CC/PS Program Director

Mexican American Opportunity Foundation

TITLE: Program Director

PROGRAM: MAOF Child Care & Pre-School

FLSA STATUS: Exempt, Full-Time

REPORTS TO: Vice President of Programs & Services

ANNUAL SALARY: $104,872 - $136,563

GENERAL PURPOSE:

The program director is responsible for the overall management, supervision, and operation of the child care and preschool programs. The Program Director ensures that all programs comply with state and federal regulations, meet educational standards, and provide a safe, nurturing environment for children. The director will oversee curriculum development, staff management, budget oversight, and community outreach efforts.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND AUTHORITY:

• Ensures the implementation of MAOF Child Care programs according to contractual agreements, funding source regulations and MAOF policies.
• Ensures that administration and accountability of program funds are carried out in accordance with contractual agreements and funding source guidelines.
• To serve as the program’s representative to the community and conduct a public information program.
• Learning experiences are provided, aligned with the program’s educational philosophy and goals.
• Evaluate and improve curriculum based on child assessments and program needs.
• Reviews analysis of activities, costs, operations, and forecast data to determine department progress toward stated goals and objectives.
• Participates in state and national organizations instrumental in developing and giving guidance to child development programs, policies and legislation.
• Conduct regular staff performance evaluations and provide professional development opportunities.
• Ensure that staff adhere to licensing requirements and maintain appropriate certifications and training.
• Conducts on-site visits to child care centers and oversees the regular administrative review of MAOF’s child care and development programs and facilities.
• Establish and maintain positive relationships with parents, guardians, and families.
• Facilitate parent-teacher meetings and provide resources for family involvement.
• Oversee program budgets, including monitoring expenditures and ensuring financial accountability. Work with the finance department to prepare budget proposals and track financial performance.
• Ensure the program operates within budgetary constraints and seek additional funding when necessary.
• Represent the child care and preschool program in community outreach efforts and build relationships with local organizations and stakeholders.
• Ensure that the physical environment is safe, clean, and conducive to learning.
• Oversee the maintenance and repair of the facilities and equipment.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety standards.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, including child care licensing, health and safety regulations, and educational standards.
• Maintain accurate records and prepare reports for regulatory agencies and internal audits.
• Evaluates and reassigns staff within conceptual guidelines.
• Creates methods and procedures to accomplish program goals and objectives. Ensures implementation of a curriculum that prepares the child to compete in the educational environment of the public schools based on the child’s cultural roots.
• Recruit and employ competent staff in accordance with hiring process and policies and procedures.
• Approve promotion, demotion, and release of personnel not subject to the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act who are not members of management.
• Follows procurement procedures for proper safeguards in purchasing and inventory of equipment and supplies.
• Directs the activities of program managers, supervisory staff and employees engaged in compiling statistical data and reports.
• Develops and/or creates curriculum, manuals and departmental instructions and procedures to analyze operations and to ensure compliance with established objectives and guidelines of the program.
• Attends local, state and national meetings of child care organizations, of commissions governing the needs and care of children and their families, of funding sources and of others who can be expected to impact upon child care programs.
• Meets with parents and provides guidance in resolution of parent and staff grievances.
• Ensures that services are provided to families who meet City, County, State and Federal eligibility guidelines in accordance with priorities and regulations.
• Carries out any other activities necessary for the proper implementation of the MAOF child care and pre-school programs.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in child development education, early childhood educational administration, or related field. (Master’s preferred).
• Must possess a Child Development Director Permit from the State Department of California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
• Minimum five (5) or more years of progressively more responsible management experience.
• Experience with Early Childhood Education and direct experience managing a government funded program, including budget implementation, personnel supervision, training program planning and development, preferred.
• Strong leadership and organizational skills.
• Knowledge of child development, early childhood education, and state licensing regulations.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for working with children, families, and staff.
• Budget management experience and financial acumen.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and work under pressure in a dynamic environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and familiar with child care management software.
• Must possess own vehicle at all times, a valid California Driver’s License and appropriate automobile insurance.
• Ability to maintain cooperative, diplomatic working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, and the public; work as part of a team and collaborate with colleagues;
• Experience working with culturally and linguistically diverse/ low-income population and interaction with Early Childhood professional associations preferred.
• Bilingual (English/ Spanish) required.
• Exemplary Public Relations and interpersonal skills both within the organization and within the public.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representatives of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The work environment is dynamic and requires flexibility, problem-solving, and strong leadership skills.