Early Head Start Teacher Director

Join an exciting team of professionals making a difference in the lives of children and families! Head Start has been improving the lives of low-income children and families in Santa Cruz County since 1965 through high quality, comprehensive child development, and family support services. Head Start supports school readiness and promotes healthy families through delivery of education, health, and social services. Head Start also provides quality training and support to employee’s individualized professional growth and development. 

JOB SUMMARY: We are looking for an early childhood professional who enjoys working in the classroom while serving children and families in Santa Cruz County. The Early Head Start (EHS) Teacher Director oversees day-to-day operations of toddler classroom services that provide high-quality learning environments through center-based programs. Position is regular, full-time with placement in South County. Position works with children ages ranging in age from 6 months to 3 years of age. Salary is $28.54 - $34.78 per hour, dependent on education and experience. Hourly pay differential for bilingual skills awarded upon qualification.

As center team leader, the Teacher-Director promotes interdisciplinary service strategies, which address the needs of Early Head Start clients. This includes making provisions for parent participation in the educational activities of the program to enhance their role as the principal influence on the child’s education and development. The Teacher-Director implements the curriculum, ensuring individualization to meet the different needs of children as well as ensure the adequate supervision of children to ensure safety while in the program. The Teacher Director is the point person for licensing visits and provides guidance and support to center team staff and parents when needs or concerns arise.

• Ensures accurate, up-to-date record keeping/documentation within required deadlines

• Plans and coordinate class activities with staff team, and act as a liaison with other managers and sites

• Demonstrate good judgment and problem-solving skills; seek assistance when needed; exercise discretion when speaking of clients and colleagues

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Have a current national infant and toddler center-based CDA credential issued by the Council for

Professional Recognition OR

Have a comparable certificate or credential that meets or exceeds the national infant and toddler center-based CDA credential requirements (California Child Development Associate Teacher Permit or higher with specialization in infant/toddler) OR

Have a degree in child development or ECE as well as training or coursework with a focus on infant/toddler development OR

Have a degree in a related field as well as training or coursework with a focus on infant/toddler development.

• 16 hours of preventative health (course or certification) AND

Meet ONE of the CCL Director Options

• Minimally 15 college units & 4 years teaching experience in a licensed program

• 3 of the units in Admin/Supervision

• 12 units ECE Core courses (Child Growth or Human Growth & Development, Child Family Community, Curriculum)

• AS in ECE & 2 years teaching experience

• 3 units Admin/Supervision

• BA related to ECE & 1 year experience

• 3 units Admin/Supervision

• Have, and maintain, a current California Child Development Site Supervisor Permit or higher