Start Date: October 1, 2020
Children’s Pre-School Center (CPSC) is a registered 501(c)3 not for profit organization that has served the greater Palo Alto community for almost 40 years. It is licensed to care for 156 children aged 0 – 6, with approximately 40 – 45 full time staff. CPSC is a vibrant place providing high quality care to young children, inspiring them to explore, discover, wonder, play and learn through a Constructivist approach to early learning. We follow respectful caregiving in our infant program adopting the work of Magda Gerber and the RIE philosophy which segues to a Reggio Emilia-inspired approach in our preschool inspired classrooms using the work of Loris Malaguzzi. Our thoughtfully designed intentional spaces and materials together with our core focus on building relationships encourage young children to challenge themselves, make good choices, and become citizens of the world. We welcome all who welcome each other. Relationships, shared inquiry, collaboration, and play form the core of our work with children and families.
The Executive Director is accountable to the Children’s Pre-School Board of Directors for the overall executive/administrative leadership of CPSC. The Executive Director is responsible for the day-to-day operations of CPSC. The position requires the ability to effectively manage, develop, direct and lead the CPSC staff and programs for young children. The Executive Director must have strong supervisory leadership and communication skills coupled with a warm and nurturing disposition.
Basic Duties and Responsibilities
Plan, organize, direct, manage and supervise programs for young children while facilitating positive relationships between staff, parents, and children
Work collaboratively with teaching teams, staff, and Board leadership to foster and maintain a strong community for children, parents, and staff
Lead the school in collaboration with CPSC’s Board of Directors
Administration
Manage day to day operations of the school, including staff scheduling
Ensure compliance with all state licensing regulations and reporting requirements
Act as point of contact for all state licensing and public health communications
Plan and implement health and safety programs including emergency procedures, facility and equipment safety.
Manage all aspects of enrollment of children including forecasting and filling spaces, with a keen eye on fiscal responsibilities to the center
Responsible for operations, adhering to an annual Budget, and purchasing of appropriate equipment required for the CPSC campus
Program Development
Develop and support a curriculum which encompasses developmentally appropriate practices, embraces the philosophies of the center, and speaks to the individual within the group settings while upholding NAEYC standards and outcomes
Work to promote deeper understanding of our Mission, Beliefs and Core Values
Promote long term plans in conjunction with the Board to meet the growing needs and challenges of the center, students, and teachers
Staff Supervision and Leadership
Maintain a qualified teaching and administrative staff through recruiting, interviewing, and hiring
Regularly evaluate staff performance and provide coaching, performance management, and career development
Establish strong relationships with teaching teams, support deeper understanding of learning, documentation, and reflective practices
Prevent, manage and mitigate conflict between staff or families
Plan and evaluate staff activities and intentional learning
Train and supervise staff by holding regular All Staff Meetings, Program and Team meetings
Plan, organize, coordinate trainings for all staff to include: Teacher Permits, continuing professional growth requirements, Mandated Reporter trainings, Harassment, EMSA First Aid and CPR
Children
Uphold NAEYC Accreditation standards including maintaining and documenting developmental assessments
Maintain health and developmental standards
Facilitate communication between children and their peers, teachers, and parents
Research resources and promote strategies for engaging children to support their social and emotional development
Communication
Be active in the field of early education, for example subscribing to journals and participating in seminars
Maintain and enhance the CPSC webpage and other forms of communication like Brightwheel
Write and distribute weekly communications (e.g., newsletter) for families to provide insight into the activities of the center
Community
Develop and maintain a strong rapport with the broader community, promoting and maintaining the center’s positive community image
Foster opportunities for families to build relationships through for gatherings, special events, and celebrating the lives of children
Participate in the Palo Alto Advisory Committee on Early Care and Education (PAAC-ECE), for which CPSC is one of the founding members
Parent Relations
Orient families to the center; plan and conduct parent meetings
Initiate parent involvement and support staff in planning opportunities for parent involvement (e.g., room parent, classroom gatherings)
Offer support for parents of children with special needs and refer them to support agencies
Serve as a parent resource on child development
Board Relations
Attend all Board meetings and ensure the Board is fully informed on the operations of the center and any issues that may arise
Work with the Board to develop strategic plans and budget, oversee implementation of plans
Qualifications & Skills
Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education plus 5 years experience in the field (preferred)
Bachelor’s Degree plus 10 years experience or equivalent
Experience in business administration in a not for profit environment
Well-rounded education in Early Childhood including 3 semester units in infant/toddler development and supervision
Director Permit, California Commission on Teacher Credentialing
Clearance from Department of Justice and State Licensing to direct a large childcare facility
Proficient with basic computer tasks (e.g., MS Office, Google Suite, email, etc.)
Work Environment
Combination of office work (including computer-based tasks, telephone calls, etc.) and more active work. The position will occasionally require the ability to lift children, office products, or supplies of up to 30 lbs.
Salary and Benefits
A highly competitive compensation and benefits package will be made available to the qualified candidate.
Statement of Inclusion
The Children’s Preschool Center welcomes all who welcome each other. Relationships, shared inquiry, collaboration, and play form the core of our work with children and families.
We affirm, celebrate, and honor:
The identity, dignity, and growing perspective of every child. Each child is seen, heard, valued, and engaged, regardless of religious or cultural background, race or ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender identity or expression, or languages.
The experiences, knowledge, language, and dignity of every family, regardless of family structure, religious or cultural background, race or ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or languages.
A diverse teaching staff that is reflective, self-aware, and learns continuously in response to the children and families we serve. We are an equal-opportunity employer.
Inclusive programs, curricula, and materials that
Honor our community’s diversity.
Build a community of learners in which children, families, and staff learn with and from each other.
Empower children to explore their identities, interests, and potential without biases or stereotypes, so they can discover their own value, competence, and capabilities.
Application Procedures and Deadlines
Interested candidates should apply via email by sending a letter outlining qualifications, and resume as PDF or Word documents to the Executive Director Search Committee at ed-search@cpcsstaff.org. Applications will be accepted through August 31, 2020. Inquiries may be made, in confidence, to the Executive Director Search Committee at ed-search@cpcsstaff.org. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY CPSC believes that equal opportunity for all employees is important for the continuing success of our organization. To the extent required by applicable law, CPSC will not unlawfully discriminate against an employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, marital status, family care status, sex, age, pregnancy, sexual orientation, veteran status, or upon any other basis prohibited by applicable law. Opportunity is provided to all employees based on employment related factors which include, but are not limited to, qualifications and job requirements.
Please send resumes to: ed-search@cpscstaff.com
Together, we are empowering exceptional education.