Assistant Early Learning Director

Description

ABOUT US 

Peninsula Family Service (PFS) is a nonprofit organization that provides children, families, and older adults with the support and tools they need to realize their full potential. As one of the largest providers of infant, toddler, and preschool programs in the region, PFS also delivers services in financial empowerment, employment, and older adult support — ensuring that people at every stage of life have access to opportunities to thrive. Established in 1950, PFS has been a trusted community partner for over 75 years, dedicated to fostering stability, resilience, and well-being for the individuals and families it serves. 

At PFS, our values guide how we serve our community and work together as a team. We expect every team member to demonstrate Ownership, Proactive Engagement, and a commitment to Continuous Learning and Adaptability. These values are grounded in a shared dedication to community, service, and collaborative teamwork. 

JOB SUMMARY 

The Assistant Early Learning Director provides hands-on leadership and operational oversight of the organization's early learning programs funded by Early Head Start (EHS), California State Preschool Program (CSPP), and CalWORKs Child Care (CCTR). This role ensures continuity of high-quality services, regulatory compliance, fiscal accountability, and support for site leadership and staff during a transition period. 

In addition to maintaining current operations, the Assistant Director will play a key role in planning and preparing for the opening of two new and one rebuilt early learning sites scheduled for 2027, ensuring readiness across staffing, licensing, facilities, and program compliance. Due to a staff leave, this role will temporarily report directly to the Chief Program Officer.

REPORT TO: Director of Early Learning 

JOB CLASSIFICATION: Exempt, Full Time 

Salary: $125,000 – $135,000 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

Program Operations & Oversight 

• Provide day-to-day supervision of early learning programs across EHS, CSPP, and CCTR contracts. 
• Ensure programs operate in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including Head Start Program Performance Standards and California Department of Education (CDE) requirements. 
• Monitor enrollment, attendance, ratios, eligibility, and service delivery to meet contract obligations. 
• Support site leaders with daily operations, staffing coverage, and problem solving. 

Compliance, Monitoring & Reporting 

• Oversee program documentation, recordkeeping, and readiness for reviews, audits, and monitoring visits. 
• Ensure timely and accurate submission of required reports, data, and deliverables to funders. 
• Address findings, corrective action plans, and technical assistance needs promptly and effectively. 
• Collaborate with fiscal staff to align program operations with contract budgets. 
• Use program data to identify trends, inform decision-making, and drive continuous quality improvement across sites and funding streams. 
• Track and analyze enrollment, attendance, outcomes, and compliance metrics to proactively address gaps before they become findings. 

Staff Supervision & Support 

• Supervise site supervisors, education managers, and program coordinators. 
• Provide coaching and guidance to ensure consistent implementation of policies, procedures, and quality standards. 
• Support hiring, onboarding, performance management, and staff development as needed. 
• Promote a respectful, supportive, and compliant work environment. 

Family & Community Engagement 

• Ensure programs meet family engagement, comprehensive services, and referral requirements. 
• Maintain relationships with families, community partners, and licensors. 

Health, Safety & Quality 

• Ensure implementation of health, safety, and child supervision requirements. 
• Support developmentally appropriate, inclusive, and culturally responsive learning environments. 
• Address incidents, licensing concerns, or safety issues promptly and thoroughly. 

Leadership & Transition Support 

• Maintain program stability during leadership transition. 
• Document key processes and support onboarding of permanent leadership. 
• Serve as a consistent communication link between site leaders, program staff, and senior leadership, ensuring information flows clearly and equitably across the division. 
• Translate organizational priorities and regulato