Position Summary

Under the supervision of the assigned administrator, the Early Education Director provides administrative leadership for a wide variety of regional early childhood programs and services, including early childhood education and mental health programs, state preschool, childcare planning, UPK, Early Start and Preschool Special Education. Serves as a lead or co-lead for Humboldt County Office of Education (HCOE) efforts to promote program expansion and secure grant funding to enhance access to programs, resources and professional development that would support child and youth development. Provides information and serves as a resource to others and achieves defined objectives by planning, organizing, evaluating, developing and implementing services in compliance with established guidelines. Works in collaboration with other departments of HCOE to deliver coherent and comprehensive services and provides professional learning in Early Childhood Education and Prevention Education Services.

This position description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee assigned to the position. This description is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skills, abilities and working conditions associated with the position. Employees may be required to perform any combination of these duties.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The Early Education Director assists in development and implementation of goals and objectives within the department. Supervisory responsibility includes a wide range of certificated and classified staff, from day-to-day supervision to overseeing others in conducting and signing formal evaluations to initiating and writing contracts for work performance by staff.  Plans program objectives and makes many decisions while in contact with others.  Collaborates with local school district administrators, students and staff, specialists, boards and other agencies as an official representative of HCOE.

Supervision Received and Exercised

This position is under the supervision of the Director of Special Education.  This position is responsible for the evaluation of classified and certificated staff assigned.

Examples of Duties and Responsibilities

• Supports the efforts of the Humboldt County Office of Education in implementing Early Childhood Education Programs and services for children and families.
• Serves as a resource to district personnel and as a liaison to community agencies (e.g. district committees, interagency boards, state superintendent, advocates, delegate representation, California Early Head Start, Local Planning Council, First 5, etc.) explaining procedures conveying and/or receiving information as needed for the planning, developing and evaluating of services related to special and general education in early childhood.
• Directs services and programs that promote inclusion of TK students in all provisions of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and when necessary, special education instruction, with an emphasis on early intervention and inclusion practices to address supports and least restrictive environments.
• Prepares and maintains comprehensive records, reports, files and documentation as required and directed by the Humboldt County Office of Education (HCOE) administrative policies and state and federal laws and regulations.
• Collaborates with internal and external personnel (e.g. other administrators, auditors, public agencies, community members, superintendent, First 5, Head Start, etc.) in implementing and/or maintaining services and programs.
• Compiles data from a wide variety of sources in the process of implementing policies and procedures and/or monitoring program components.
• Directs Early Childhood Department operations; the maintenance of services and the implementation of new programs and/or processes (e.g. state and federally funded early childhood programs, grant funded programs, contracted and infant programs, etc.), providing services within established timeframes and in compliance with related requirements.
• Develops and facilitates meetings and professional development opportunities related to the department initiatives and accessible to HCOE, District and Community Partners.
• Performs personnel administrative functions (e.g hiring, counseling, training, supervising, evaluating, providing professional development opportunities, etc.); maintains necessary staffing, enhances productivity of staff and ensures necessary department/program outcomes are achieved.
• Researches and is knowledgeable of trends and upcoming changes related to early education, universal supports, prevention and intervention, early start and others.
• Responds to inquiries of staff, district personnel, other professional organizations, etc. providing information and/or direction as may be required.
• Participates in professional development activities to enhance leadership skills and keeps abreast of the latest in curricular and instructional methods as related to early childhood education.
• Participates in the establishment of agency to agency contracts; participates in writing proposals and agreements; ensures that agreements are properly administered.
• Coordinates Medi-Cal related administrative duties, such as referrals and outreach.

Qualifications (aka Employment Standards)

Knowledge of:

• At least two systems of early childhood education (Early Head/Start, Head Start, State Preschool).
• California Department of Education Frameworks governing work scope, such as Common Core Standards, Content Standards, Curriculum, Response to Intervention, Full Services Community Schools, etc.
• Curriculum design, planning, development, implementation and evaluation.
• Utilization of various forms of assessment to guide and design instruction.
• Effective pedagogy for ethnic populations, English and multilingual learners.
• Applicable federal, state and District codes, regulations, policies and procedures governing work scope.
• Principles and practices of effective presentation and facilitation techniques, styles and skills.
• Principles and practices of engaging, rigorous and stimulating professional development activities.
• Program planning and evaluation designs and tools.
• Policies related to standards, assessment, accountability, planning, promotion/retention, curriculum and instruction, data access and confidentiality and related areas.

Ability to:

• Motivate, challenge and guide others in the improvement of educational programs and HCOE services
• Communicate with students, parents, community representatives, district personnel and other community partners, both individually and as a group
• Compose and comprehend written communications
• Ability to flex communication style to multiple cultural environments
• Make formal, public presentations
• Utilize computer technologies including but not limited to: electronic medical recording systems, email, word processing, spreadsheets, power point and educational applications
• Determine work assignments of staff and supervise activities
• Be able to work directly with all racial, ethnic, linguistic, disability and socioeconomic groups while maintaining a kind and professional demeanor free of discrimination
• Demonstrate appropriate poise, tact and sound judgment while coping with a high volume of work and multiple tasks
• Be flexible and adaptable to changing environments and schedules.

Education and Experience

Minimum Required:

• Valid California Teaching Credential;
• Valid California Administrative Services Credential;
• Prior work experience;
• At least two years of experience as a school site or district office administrator;
• Demonstrated successful experience as a classroom teacher, counselor, psychologist or other certificated staff;
• Leadership skills with a strong emphasis on instruction and inclusive practices.

Preferred Experience

• Master’s degree in early education or educational administration or related area is strongly preferred;
• Experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds;
• Demonstrated experience with successful development and implementation of professional learning workshops and trainings;
• Ability to speak a second language (Spanish, Sign Language, Hmong highly desirable).

Working Conditions (Work Environment)

This position will be assigned to an office setting, either in the County Office of Education or at District school sites; the employee will be expected to work closely with other County office, District personnel, students, families, other professionals, outside agencies and private partners, in person, via email and on the telephone. Assigned to occasional school site settings where multiple children, school staff and families are present.  Employees may be required to walk, stand or conduct work in outdoor educational environments where there may be loud students or staff, varied temperatures, public interaction or upset staff or students.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of the job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, speak and hear. The employee will need to frequently perform repetitive hand/finger movements for activities, such as but not limited to, using a keyboard. The employee is occasionally required to climb stairs, bend, reach with hands/arms, lift, stoop, kneel and crouch.  The employee will regularly be required to drive long distances to remote areas of the county and may be required to lift and move equipment up to 25 lbs.

Other Requirements

• Must be fingerprinted and a satisfactory Department of Justice records check must be received by HCOE prior to employment.
• TB testing and/or risk assessment will be required upon employment.
• Must pass a pre-employment physical (if applicable).
• May be required to obtain first aid and CPR certificates within the first 6 to 12 months of employment.
• May be required to drive with or without students; some positions may require a California driver’s license, proof of insurance and possible participation in the DMV PUll Notice Program once employed.

Certificated Management Class 4