Head Start Teacher Director

Encompass Community Services has been serving Santa Cruz County since 1973, providing a broad spectrum of social services to over 8000 children, individuals, and families annually. As the largest community-based, nonprofit human services provider in Santa Cruz County, we deliver quality, culturally competent, cost-effective services through our five areas of focus: Children and Parents, Youth 16-24, Housing/Homelessness, Re-Entry from Incarceration and Behavioral Health.

Position works in Child Development (CFDP) area of services. This service area provides early childhood education, social services, and parent education to 1,000 families with young children each year via Head Start/Early Head Start and State Preschool. Offering this support as early as possible promotes healthy families and encourages parents to nurture their child’s physical, social and cognitive development.

HEAD START - 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 currently have an opening for Teacher Director (TD) located in North County. Position works July - May. Reporting to the Site Supervisor, the TD oversees day-to-day operations of the preschool center classroom services with the goal of quality service delivery to children and families. Position is full-time, non-exempt.  Salary is dependent on education ($23.15 -$25.13 / hour).  Hourly pay differential for bilingual skills awarded upon qualification.  

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES 

Serves as on-site center lead, providing leadership to center team/s which assures delivery of quality services within deadlines

Providing leadership to promote individualized, interdisciplinary service strategies for families

Overseeing site operations to ensure delivery of quality services in compliance with Head Start performance standards and other regulations, including Community Care Licensing

Implementing developmentally appropriate curriculum to meet the needs of young children.

Ensuring accurate, up-to-date record keeping/documentation within required deadlines.

Planning and coordination of class activities with staff team, and 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

Referring and supporting children with special needs

Supporting parent involvement

QUALIFICATIONS

• B.A. in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or Child Development;  Or 

         Will consider an A.S. in ECE; A TD hired with an A.S. will be required to have a Professional Development Plan with          timelines reflecting an Education Plan towards a BA degree.

• Child Development Site Supervisor Permit or must obtain one with one year of hire
• Three ECE Admin units or will be required to complete within timeline
• One year experience working with preschool children
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a diverse population and comply with program regulations.
• Intermediate computer literacy skills
• Knowledge of community and County resources.
• Good command of English; Bilingual, English/Spanish-speaking abilities (required)
• Proof of citizenship or right to work in the United States.
• Criminal Record Clearance, Physical examination, TB, MMR & Tdap (vaccine) clearance before hire.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Provide own transportation; Valid Driver’s License, vehicle insurance and good driving record.
• Flexible schedule that includes evenings and weekends 

Our total compensation package includes a comprehensive medical and dental insurance plan, 403(b) retirement plan, vacation, paid holiday and sick time.  Position is also eligible for paid Winter and Spring Break (time off with pay).

We are an equal opportunity employer. At Encompass, we value the diversity of individual ideas, perspectives, insights and values, and what they bring to the workplace. Internal applicants, apply via Career Center.

 If we find that your qualifications are a good fit with our current needs, we will contact you with further instructions. Thank you for your interest in Encompass!