Director Westcliff Early Learning Academy (Interim)

Westcliff Early Learning; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Westcliff Early Learning Academy is seeking an Interim Director to lead the day-to-day operations, ensure high-quality early childhood education, and supervise staff within a university-affiliated program.

This role collaborates with the Dean of the College of Education and various university departments to align the Academy's objectives, licensing, safety, budgeting, and family engagement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field.
• Minimum five years of progressively responsible experience in an early childhood education program.
• Minimum one year of supervisory experience.
• Knowledge of California Department of Social Services Community Care Licensing requirements.
• Valid California driver's license (if required).
• Current First Aid and CPR certification for infants, children, and adults, or ability to obtain.
• Master's degree in a related field (preferred).
• Experience with Montessori and/or Reggio Emilia educational approaches.
• Experience managing licensed early childhood education programs and budgets.
• Experience supporting teacher preparation or practicum programs.

Responsibilities

• Direct daily Academy operations; implement operational procedures; evaluate program effectiveness; prepare reports; coordinate with University support departments
• Supervise assigned employees, including work assignments, coaching, performance evaluations, and professional development, and collaborate with HR and University leadership on personnel matters
• Oversee curriculum implementation; monitor classroom quality; support teacher trainees in practicum or student teaching experiences
• Ensure licensing compliance, health and safety regulations, and institutional policies; oversee inspections and records
• Assist with development and administration of the operating budget; monitor expenditures and recommend budget adjustments
• Serve as the primary point of contact for parents and guardians; support enrollment and community engagement
• Participate on committees or workgroups; assist with grant-related initiatives; perform other duties as assigned

Skills

Leadership

Staff supervision

Curriculum oversight

Licensing compliance

Budget management

Communication

Project management

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education

Master's degree in related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Description

Position Summary

The Interim Director of Westcliff Early Learning Academy (WELA) is responsible for the dayto-day leadership, administration, and operational oversight of WELA. The Interim Director ensures the delivery of a high-quality early childhood education program by overseeing educational programming, licensing compliance, staff supervision, student safety, and operational effectiveness.

The Interim Director serves as the primary operational leader for WELA and collaborates with the Dean of the College of Education and designated Westcliff University administrative departments—including Human Resources, Payroll, Information Technology, Finance, and Facilities—to support the Academy’s strategic and operational objectives. Operational responsibilities are carried out in accordance with institutional policies and within the scope of authority delegated by the University., which may be modified from time to time.

Essential Functions Leadership & Operations:

• Direct daily Academy operations; implement operational procedures; evaluate program effectiveness; prepare reports; coordinate with University support departments
• Personnel Management : Supervise assigned employees, including work assignments, coaching, performance evaluations, and professional development, and collaborate with Human Resources and University leadership regarding personnel matters, as appropriate and in accordance with University policies.
• Educational Program Administration: Oversee curriculum implementation; monitor classroom quality; support teacher trainees participating in practicum or student teaching experiences. Licensing, Compliance & Risk Management: Ensure compliance with applicable licensing requirements, health and safety regulations, and institutional policies; oversee inspections and required records.
• Financial Administration: Assist with development and administration of the operating budget; monitor expenditures and recommend budget adjustments.
• Parent & Community Relations: Serve as the primary point of contact for parents and guardians; support enrollment and community engagement. Additional Responsibilities Participate on committees or workgroups as assigned. Assist with grant-related initiatives, when applicable. Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field.
• Minimum five years of progressively responsible experience in an early childhood education program. Minimum one year of supervisory experience.
• Knowledge of California Department of Social Services Community Care Licensing requirements. Valid California driver's license (if required). Current First Aid and CPR certification for infants, children, and adults, or ability to obtain.
• Preferred Qualifications
• Master's degree in a related field.
• Experience with Montessori and/or Reggio Emilia educational approaches.
• Experience managing licensed early childhood education programs and budgets.
• Experience supporting teacher preparation
  or practicum programs.
• Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
• Knowledge of child development and early childhood education.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Ability to supervise, coach, and evaluate employees.
• Strong organizational, analytical, communication, and project management skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and related software.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
• Regular standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and reaching.
• Occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to supervise children indoors and outdoors. Ability to respond to emergencies.
• Regular use of computers and standard office equipment.

Terminology

• Children: Individuals enrolled in WELA. Teacher
• Trainees: University students participating in practicum, observation, internship, or student teaching experiences.
• Staff: Employees assigned to WELA.

Disclaimer This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of essential functions, responsibilities or qualifications. Duties and responsibilities may be modified or assigned at any time based on organizational needs.