Education Manager, Child Development

Socket.dev; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Pretend City Children's Museum is seeking an Education Manager, Child Development to lead developmental screening programs (ASQ) and manage partnerships with First 5 OC, Rady Children’s Health, and Chapman University, while overseeing family programs such as Way to Play Days and Toddler Town.

You will supervise the Child Development Coordinator, ensure program delivery, evaluation, and reporting, and work with the Chief Experience Officer to advance community impact.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field is required; Master’s preferred.
• Minimum 5+ years in early childhood education or child development.
• At least 2+ years supervising staff or managing programs.
• Strong program management, evaluation, and reporting skills.
• Ability to build lasting partnerships and lead a team.

Responsibilities

• Oversee developmental screening programs (ASQ) and related activities.
• Lead partnerships with organizations such as First 5 OC, Rady Children’s Health, and Chapman University.
• Manage family programs including Way to Play Days, Baby Steps, and Toddler Town.
• Supervise the Child Development Coordinator, guiding training and performance feedback.
• Collaborate with Marketing to include programs on calendar and social media.
• Develop timelines, contracts, and ensure alignment with early childhood development goals.
• Monitor outcomes with Chief Experience Officer and drive program improvements.

Skills

Program management

Partnership development

Staff supervision

Evaluation

Reporting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Early childhood development is a science as much as it is a joy — and we're looking for someone who brings genuine expertise to both sides of that equation.

Pretend City Children's Museum is hiring an Education Manager, Child Development to lead our developmental screening programs (ASQ), build and manage partnerships with organizations like First 5 OC, Rady Children’s Health, and Chapman University, and oversee family programs including Way to Play Days, Baby Steps, Neurodivergent Family Night, and Toddler Town.

Essential Functions:

• Manages the Good To Go child development programs (Baby Steps, Toddler Town, Neurodivergent Family Nights, Way to Play Days) including but not limited to researching, acquiring resources, program tracking and reporting, program evaluation and improvement, meeting initiative goals and deadlines, and ensuring all initiative collateral on the museum stage is aligned with early childhood development.
• Manages theChild Development Coordinator, providing guidance, training, and performance feedback to ensure successful program delivery.
• Oversees the execution of program activities, in coordination with theChild Development Coordinator,including, but not limited to, Way to Play days, monthly screening days, Baby Steps events, Neurodivergent Family Night, Toddler Town, and Good To Go Fair.
• Oversees the ASQ screening process, ensuring accurate data entry and timely preparation of parent letters with results and resources.
• Serves as the primary liaison with partnering agencies including First 5 OC, Rady Children’s Health, Help Me Grow, and Chapman University etc.
• Works closely with the Chief Experience Officer in developing and tracking outcomes.
• Builds, develops, and grows any relationships or partnerships vital to the success of the programs.
• Collaborates with Marketing team to ensure all child development programs are included on the annual calendar and social media.
• Evaluates and implements new strategies to increase awareness of Pretend City child development programs.
• Serves as the primary liaison and programs representative on the museum floor by modeling and training appropriate initiative activities and knowledge with Stage Staff and museum guests.
• Collaborates in the planning, development, implementation, and monitoring of early childhood education community outreach programs including but not limited to workshops, educator professional development, family programs, corporate presentations, events and other related activities.
• Works in conjunction with the Chief Experience Officer to foster relationships with external partners/organizations, develop timelines and contracts as needed to ensure completion of programming and/or assigned projects.

Qualifications:

• Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Occupational Therapy, Special Education, Nursing, or related field (or equivalent combination and experience). Master’s degree preferred.
• 5+ years in early childhood education or child development, including direct work with children ages 0-8.
• 2+ years of experience supervising staff or managing programs, preferably in a nonprofit, museum, or educational setting.
• Strong program management, evaluation, and reporting skills.
• The interpersonal skills to build lasting partnerships and lead a team.