Assistant Director, Early Education Center
19 days ago
San Mateo
Job DescriptionDescription: Job Title: Assistant Director Classification Title: Full time, Non-Exempt Status: Hourly, Non-exempt Department: Early Education Center (EEC) Supervisor: Early Education Director Primary Building Location: Early Education Center (EEC) The Highlands Recreation District operates under the Community Services District law pursuant to the Government Code 61000 et seq, to provide recreational services within the District. Services are provided under the leadership and direction of an elected Board of Directors. The Highlands Recreation District maintains facilities including the Recreation Center, Early Education Center, After School Center, Tennis Courts, Pool, and Playgrounds in addition to various programs, services, and annual special events. Mission The Highlands Recreation District is dedicated to providing beneficial and enriching programs and services to its patrons and a place to create and promote health, well-being, and community. Job Summary The Assistant Director is primarily responsible for the day-to-day administration and leadership of the Early Education Center, a licensed childcare facility serving children ages 3 months through 5.5 years. The Assistant Director ensures smooth center operations by maintaining a consistent leadership presence in classrooms, supporting educators, and overseeing compliance with California State Care Regulations. This leadership role requires a strong commitment to professional ethics, collaboration, and high standards in early childhood education, as outlined in the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct. This position reports to and is under the general supervision of the Early Education Director. Essential Functions and Tasks • Serve as a classroom educator when needed, directly supporting children’s learning and development by building nurturing relationships, maintaining engaging classroom environments, and participating in reflective teaching practices informed by observation and documentation., • Ensure alignment with the California Foundations for Early Learning, NAEYC Developmentally Appropriate Practices, and the Reggio Emilia-inspired approach to curriculum and instruction., • Foster a high-quality learning environment by mentoring teaching staff, assisting with curriculum planning, and promoting best practices in early childhood education., • Provide daily classroom coverage for teacher meal breaks, rest periods, vacations, and sick days as needed. Assist teachers through hands-on mentoring, curriculum development, child observations, and mediating child behavior., • Establish meaningful relationships with parents and children, communicating through daily updates and tools such as Brightwheel, and facilitating annual conferences to discuss children's development., • Assist in the upkeep of the required children, family, staff, and program files, and prepare accurate and timely reports and correspondence., • Contribute to the maintenance and appearance of the Early Education Center and assist with promoting and scheduling enrichment classes for families., • Support the Director in developing and monitoring the budget to achieve financial goals., • Act in the director's absence to resolve staffing issues and handle day-to-day operations as needed., • Maintain a culture of excellence, inquiry, and continuous improvement among staff, children, and families, while increasing staff capability and motivation through recruitment, development, leadership, and interactive feedback., • Promote compliance with applicable state, welfare, and education department codes and uphold standards for children’s behavior using non-punitive methods that teach self-discipline and support self-esteem., • Perform other duties as assigned. Requirements: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA’s) • Knowledge of early childhood development with a demonstrated understanding of learning development theories and the ability to apply them in planning and managing a comprehensive educational and childcare program., • Knowledge of physical education for preschoolers with a familiarity with developmentally appropriate indoor and outdoor physical activities for preschool-aged children., • Knowledge of budgeting and financial practices basic understanding of financial principles and budgeting processes relevant to program management and operations., • Understand confidentiality standards with awareness of appropriate protocols and ethical standards for handling sensitive or confidential information., • Proven ability to lead teams, drive results, and contribute to organizational goals related to impact, resource optimization, and safety., • Strong skills in organizing tasks, setting up efficient systems, and assigning responsibilities effectively to ensure smooth operations., • Strong ability to identify issues, analyze situations, and implement appropriate solutions in a timely manner., • Demonstrated ability to maintain supportive, respectful, and productive relationships with children, families, staff, and volunteers., • High School Diploma or equivalent, • A minimum of 12 college-level units in Early Childhood Education. This includes the core course required by licensing:, • Child/Human Growth & Development, • Child/Family & Community, • Programs/Curriculum, • Three Infant/Toddler college-level units required for Infant/Toddler Teacher, • Certification in infant and child CPR, • Minimum 1 year of progressively more responsible leadership skills, supervision, and administrative experience in a childcare program., • BA in early childhood or a related field is preferred.?, • 6 units in ECE Supervision and Administration preferred., • 2 years of progressively more responsible leadership skills, supervision, and administrative experiences in a childcare program., • CPR/First Aid qualified. 1. The position works in an indoor classroom and outdoor play area which is subject to severe hot, cold, and inclement weather. • The physical demands of this position are described below:, • Sitting, walking, twisting, bending, climbing, pulling, pushing, squatting, crawling, kneeling, balancing, reaching, and coordination (eye, hand, foot)., • Fall, slip, trip conditions that result in falls (impacts) from height or traditional walking and playing surfaces., • Heat illness/temperature extremes that result in heat stress, exhaustion, or metabolic slowdown, such as hypothermia., • Chemical exposure – absorption through the skin, inhalation, or through the bloodstream that may cause illness, disease, or death., • Lifting and carrying, often 10- 25 lbs., frequently 26- 50 lbs., • This position is non-exempt from the provisions of Section 1 of the California Industrial Welfare Commission Orders. This position is employed through the Highlands Recreation District which offers employees of this classification to receive medical, dental, vision insurance, health and dependent care saving accounts, paid sick and vacation time, paid holidays, Simple IRA (if employee makes more than $5,000 in a year) with a District match up to 3%, 457(b) retirement participation, and employee discounts in accordance with Highlands Recreation District Employee Handbook. Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action The Highlands Recreation District is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, creed, disability, ethnicity, gender, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy, medical condition, national origin, race, religion or lack thereof, sex, sexual orientation, transgender, or protected veteran status consistent with applicable federal and state laws. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for applicants with disabilities who self- disclose. Required Staff Training Prior and during hiring process, all employees are required to complete the following compliance online training sessions through Paylocity. Employees will be enrolled in the training soon after their appointment is processed and will be notified via email from the HR department. • Injury and Illness Prevention Program - one time course, • Discrimination and Harassment - required every two years. Employees are required to undergo and complete a successful background check that includes verification of employment and education, as well as a check of criminal records for employment. Candidates for positions where the employee will come in regular contact with minors will be required to be fingerprinted. This policy includes emergency hires and may also be applicable to volunteers depending on the work they will be doing.? In some cases, a background check will include a Department of Motor Vehicles check, as well as a check of licenses and certificates when applicable. California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act All childcare workers are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth by the Department of Social Services, Child Care Licensing.