Center Director — Early Childhood Education (Launching 2026)

Meaningful Beginnings; San Mateo (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition discount

Medical insurance

Professional development

ELFA stipend

Vacation and holidays

Sign-on bonus

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Meaningful Beginnings is seeking a director to lead our early childhood center, overseeing daily operations, supporting teachers, ensuring licensing compliance, and building strong family relationships. The role supports a center opening in Summer 2026, aligned with licensing approval and enrollment readiness.

The position requires 3–5+ years of leadership in ECE, Title 22 licensing knowledge, and strong communication and supervision skills. AA/BA in ECE preferred.

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years of leadership experience in Early Childhood Education
• Strong knowledge of Title 22 licensing requirements
• Experience in staff supervision and program management

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily center operations and ensure smooth running of the school
• Ensure compliance with Title 22 licensing and safety regulations
• Lead, support, and develop teachers and staff
• Conduct classroom observations to maintain program quality and safety
• Manage staffing, scheduling, and enrollment
• Build strong, positive relationships with families
• Handle parent communication and escalated concerns professionally
• Oversee documentation, inspections, and required reporting
• Support facility, supply, and administrative needs

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Staff supervision

Licensing knowledge

Education

ECE degree

Job description

Availability & Opening Timeline: Please note that this position is for a center scheduled to open later in Summer 2026. Final start dates and onboarding timelines will align with licensing approval, enrollment readiness, and operational needs leading up to opening.

$75,000+/year · $1,000 Sign-on bonus

San Mateo · Full-time · Monday to Friday

Lead a thriving early learning center at Meaningful Beginnings, a Reggio Emilia–inspired early childhood community. You’ll oversee daily operations, support and develop teachers, partner with families, and ensure a safe, high-quality program that meets licensing requirements.

You’ll:

• Lead daily center operations and classroom quality
• Support, coach, and develop teachers and staff
• Manage staffing, scheduling, and enrollment
• Ensure Title 22, health, and safety compliance
• Conduct classroom observations and support strong teaching practices
• Build positive relationships with children and families
• Address parent concerns with care and professionalism
• Oversee documentation, inspections, and required reporting

You have:

• 3–5+ years of leadership experience in early childhood education
• Strong knowledge of Title 22 licensing requirements
• Experience supervising staff and managing an early childhood program
• AA or BA in Early Childhood Education or a related field preferred
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills
• CPR/First Aid certification or willingness to obtain

You’ll get:

• $75,000+/year + up to $1,000 sign-on bonus
• 50% employer-paid medical and dental premiums
• Up to 3 paid center closure weeks + 13+ paid holidays
• Childcare tuition discount
• Paid professional development and leadership development
• Opportunities for continued career growth

Apply in minutes: Send a resume or a short note to [e-mail].

Meaningful Beginnings has proudly served families since 2013, providing high‑quality Infant/Toddler care, Preschool, and Transitional Kindergarten programs for children ages 0–6. Our mission is to offer loving, developmentally rich environments that support every child’s growth while empowering educators with training, mentorship, and a positive workplace culture.