Asst. Director-Nature Based Nursery School

We seek an Assistant Director who can assist in leading the full program of 24-36 children, and teach our nursery class (0-2 years old) daily. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education and a deep understanding of the Reggio Emilia philosophy and nature-based education.

Start date: June 2025, with a potential school opening date of July 2025. 

We seek candidates who are:

• Sustainability minded
• Flexible and creative
• Experienced in nature-based or environmental education
• Exceptional with infants
• Positive and open-minded
• Happy in collaborative environments with families and educators
• Lifelong learners 
• Committed to a Reggio approach and best teaching practices 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Possess a B.A. or B.S in a related field (Child Development, Psychology, Education, Family Studies)
2. Holds a valid Child Development Site Supervisor Permit or valid Child Development Director Permit
3. At least 3 years of experience teaching infants (0-2 years old)
4. CPR and First Aid Certification
5. TB Clearance, record of flu shots, and immunization record as stipulated by Title 22 

Preferred

• Possess a M.A. or M.S in a related field (Child Development, Psychology, Education, Family Studies)
• Leadership experience
• Eligible to possess a valid Child Development Director Permit
• Significant knowledge and experience with the Reggio Emilia Approach

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Assistant Director monitors and evaluates the proper functioning of the entire nursery school. In this capacity, the Teacher ensures that: 1) the School retains its commitment to its Reggio Emilia-inspired roots, and 2) Promotes experiences that build a child’s relationship with the community and the natural world. The Assistant Director also ensures that The Little Blue Creche is a place where learning becomes a joint venture between children, teachers, and families and where social and academic development happens within the context of a play-filled childhood. Therefore, they are responsible for maintaining the parent-school relationship with infant families who are coworkers in the rest of the building. 

Additionally, the Assistant Director is responsible for ensuring compliance with all California Child Care Licensing laws in the infant program and maintaining the good standing of the program. This position reports to the Teacher Director. It is expected that the Assistant Director will present documentation to meet the California Child Care Licensing requirements.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Assist the Teacher Director in leading the nursery school 
• Coordinates coverage and staff support in leu of the Teacher Director’s absence
• Oversee sections of the budget that relate to the infant program
• Help coordinate volunteers and student interns for the infant classroom
• Prepare, update, and monitor all licensing paperwork, including monitoring the status of faculty regarding requirements for health and safety preparedness 
• Order supplies as needed for the infant program
• Plan and facilitate an emergent curriculum according to each child
• Teaching a class of up to 8 students daily
• Design the indoor and outdoor classroom environment, to meet the needs of individual children 
• Create provocations intended for the indoor and outdoor classroom
• Adapt the classroom to the cultural needs of the children incorporating the one hundred languages
• Design and supervise a peaceful atmosphere for children to nap
• Establish a healthy and safe indoor and outdoor environment by following School policies and procedures 
• Assist with the general hygiene of the children including, but not limited to; toilet training, diaper changing, washing hands, brushing teeth, cleaning mud or sand off of children, and helping with other activities that may require contact with bodily fluids. 
• Responsible for the health, safety, and welfare of all children; according to Title 22 Regulations, including but not limited to; helping children stay warm and dry in poor weather, managing risk in an outdoor setting, and addressing conflict resolution
• Ensure the security of all school files and records
• Ensure a safe and kind working environment for all 
• Document each child’s growth and development continuously
• Create ongoing documentation panels for children’s learning
• Represent the school at open houses and social gatherings
• Plan parent connection opportunities
• Be available to parents to provide support and education
• Maintain Child Development Program Director Permit
• Other duties as assigned by the CEO 

In collaboration with a Pedagogista and the CEO:

• Enhance the short- and long-term vision 
• Plan and support professional development for infant staff and volunteers
• Work closely with the CEO on admissions and campus tours

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT: 

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. 

Environment

Work is performed in a child development center; exposure to communicable diseases; subject to noise from children and equipment operation; frequent interruptions and contact in person with children, parents, students, staff, and others. 

Physical 

Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in a child development center; to stand or sit for prolonged periods; to frequently stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull 40 lbs of weight; to operate classroom equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination; to verbally communicate to exchange information; and to occasionally travel to other offices or location.

TO APPLY:

Please submit:

• Cover letter
• Resumé
• Minimum of 3 references

Please address inquiries to Melissa B. Wilder, CEO. Please submit all documents by emailing them to info@bluecreche.com.