Childcare Center Director

It is PACCC’s honorable mission to serve as many families as possible and help to build the future of our community through its most precious asset – the children. Since 1974, PACCC has pursued its non-profit mission of providing exceptional education and care for Palo Alto’s children, regardless of a family’s financial circumstances, with unwavering determination.

In alignment with our long-standing partners, the City of Palo Alto, Palo Alto Unified School District, California Department of Social Services and California Department of Education, PACCC is committed to serving the current and future needs of Palo Alto’s families, and actively works to eliminate barriers. Over one-third of enrollment spots are designated for financial assistance through our long-standing partners and PACCC’s own fundraising efforts.

About the Role:

We are seeking a highly qualified Childcare Center Director to oversee the daily operations of our Preschool Program. As the Director, you will be responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of all children in our care, as well as managing a team of dedicated childcare professionals. Under direction from the Regional Coordinator, your main goal will be to provide a nurturing and stimulating environment that promotes the physical, emotional, and cognitive development of each child while maintaining overall accountability for the quality and success of the program operation, its students, and staff.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Completion of 12 semester units in Early Childhood Education, including Core units (Child Development, Curriculum & Child, Family, Community).
• At least 5 years of experience in a leadership role in a licensed childcare center
• Strong knowledge of state and federal regulations governing childcare centers
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to manage and motivate a team of childcare professionals
• Ability to obtain Child Development Site Supervisor Permit within one year of hire

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field
• Experience working with diverse populations and children with special needs
• Bilingual

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement policies and procedures that ensure the safety and well-being of all children in our care
• Manage and supervise a team of childcare professionals, providing guidance and support as needed
• Maintain accurate records of attendance, enrollment, and other important data
• Collaborate with parents and families to ensure open communication and a positive relationship
• Ensure compliance with all state and federal regulations governing childcare centers

Skills:

Must have the ability to effectively manage, develop, direct and lead both staff and center program. Position requires working knowledge, skill and ability to develop and follow licensing requirements (Title 22 and/or Title 5) and NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children), and/or Desired Results standards. In addition, positions require the ability to: 1) research, analyze and propose program strategies that meet PACCC and center objectives; 2) monitor and evaluate existing programs against current trends; 3) design new and revise approaches to program to assure equity, legal compliance and competitiveness; 4) provide guidance and develop staff in the use of age-appropriate program trends and tools such as NAEYC /Desired Results standards; 5) ability to work pro-actively with PACCC administration demonstrating strong teamwork ability; 6) must have the ability to maintain confidentiality and represent PACCC in a positive manner at all times.

Additional Requirements*:

• Must be vaccinated for measles and pertussis; must obtain annual flu vaccine or provide a signed declination form; must be tested for TB upon hire
• Must complete a pre-employment physical
• Must complete and pass a fingerprint background clearance check

*Some may be subject to reasonable accommodation requests

Palo Alto Community Child Care is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.