Job Description: Bilingual Director of Early Education (English/Spanish) 

Primary Support Person: Executive Director

General Position Information
Full time, exempt position – not eligible for overtime
Salary: $75,000 - $85,000 depends on experience

Benefits package includes dental, vision, medical, and life insurance; with the option of enrolling in a
retirement plan. 14 paid holidays annually in addition to accruable vacation and sick paid time off.This
benefits package is valued at a minimum of $8,000 per year.

The initial review date for this job is: 1/10/2025

• After a training period, certain administrative hours may be approved for hybrid work (i.e. grant
applications or reporting) depending on the needs of the childcare centers with approval from the
Executive Director

• All applicants must possess a Director’s permit or meet the requirements to obtain one within 6
months of hire.
• The Director must be able to transport easily between multiple locations within the City of Santa Cruz

Qualifications
• Required: BA in early childhood education or related field
• Two years of management experience, preferably in a licensed early childhood education center
• Excellent bilingual (English and Spanish) oral and written communication skills
• Ability to manage a culturally diverse team
• Ability to manage program budget
• Strong computer skills and experience with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Criminal record clearance in accordance with Community Care Licensing regulations

Summary of Primary Job Functions & Responsibilities
With the support of the Executive Director, the Director of Early Education is responsible for the development, support and administration of Walnut Avenue’s licensed early education programs (aka EEC). The Director will oversee quality management and ensure compliance with Community Care Licensing (CCL) regulations, Title 22 & Title 5 requirements, and all legal and grant/contractual terms and conditions.

The Director will:

• Provide leadership in developing and implementing EEC’s mission, goals, and projects in compliance
with standards outlined by the CCL, funders, and Walnut Avenue’s Strategic Plan
• As part of Walnut Avenue’s Leadership Team, provide guidance and inspiration to all staff
• Work with EEC Site Supervisors to coordinate EEC program components in alignment with current best practices in the fields of early education and child development
• Maintain a workplace environment centered on equity, strength-based principles, and Shared
Leadership where staff and program participant input are encouraged, celebrated, and utilized for
ongoing program development.

Personnel
• Coordinate with HR to support recruitment, hiring, and on-boarding of new EEC employees
• Ensure the early education staff have the tools and skills to be successful in their roles
• Be on-call to provide back-up to program staff
• As the primary support person for two Site Supervisors and a Bilingual Program Administrator:
• Support Site Supervisors in their roles supervising staff and overseeing daily operations of
the early education centers
• Provide professional development, modeling, on-site observation, supervision, coaching,
and/or progressive discipline as needed to your direct reports
• Provide regular job performance feedback and conduct annual appraisals including the
development of a Professional Development Plan with your direct reports
• Address personnel issues promptly including appropriate documentation
• Model and encourage self-care and healthy lifestyle habits that prevent burnout and
secondary trauma

Quality Management
• Utilize data and program evaluations for ongoing improvement of programs/centers
• Promote equity and trust by communicating effectively and respectfully with program participants,
volunteers, and staff at the center, including persons from different racial, cultural, and ethnic groups;
and from diverse backgrounds and lifestyles.
• Ensure Site Supervisors maintain oversight of the health and safety of both participants and staff,
including ensuring all staff follow safety guidelines to reduce workplace injury
• Maintain your professional competence through participation in Early Childhood Education
conferences, trainings, and workshops
• Protect the confidentiality of both program participants and regarding HR-related issues
• Conduct annual self-evaluations per CDE and CDSS contract and work with Site Supervisors to
implement necessary changes
• Ensure staff and program participant concerns and/or grievances are addressed promptly and well documented
• Support in the classrooms as needed for continuity of care for families
• Support the enrollment/certification & recertification of families as needed
• Work onsite at a location in the absence of a location’s Site Supervisor
Budget, Finance & Fundraising
• Ensure programs are run within budgetary alignment of the agency as well as in fiscal compliance with all grants, local, state & federal regulations, and standards
• Develop and administer program budgets utilizing regular (at least quarterly) budget to actual
reporting
• Grant management including:
o Preparation and submission of grant applications
o Create systems to adhere to grant requirements
o Collect, organize, and maintain accurate program data to meet reporting requirements and
deadlines.
o Submit grant reports on time.
o Maintain systems that accurately document daily attendance records
o Work with Site Supervisors to train staff on grant requirements pertaining to their role
• Work with the ED to identify and pursue new sources of revenue and solicit needed donations to
support the families served at both centers
• Participate in fundraising activities when requested by the ED
• Monitor legislation having a fiscal impact on Walnut Avenue operations and in the Early Childhood
Education sector
• Participate in the annual agency fiscal audit and contract audits (CDE & CDSS once every 3 years)
Collaboration & Community Relations
• Attend Agency Leadership Team meetings, agency Staff Meetings as well as program Staff Meetings
and huddles
• Meet regularly with the Executive Director to discuss key issues affecting the programs
• Work with Site Supervisors to keep families informed of and promote upcoming events
• Maintain close contact and cooperative working relationships with the local Early Childhood Education
community, including attending collaborative community meetings
• Meet with public officials and other community members when appropriate to discuss policies that
support the early education field
• Provide outreach and education to community-based organizations regarding early education program
services when requested
• Generate professional correspondence and flyers according to agency branding guidelines
• Support EEC program events such as the Open House, Parent Meetings, Parent Education and Parent
Advisory Committee Meetings as needed at both sites
• Positively and professionally represent the agency in the community

Job Specific Knowledge, Skill & Abilities
• English proficiency required (verbal & written)
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) required and Bi-literate (English/Spanish) preferred
• Able to pass licensing required FBI background check
• Must be Health Screened: Proof of full immunization and proof of negative TB test required by
licensing
• Must possess Child Development Program Director’s Permit (o obtain one within 6 months of hire)
• Excellent grant-writing skills
• Knowledge of methods, philosophy, and techniques of early childhood education
• Excellent time management and organization skills
• Work cooperatively and effectively with other staff, parents and representatives of community
organizations and agencies
• Work well as a team member and be self-driven as an individual.
• High level of independence and critical thinking
• Must possess valid CPR certification and Pediatric First Aid training certificate or acquire one within 2
months of employment
• Regular use of hands, wrists, and finger movements; ability to perform repetitive motion (keyboard),
writing (notetaking). Ability to operate a computer keyboard and other office equipment
• Ability to sit and/or stand for long periods; twisting, bending, pushing, pulling, holding, and lifting up to
40 lbs.
• Ability to hear normal speech, hear and talk to exchange information in person and telephone
• Ability to think and work effectively under pressure; problem solve and make strategic decisions;
maintain a concentrated level of attention to communicate information in person and by telephone
throughout a typical workday; ability to understand and retain instructions from supervisor in person,
by email or by telephone; attention to detail.
• Experience managing state contracts (CSPP, CCTR and CACFP) preferred
• Experience in managing early education staff and/or programs preferred
• Highly competent in computer skills (we use Microsoft Office), including data management and
reporting databases; and the ability to learn and use new technology as it becomes available to
enhance early education operations
• Note: There may be staff trainings and staff meetings in the evening or on weekends. Attendance at
required meetings is mandatory, a condition of employment and are paid.
• Meet Title 5 Requirements for a Director;

o BA or higher (does not have to be in ECE) including 24 units of ECE courses including the core
courses: child growth and development, child, family, and community; and program/curriculum
plus 6 units of administration and 2 units in adult supervision. 350 days of experience of 3+
hours per day within four years. Or a BA or higher with 12 units of ECE plus 3 units of
supervised field study in an ECE setting. An additional 4 units of infant/toddler development is
required due to our Infant /Toddler program.

o A permit issued by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing authorizing supervision of a
childcare and development program operating in multiple sites. This can be either of the
following permits:
 Child Development Program Director Permit
 Children's Center Supervision Permit
OR
o A current credential issued by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing authorizing teaching
service in elementary school or a single subject credential in home economics, and six units in
administration/supervision of early childhood education/child development (ECE/CD) (not
required to any person who was employed as a program director prior to 1/1/93 in a child care
and development program receiving funding by the Early Learning and Care Division [ELCD])
and 12 units of ECE/CD or at least two years’ experience in an ECE/CD program.
 OR
o An Administrative Services Credential authorizing administration or supervision in public
schools in California that includes a preschool authorization.
Agency Specific Knowledge, Skill & Abilities
• All offers of employment at Walnut Avenue are contingent upon clear results of a thorough
background check/fingerprinting
• This position will require efficiently traveling between multiple sites within the City of Santa Cruz. If
driving, a DMV background check, current driver’s license and proof of insurance are required upon
hire and throughout employment if driving on behalf of the organization.

• Ability to professionally represent the agency through appropriate demeanor and attire
• Capable of working collaboratively and independently
• Maintain a high level of self-awareness and healthy boundaries
• Desire to self-reflect and evaluate personal beliefs, biases, values, attitudes, and actions
• Maintain and practice a self-care routine
• Maintain flexibility regarding job roles and duties
• Ability to apply the strength-based model with program participants and employees/co-workers
• Ability to manage staff and volunteers including creating a welcoming environment, setting clear
expectations, having healthy boundaries, and addressing performance issues
• Capacity to assess, prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced and everchanging environment with minimal supervision
• Ability to efficiently evaluate and problem-solve complex issues
• Fluent and articulate writing abilities
• Commitment to maintain a mutually respectful & supportive work environment that values and
empowers team members to collectively accomplish program goals

Please note: Walnut Avenue Family & Women’s Center complies with the ADA, including providing reasonable accommodations.

It is the policy of Walnut Avenue Family & Women’s Center to provide equal employment, volunteer
opportunities and services (EEO) to all persons regardless of race, color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 years and over), sexual orientation, veteran and/or military status, protected medical leaves (requesting or approved for leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act or the California Family Rights Act), domestic violence victim status, political affiliation, and any other status protected by federal, state or local law.