Responsible for all aspects of the planning, design, and implementation of UC San Diego's self-operated, highly-respected, and NAEYC-accredited early childhood education program.
Oversees program development and operations. Identifies and acts on opportunities to engage in academic and research partnerships that improve ECEC operations and child learning and development and child wellbeing while simultaneously educating current and future social scientists with emphases in child development, early childhood education, and related disciplines.
Responsible for the safe and effective operation of ECEC in alignment with UC San Diego's mission, values, goals, professional best practices, and good University stewardship. Serves as the Director for ECEC staff, families and other stakeholders and is responsible for providing consistent, high quality developmentally appropriate early childhood care, curriculum, and supervision.
Responsible for communication ECEC strategy, objectives, and performance to the campus community. Responsible for program and resource development. Work collaboratively with the University faculty, students and administration to understand and support the needs of its customers. Establishes and assures adherence licensing requirements, state and local standards, campus and center budgets, schedules, work plans and performance requirements. Reviews objectives to determine success of operation. Develops, modifies, and executes policies for the Early Childhood Education program. Advocates for the field of early childhood education to promote the well-being of young children and further the development of the early childhood education profession.
Plan, direct and coordinate all programs and services for UC San Diego’s Early Childhood Education, providing care and education to 230+ children aged 3 months through kindergarten. Manage subsidy programs and a comprehensive childcare and early childhood education referral service. Develop and carry out long and short-term strategies and direct the development and implementation of educational curriculum. Manage and control an annual operating budget of $5 Million while developing and maintaining income from grants, contracts and private contributions. Advocate the field of early childhood education to promote the well-being of young children and further the development of the early childhood education profession.
QUALIFICATIONS
• Thorough knowledge of and skill in operating multiple early childhood education sites including full compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Thorough knowledge of finance accounting, systems operations and regulatory compliance requirements. Strong understanding of responsible financial management practices and procedures to provide budgeting strategies on revenue generation and operating requirements at the center.
• Thorough knowledge of industry best practices. Extensive knowledge of Child development theory and practicum, with emphasis on Piaget, the Reggio Approach and open classroom application.
• Excellent skills in sophisticated service orientation, strong management skills, leadership skills, sound judgment and decision-making, critical thinking, creative problem solving and highly effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively across the organization at all levels. Demonstrated experience creating successful partnerships with parents, children, teachers and community representatives in planning and providing high-quality developmental and educational programs.
• Proficiency in the use of intermediate computer applications. Working knowledge of personal computers and experience operating general office software and applications.
• Knowledge of multiple intelligences and learning styles including atypical development. Demonstrated experience planning, organizing and directing challenging developmental and instructional programs for infant, preschoolers and kindergarten aged children.
• Knowledge of rationale and current research about the science of the brain, which supports different models of classroom management and curriculum models.
• Ability to make professional judgments based on the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Code of Ethical Conduct and Statement of Commitment. Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of variables in situations where limited standardization exists. Knowledge and understanding of the NAEYC Accreditation process and Code of Ethical Conduct.
• Must successfully pass FBI & DOJ Criminal Check (including Child Abuse Index) with approval from Department of Social Services.
• Must test TB Negative and have Health Screening clearance. Must have immunization record on file per SB 792.
• Ability to write grant applications, other funding requests, reports and business correspondence. Ability to present information effectively and respond to staff, parents and UC community.
• Strong professional commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging and demonstrated ability to incorporate these principles in all aspects of program design and operations. Ability to effectively with a diverse community of customers and stakeholders..
• Advance strategic leadership and interpersonal skills to work effectively, across all organization levels, internally and externally. Demonstrated ability using good judgement, tact, diplomacy, and flexibility to work with faculty, executive administrators, staff, students, public agencies, legal counsel, and the general public.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, t technical procedures, and governmental regulations.
• Detailed understanding licensing requirements of Title 22 of the California Department of Social Services including grant compliance, health and safety, child care staffing ratios and staffing qualification standards.
• Must meet all requirements for "Site Supervisor" designation for supervision of a single site and/or satisfy the criteria for a "Program Director" designation for the supervision of multiple sites, as defined by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC), Child Development Permit Matrix.
• Must meet NAEYC educational qualifications required for a Program Administrator, or be able to document that a plan is in place to meet the qualifications within 5 years.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in general management principles and practices including: leadership methods, supervision, long and short range planning, budgeting, finance, facilities management etc.
• Bachelor's degree or higher in Early Childhood Education or Child Development or closely related field; and progressive, directly related management experience.
• Proven leadership and organizational skills - ability to provide an effective organization of people and other resources to achieve goals of child care center.
• Outstanding ability and skill in speaking before large and small audiences with poise and confidence and ability to convene meetings and lead discussions. Demonstrated ability to effectively present to diverse groups, management levels, public agencies and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated strategic planning, analytical and political acumen skills. Ability to quickly assess problems, conduct appropriate complex research and analysis, draw conclusions, develop strategies, and take appropriate action.
• Experience supervising/managing in a union environment. Demonstrated ability to observe and soundly evaluate staff, ability to make recommendations regarding performance and hiring of new staff.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
• Has and maintains immunization record on file per SB 792.
• Must possess and maintain current Health Screening Report including TB clearance and Immunization status.
• Must possess and maintain proof of immunization against influenza, pertussis, and measles. Each employee shall receive an influenza vaccination between August 1 and December 1 of each year.
• DOJ/FBI Livescan fingerprint clearance with Child Abuse Index clearance required prior to hire, with association through California Department of Social Services Community Care Licensing Division.
• Physical ability to lift up to 40 pounds as necessary.
• This position meets the requirements for a mandated reporter under CANRA.
• Must clear DMV check prior to clearance.
• Must possess and maintain a valid CA Driver License and must participate in the DMV Pull Notice program.
Our employees enjoy competitive compensation packages and educational opportunities in a diverse, stimulating workforce.
Job offer is contingent on successful engagement in the UC COVID-19 Vaccination program (fully vaccinated with documented proof or approved exception/deferral).
To foster the best possible working and learning environment, UC San Diego strives to cultivate a rich and diverse environment, inclusive and supportive of all students, faculty, staff and visitors. For more information, please visit UC San Diego Principles of Community.
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, gender identity or sexual orientation. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see: http://www-hr.ucsd.edu/saa/nondiscr.html
