Pacific Oaks Children’s School Executive Director One of the nation’s most respected, internationally known progressive leaders of early childhood education seeks an Executive Director deeply aligned to anti-bias education, emergent curriculum and peaceful conflict resolution, to provide high integrity institutional leadership along with best-in-class guidance and education to the children, teachers and administration of The Children’s School At the forefront of early childhood education for 70 years and internationally known for our progressive approach and pioneering accomplishments in anti-bias education, emergent curriculum, and peaceful conflict resolution, Pacific Oaks Children’s School is at an inflection point in our history and we are in search of a like-minded Executive Director Pacific Oaks Children's School is located on an expansive 1.5-acre campus that provides an ideal setting for learning and exploration with tree-shaded pathways, original craftsman homes, spacious play yards, an art studio and a neighborhood-like atmosphere Some 170 families and 30 teachers have joined our inclusive community where each individual is provided an opportunity to learn and contribute in an environment of acceptance Success and acceptance in the academic community allowed the school to create the internationally known Pacific Oaks College, which offers Children’s School graduates an extension of the progressive education they experienced, and a new training ground for them and for other teachers and thought leaders of the progressive approach to early childhood education which is the hallmark of both institutions Offering both morning, afternoon and full-day programming, low teacher-to-child ratios, a unique team of professionals that includes exceptional teachers, an artist and musician in residence, and a special needs consultant, Pacific Oaks Children’s School also offers many of Pacific Oaks College’s students the powerful opportunity to learn from progressive educators by working in student positions at the Children's School POSITION SUMMARY: The Children’s School Executive Director (“Director”) shall provide outstanding educational leadership and management of the day-to-day operations of Pacific Oaks Children’s School serving children ages from six months through five years The Director works closely with the teachers and administrative staff in the managing the day-to-day operations of the school The Director is responsible for realizing the school’s vision, mission, and strategic goals The Director is responsible for all children’s programs based on the principles of constructivism, emergent curriculum and experiential-based education This position reports directly to the Chief Operating Officer of Pacific Oaks College and Children’s School The Director is a member of the President’s Extended Cabinet and plays a vital role in maintaining a cooperative spirit where parents are expected to involve themselves in the life of the school ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Support the Mission, Vision and Values • Wholeheartedly support the mission, vision and values of the Children’s School • Articulate the school’s philosophy and pedagogy, sharing widely with children, families, teachers, administration and the community at-large Leadership of Teachers and Staff • Guide curriculum development based on progressive and constructivist principles as well as current research and best practices • Provide educational leadership to teachers, overseeing professional development of both the collective and individual teachers • Hire, develop, orientate, train, supervise and evaluate personnel and support staff in curriculum planning and implementation • Provide individual teachers’ growth through staff conferences and attend teaching team meetings as needed • Develop and implement program policies Connection with Children and Families • Establish collaborative partnerships with parents including a respect for cultural differences, a variety of family configurations and parenting styles • Confer with teaching staff regarding each child’s growth and development, including learning and/or behavioral concerns Recommend methods of modifying behavior and encouraging optimal learning experiences for all children at the School • Work closely with the Parent Association providing guidance and support for activities, events, and publications, local organizations and the larger educational community • Meet monthly with the co-chairs of the Parent Association and committee chairs to support their work and to encourage parent participation throughout the school community • Oversee all communications from the school including narrative year-end reports to parents, newsletters Write articles for the school magazine and school-wide parent newsletters participation throughout the Children’s school community • Communication may include but is not limited to preschool evaluation forms, in-depth developmental summaries, classroom newsletters etc Administration and Regulatory Policies • Review and evaluate facility activities to ensure conformance to state and local regulations on a daily basis Draft policies and procedures to ensure all regulations are met • Represent the school on tours, informational sessions, and Open Houses as well in local and regional professional meetings • Plan, administer and achieve a budget for both revenue and expense; approve and monitor expenditures, make cost reductions as necessary • Serve as an ex-officio member of the Board of Trustees and attend all meetings as requested • Compile information and data and prepare a variety of reports to Board committees and others as needed or requested • Work with the Facilities Department and others to effectively maintain the campus and buildings to ensure a safe, healthy, clean, and effective learning environment for very young children • • Partner with other administrators at Pacific Oaks College and Children’s School and the support system of TCS Education System to provide effective and efficient services and support for the Children’s School Abide by and uphold all policies and procedures of Pacific Oaks Children’s School and College Community Connection and Fundraising • Working with the Advancement department of Pacific Oaks College and Children’s School, develop and achieve a successful fundraising strategy Oversee school-wide events such as, but not limited to, Fall Festival, the Mentor Family program, Grandparents Special Friends Day celebration, the year-end picnic, and so forth ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES • • • • • • • • • • • • • In-depth knowledge of early childhood education and progressive-constructivist pedagogy Effective communicator writer, listener, and speaker Demonstrate strong interpersonal intelligence and skills Exemplify respect, for differing perspectives, cultures, and life experiences Sense of perspective, humor, and resilience Ability to demonstrate and communicate the school’s inclusive culture and anti-bias curriculum Experience understanding organizational systems and processes, and modifying them as needed Demonstrate professionalism and discretion in all matters and relationships Knowledge of regulatory bodies and attendant requirements, processes, and procedures Model high standards of ethical behavior Ability and interest in working cooperatively and collaboratively with parents, teachers, and staff of the Pacific Oaks and TCS Education Services (TCSES) Demonstrated effective written and oral communication skills Abides by the rules and policies of the Pacific Oaks Children’s School and supports the mission of Pacific Oaks such as encouraging inclusion and embracing diversity POSITION QUALIFICATIONS • • • • • Master’s degree in early childhood education, child development or related field from an accredited college or university, required Minimum of years’ experience in overseeing an early childhood education/care program or preschool, and supervising teachers and staff Children’s Center Supervisory Permit required Effective written and verbal communication skills Ability to inspire, motivate and provide visionary leadership for the Children’s School community Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed