Must be familiar with learning development theories and be able to plan and administer a comprehensive program designed to meet educational and childcare objectives.
• Must have the ability to develop and administer budgets and maintain fiscal records.
• Must be able to deal with confidential information in a professional manner.  
• Awareness of, and ability to adjust for changes to programming, facility, staffing, and curriculum in response to CA TK for All initiative. 
• Have knowledge of Physical Education programming which includes but is not limited to indoor and outdoor activities relevant to pre-school age children.
• Ability to organize tasks, establish systems, and delegate work and responsibility to others. 
• Ability to solve problems and take action as needed. 
• Ability to instill trust and respect from staff, children, and parents.

Qualifications

1. Minimum of 5 years work experience in a licensed day care center or comparable group childcare center and previous Lead Teacher and/or Director experience in a preschool, early education setting.
2. Bachelor’s Degree required, Master’s degree preferred.
3. At least 15 college level units in early childhood development, including 3 units in infant/toddler development and 9 units in supervision and administration.
4. Experience with the Reggio Emilia Approach is preferred.

Additional Requirements

· Must possess and maintain a valid CA Driver’s license.

· Successfully pass a physical exam.

· Receive Department of Justice fingerprint clearance.

· Possess and maintain certification in infant and child CPR.

 This role will be posted until January 19, 2024 or until 20 qualified applications are received.