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 as 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 children’s 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.

• 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.
• Ability to remain flexible and positive in a dynamic work environment, adjusting effectively to changing needs and priorities.

Required Qualifications

• 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.
• Valid documentation of successful pass a physical exam and proof of immunization against Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) and Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap), in compliance with California Health and Safety Code requirements. Current tuberculosis (TB) clearance is also required.

Desired Qualifications

• 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.
• Mandated Reporter Certification or completed within one month of hire.