Program Lead - Temporary
Catalyst Family Inc., Tustin, CA, United States
The Program Lead manages all programmatic and staffing aspects of an early care and education center, in accordance with the agency’s program and people management goals. This position ensures program quality is maintained in a single Catalyst Family Inc. licensed childcare center and provides oversight of planning, implementation, assessment, reflection, and program requirements for school age and infant/toddler age children. Program Leads coach, mentor and provide ongoing observation and feedback to teaching staff to implement quality programming, ensuring all children receive quality staff-child interactions and are supervised in a safe and healthy environment. They work collaboratively with the Center Manager/Site Supervisor to support business aspects of the center including enrollment, attendance, purchasing and community relationship building, and celebrate diversity among staff, children and families.
Essential Job Functions
Program Quality
Liaison for communicating Catalyst Family Inc. vision, mission, philosophy, curriculum approaches to staff, parents, school personnel, community, State and local agencies.
Ensures streamlined processes for documented learning from observations, lesson plans, documentation, assessments, and reviews consistent with Catalyst Family Inc.’s mission and values.
Shares program information and assessment results with the center, supporting and mentoring teachers in the creation and implementation of center action plans.
Collaborates with staff to provide an enriched, dynamic indoor/outdoor environment that meets diverse and cultural needs while being safe, clean and well maintained.
Assesses program quality, curriculum implementation, health/safety, and licensing standards, continuously improving alignment with quality standards.
Fully participates and leads QRIS for Infant/Toddler programs.
Maintains knowledge of Developmentally Appropriate Practices and applicable curriculum influences such as Reggio Emilia, California’s Learning Framework, Foundations, Search Institute, and PITC.
Works with staff to develop and implement child growth plans using observations and assessment tools.
In partnership with leadership follows Catalyst’s Positive Behavior Approach and provides tools for implementation.
Scheduled to be in ratio 33% of the work week, depending on center needs.
Managing, Coaching & Supporting Staff
Manages a team of 2-5 staff, coaching, supporting and providing feedback for performance.
Conducts annual performance reviews and provides regular feedback.
Facilitates highly effective, participatory team meetings fostering ownership of outcomes.
Observes staff interactions, activity effectiveness, learning environment and gives immediate constructive feedback.
Provides on‑site mentoring and modeling in the classroom, training staff on age‑appropriate activities and curriculum implementation.
Integrates new staff, sets clear job expectations, and communicates mission and values.
Develops professional growth plans and opportunities for continuous development.
Ensures individual and team goals align with agency goals and holds people accountable with corrective action plans as needed.
Leadership
Commits to continuous improvement in child development, curriculum and leadership skills.
Attends training and research‑based exchanges to implement practices in classrooms.
Acts as a change agent advocating, communicating and implementing organizational changes.
Nurtures team spirit and maintains high morale.
Mentors and develops internal candidates for new positions.
Encourages staff recruitment through referral programs and community relationships.
Family & Community Partnerships
Establishes authentic, culturally responsive relationships with families, schools, and community.
Organizes and supports a parent advisory committee for feedback and participation.
Acts as a Catalyst representative at school activities and community events.
Assesses community needs and involves families as partners with open‑door communication.
Provides ongoing information to parents, including education and community resources.
Participates in local, regional and statewide advocacy for children and families.
Compliance
Ensures full compliance with agency policies and protects resources.
Guarantees all operations meet or exceed state licensing regulations, funding terms, health/safety, nutrition and quality tools.
Ensures staff schedules meet required adult‑to‑child ratios.
Business Management
Forecasts staffing needs based on business requirements.
Partners with Recruiting to hire suitable candidates.
Creates and maintains staffing schedules and purchasing plans with center leadership.
Maintains full enrollment and attendance, achieving required metrics.
Improves center performance, supports enrollment, and follows budget/purchasing guidelines.
Education & Experience
Education
The minimum formal relevant education required by the position may change based on state and center requirements.
HS Degree or GED and 15 units of ECE (3 in administration or staff relations, 12 core units).
AA degree with 24 ECE/CD units, 6 in administration, 2 in adult supervision.
BA with 12 ECE/CD units, 6 in administration, 2 in adult supervision.
Site Supervisor Permit or above preferred; expectation to obtain upon hire.
Continuing education to meet professional growth standards required.
Experience
The minimum relevant experience necessary to qualify for the position.
2-3 years in an ECE/CD setting.
At least 1 year of mentoring and leading other adults or teaching staff.
Other Qualifications
Must complete Child Care Center Part II Orientation Certificate and Mandate Reporter training.
Passes Criminal Record Clearance, health screening, TB test, and maintains updated immunizations.
Values the impact of culture on child development.
Provides strategic approaches and assists in implementation.
Understands and values diversity and cultural sensitivity.
Strong interpersonal skills: listens, receives feedback and provides constructive feedback.
Possesses high initiative, motivation and direction.
Interacts with children consistent with Catalyst Family Inc. philosophy.
Knows agency philosophy, curriculum standards, DAP and implements them.
Initiates partnership within community and internal departments.
Stays abreast of new research and theories in ECE/Youth fields.
Possesses working knowledge of staffing, marketing communication (highly desirable).
Proficiency in second languages also desirable.
Demonstrates ability to manage staff, coach and mentor.
Provides effective customer service.
Possesses effective leadership skills and commits to continual improvement.
Strategic thinker and planner.
Excellent interpersonal and team communication.
Highly effective in program quality, implementation and people management.
Tracks and follows a budget.
Demonstrates team‑player mentality.
Shift Type
Full Time
Schedule
Monday - Friday, 8‑hour shift between hours of 7am - 6pm
What We Offer
Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits
401(k) Retirement plan and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Personal Health Advocate
Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
Discounted childcare
Access to the Calm app
Tickets at Work employee discounts
Continuous learning and growth opportunities with training and professional growth advisory
We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug‑free workplace.
Equal Opportunity Employer. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Essential Job Functions
Program Quality
Liaison for communicating Catalyst Family Inc. vision, mission, philosophy, curriculum approaches to staff, parents, school personnel, community, State and local agencies.
Ensures streamlined processes for documented learning from observations, lesson plans, documentation, assessments, and reviews consistent with Catalyst Family Inc.’s mission and values.
Shares program information and assessment results with the center, supporting and mentoring teachers in the creation and implementation of center action plans.
Collaborates with staff to provide an enriched, dynamic indoor/outdoor environment that meets diverse and cultural needs while being safe, clean and well maintained.
Assesses program quality, curriculum implementation, health/safety, and licensing standards, continuously improving alignment with quality standards.
Fully participates and leads QRIS for Infant/Toddler programs.
Maintains knowledge of Developmentally Appropriate Practices and applicable curriculum influences such as Reggio Emilia, California’s Learning Framework, Foundations, Search Institute, and PITC.
Works with staff to develop and implement child growth plans using observations and assessment tools.
In partnership with leadership follows Catalyst’s Positive Behavior Approach and provides tools for implementation.
Scheduled to be in ratio 33% of the work week, depending on center needs.
Managing, Coaching & Supporting Staff
Manages a team of 2-5 staff, coaching, supporting and providing feedback for performance.
Conducts annual performance reviews and provides regular feedback.
Facilitates highly effective, participatory team meetings fostering ownership of outcomes.
Observes staff interactions, activity effectiveness, learning environment and gives immediate constructive feedback.
Provides on‑site mentoring and modeling in the classroom, training staff on age‑appropriate activities and curriculum implementation.
Integrates new staff, sets clear job expectations, and communicates mission and values.
Develops professional growth plans and opportunities for continuous development.
Ensures individual and team goals align with agency goals and holds people accountable with corrective action plans as needed.
Leadership
Commits to continuous improvement in child development, curriculum and leadership skills.
Attends training and research‑based exchanges to implement practices in classrooms.
Acts as a change agent advocating, communicating and implementing organizational changes.
Nurtures team spirit and maintains high morale.
Mentors and develops internal candidates for new positions.
Encourages staff recruitment through referral programs and community relationships.
Family & Community Partnerships
Establishes authentic, culturally responsive relationships with families, schools, and community.
Organizes and supports a parent advisory committee for feedback and participation.
Acts as a Catalyst representative at school activities and community events.
Assesses community needs and involves families as partners with open‑door communication.
Provides ongoing information to parents, including education and community resources.
Participates in local, regional and statewide advocacy for children and families.
Compliance
Ensures full compliance with agency policies and protects resources.
Guarantees all operations meet or exceed state licensing regulations, funding terms, health/safety, nutrition and quality tools.
Ensures staff schedules meet required adult‑to‑child ratios.
Business Management
Forecasts staffing needs based on business requirements.
Partners with Recruiting to hire suitable candidates.
Creates and maintains staffing schedules and purchasing plans with center leadership.
Maintains full enrollment and attendance, achieving required metrics.
Improves center performance, supports enrollment, and follows budget/purchasing guidelines.
Education & Experience
Education
The minimum formal relevant education required by the position may change based on state and center requirements.
HS Degree or GED and 15 units of ECE (3 in administration or staff relations, 12 core units).
AA degree with 24 ECE/CD units, 6 in administration, 2 in adult supervision.
BA with 12 ECE/CD units, 6 in administration, 2 in adult supervision.
Site Supervisor Permit or above preferred; expectation to obtain upon hire.
Continuing education to meet professional growth standards required.
Experience
The minimum relevant experience necessary to qualify for the position.
2-3 years in an ECE/CD setting.
At least 1 year of mentoring and leading other adults or teaching staff.
Other Qualifications
Must complete Child Care Center Part II Orientation Certificate and Mandate Reporter training.
Passes Criminal Record Clearance, health screening, TB test, and maintains updated immunizations.
Values the impact of culture on child development.
Provides strategic approaches and assists in implementation.
Understands and values diversity and cultural sensitivity.
Strong interpersonal skills: listens, receives feedback and provides constructive feedback.
Possesses high initiative, motivation and direction.
Interacts with children consistent with Catalyst Family Inc. philosophy.
Knows agency philosophy, curriculum standards, DAP and implements them.
Initiates partnership within community and internal departments.
Stays abreast of new research and theories in ECE/Youth fields.
Possesses working knowledge of staffing, marketing communication (highly desirable).
Proficiency in second languages also desirable.
Demonstrates ability to manage staff, coach and mentor.
Provides effective customer service.
Possesses effective leadership skills and commits to continual improvement.
Strategic thinker and planner.
Excellent interpersonal and team communication.
Highly effective in program quality, implementation and people management.
Tracks and follows a budget.
Demonstrates team‑player mentality.
Shift Type
Full Time
Schedule
Monday - Friday, 8‑hour shift between hours of 7am - 6pm
What We Offer
Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits
401(k) Retirement plan and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Personal Health Advocate
Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
Discounted childcare
Access to the Calm app
Tickets at Work employee discounts
Continuous learning and growth opportunities with training and professional growth advisory
We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug‑free workplace.
Equal Opportunity Employer. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
#J-18808-Ljbffr