Interim ECE Center Director at Learning Jungle Rancho

The Press Club Grill; La Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays

Professional development support

Growth opportunities

Collaborative team

Job summary

Learning Jungle in California is seeking a qualified Center Director to lead one of our early learning centers. This role oversees all center operations, licensing compliance, staff development, and enrollment management to uphold health, safety, and educational excellence.

The Director will coach educators, ensure play-based curriculum implementation, engage families, manage budgets, and partner with the Regional Director on strategic goals.

Qualifications

• Must meet California Title 22 Director qualifications, including 15 units in ECE/Child Development, 4 units in Administration or Staff Relations, and 3+ years of supervising staff.
• Associate’s degree or higher in ECE or a related field is strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of California licensing regulations, health and safety protocols, and best practices in early learning.
• Exceptional leadership, organizational, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Ensure full compliance with Title 22 Community Care Licensing regulations and maintain required records and postings.
• Recruit, hire, and onboard qualified early childhood educators per Title 22 requirements; supervise staff with regular evaluations.
• Oversee implementation of play-based, Reggio-inspired curriculum across classrooms and monitor quality.
• Engage families with open communication, updates, and events; promote programs to the community.
• Manage center operations including scheduling, health and safety protocols, enrollment management, and budgeting with Regional Director.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organizational skills

California licensing knowledge

Education

15 units in ECE/Child Development

4 units in Administration/Staff Relations

3+ years supervising staff

Associate’s degree or higher in ECE or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Email

Childcare management systems

Job description

Ignite Curiosity. Grow Potential. Lead with Purpose.

At Learning Jungle, we believe early childhood education is one of the most powerful investments in our future. As a global provider of high-quality educational childcare, we are dedicated to creating nurturing, engaging, and developmentally appropriate environments that support children in becoming confident, curious, and capable learners.

We are currently seeking a qualified and experienced Center Director to lead one of our early learning centers in California. This role is responsible for the overall operations of the center, including compliance with California Title 22 Community Care Licensing regulations, staff development, enrollment management, financial oversight, and ensuring the highest standards of health, safety, and educational excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

Licensing & Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with Title 22 Community Care Licensing regulations and maintain all records, reports, and postings as required.
• Prepare for and respond to licensing inspections, audits, and regulatory visits; implement corrective actions as needed.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of California regulations, including ratio requirements, staff qualifications, safety protocols, and facility standards.

Leadership & Staff Development

• Recruit, hire, and onboard qualified early childhood educators in accordance with Title 22 requirements.
• Supervise, coach, and support teaching and administrative staff through regular performance evaluations, goal setting, and professional development.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and collaborative workplace culture that supports team cohesion and employee retention.

Curriculum & Program Quality

• Oversee the implementation of Learning Jungle’s play-based, Reggio-inspired philosophy and Creative Curriculum across all classrooms.
• Monitor classroom quality through regular observations, coaching, and teacher support.
• Ensure developmentally appropriate practices are being used to foster children’s physical, emotional, cognitive, and social growth.

Family Engagement

• Build strong, trusting relationships with families through open communication, regular updates, and family events.
• Respond to parental concerns in a timely and respectful manner, ensuring a high level of customer service and professionalism.
• Promote center programs and educational philosophy to prospective families and the broader community.

Operations & Administration

• Manage center operations including scheduling, staffing coverage, health and safety protocols, and inventory control.
• Oversee enrollment management, billing, and attendance tracking; collaborate with the Regional Director on financial targets and budgeting.
• Ensure the center is clean, safe, and welcoming, and that all learning environments meet licensing and program standards.
• Participate in regular meetings, training, and leadership development opportunities.

Qualifications:

• Must meet California Title 22 Director qualifications, including:
  • 15 units in Early Childhood Education or Child Development (including core courses)
  • 4 units in Administration or Staff Relations
  • At least 3 years of experience in a licensed childcare center supervising staff
  • Associate’s degree or higher in ECE or a related field strongly preferred
• Demonstrated experience in early childhood program management and staff supervision
• Strong knowledge of California licensing regulations, health and safety protocols, and best practices in early learning
• Exceptional leadership, organizational, and communication skills
• Must pass all required California background checks, fingerprinting, TB test, and health screenings
• Current CPR/First Aid Certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire)
• Proficiency with administrative tools such as Microsoft Office, email, and childcare management systems

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds
• Capable of walking, standing, bending, squatting and kneeling for extended periods
• Able to move quickly to respond to children's needs and to ensure child safety

Why Join Learning Jungle?

• A leadership role with purpose—shaping the experience of children, families, and educators
• Competitive salary and benefits, including paid holidays and professional development support
• A supportive and collaborative team environment
• Opportunities for growth within a respected, global early education brand

This job description is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities or qualifications associated with the position. Learning Jungle is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Learning Jungle is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact the HR Department at [e-mail].