Center Director

GET TO KNOW US:

For over 100 years, Vista Del Mar Child & Family Services (VDM) has taken great pride in providing exceptional programs and services for children and families throughout LA County. VDM envisions a community where all children and families are equipped and prepared to live productive, fulfilling lives. We serve the most vulnerable in Los Angeles, many of whom have faced multi-generational inequities. Vista Del Mar is guided by core values of empowerment, equity, and excellence.

CULTURE:

At Vista Del Mar, our success is empowered by our staff, families, residents, and clients. We believe in the inclusion and liberation of marginalized communities, standing in unity for justice and recognizing long-standing systemic oppression. We acknowledge we are part of an unjust system and strongly advocate to change oppressive systems and the unconscious bias that affect staff, clients, and families in all communities. Vista is committed to developing a culture of healing, community care, and creating a sense of belonging. Our actions will be louder than our words.

Folks who are Black, Indigenous, people of color, LGBTQ+, of a marginalized gender, disabled, parents, are/have been system-impacted, are immigrants, and anyone who has experienced systemic oppression, and/or gender-based violence are encouraged to apply.

MISSION:

Vista Del Mar provides a trauma-responsive continuum of services to empower children, youth, and families in Southern California to lead fulfilling lives.

ABOUT VISTA VILLAGE:

Vista Village is committed to strengthening early childhood experiences by providing high-quality learning opportunities, fostering strong family bonds, and connecting families with vital community resources.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Center Director-Vista Village is responsible for the overall leadership and daily management of the agency’s Early Education Center, ensuring full compliance with Head Start Performance Standards (HSPPS), General Child Care and Development (CCTR) requirements, Community Care Licensing (CCL) regulations, California Department of Social Services (CDSS) guidance, and agency policies and procedures.

The Center Director oversees center operations, guides program implementation, and supports staff to ensure the fulfillment of all contractual obligations and the delivery of high-quality early learning services.'

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES (others may be assigned):

• Work with the agency leadership team to start up the Early Education Center, including developing center-specific policies and procedures.
• Prepare and submit the center’s licensing application. Compile all required documentation and ensure adherence to state regulations. Monitor application status, promptly address deficiencies, and secure licensing approval before center launch.
• Design and implement a staff training and development program aligned with program goals and compliance standards.
• Lead recruitment efforts to hire qualified center staff and build a cohesive team.
• Design and furnish early education environments. Collaborate with leadership and facilities to plan, equip, and customize classrooms and common areas. Ensure spaces are developmentally appropriate, safe, and aligned with program philosophy and licensing standards.
• Lead pre-launch outreach and enrollment strategies. Partner with ERSEA and the Creative Director to develop marketing and community recruitment campaigns. Facilitate family engagement, promote program visibility, and maintain targeted enrollment levels.
• Work collaboratively with the ERSEA team to facilitate center enrollment and ensure a smooth, supportive transition for children and families entering the center.
• Coordinate with internal service teams to establish operational systems. Interface with the nurse, food services, and maintenance teams to develop and implement essential systems and protocols in preparation for opening day. Ensure workflows, schedules, and compliance procedures are clearly defined and operational to support a safe, healthy, and fully functional early education environment from day one.
• Directly supervise center staff in the planning, development, and implementation of the educational program and food program to ensure daily operations of the center are in compliance with all applicable regulations.
• Mentor and train teaching staff to support a strong professional development system that promotes continuous growth. This includes but is not limited to: practice-based coaching, effective curriculum implementation, developmental assessments, data-informed individualization, responsive classroom environments, active supervision, and consistent adherence to policies, procedures, and documentation standards.
• Proactively assess and identify training needs of center staff and provide tailored training, support, guidance, and evaluation to strengthen program effectiveness, ensure delivery of comprehensive services, and promote continuous professional growth.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive center schedule that ensures state and federally mandated staff-to-child ratios are consistently maintained throughout the day for compliance. Coordinate a proactive coverage plan and serve as a substitute when necessary to always uphold ratio compliance.
• Ensure staff are accountable for assigned responsibilities by monitoring performance, quality, and adherence to workflow/deadlines.
• Facilitate regular team meetings (at least bi-weekly) and individual supervision to foster open communication, support collaboration, offer leadership direction, and identify areas where additional coaching or classroom management support may be needed.
• Conduct ITERS, ECERS, and curriculum fidelity observations as needed, followed by reflective debriefs and goal setting with lead teaching staff to drive continuous improvement in the quality of learning environments.
• Ensure center materials and furniture are safe and developmentally appropriate.
• Monitor and ensure the center indoor and outdoor environments are healthy and safe including office areas, classrooms, outdoor areas, and common areas for center staff and families.
• Ensure center staff adhere to the Suspected Child Abuse Reporting policies, procedures, and accurate documentation.
• Ensure timely and complete reporting of all Unusual Incidents, Ouch reports, or other time- sensitive reports.
• Collaborate with Vista Village specialist service area staff to lead and oversee the implementation of a tailored, comprehensive service approach that supports the unique needs of the center, each classroom, and every individual child.
• Leverage established tools and reports to effectively oversee key components of center operations, including child developmental assessments, teacher-child interactions, environmental quality measures, lesson planning, and professional development initiatives.
• Read, analyze, and interpret data from DRDPs and Environmental Rating Tools to create child- and center-specific goals.
• Oversee comprehensive digital documentation processes: Ensure accurate and timely entry of key data—including coaching outcomes, child assessments (DRDPs), environmental ratings, and attendance—into agency systems like ChildPlus and CareConnect. Use data to support program monitoring, compliance, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure implementation of the program’s Transition Plan for children and families.
• Implement the Federal Performance Standards for Children with Disabilities in the Head Start Program with assistance and input from the Disability Specialist.
• As a member of the Multi-Disciplinary Team, oversee the implementation of each child’s Individual Education Plan (IEP)/Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) and participate in case conferencing, as needed.
• Maintain and monitor the facility file and all licensing documentation on-site in accordance with CCL requirements.
• Provide regular updates, reports, and recommendations to support decision-making and continuous improvement efforts to support high-quality services to children and families.
• In collaboration with the Director of Early Care and Education, track and manage the center’s budget, inventory, and implement cost controls.
• Participate in internal and external audits and reviews, including those related to EHS and CCTR programs.
• Provide program tours to prospective families and community stakeholders.
• Create meaningful opportunities for parent involvement and classroom participation by implementing the parent education curriculum in collaboration with family engagement staff. Coordinate parent groups, workshops, and family engagement events to strengthen home–school connections and support family learning.
• Build strong relationships with families, address their concerns, and involve them in their child's care and education.
• Approve teacher conference forms and attend parent-teacher conferences for enrolled children as needed.
• Collaborate with families and teaching staff to develop and implement individualized support plans that address learning and/or behavioral challenges.
• Oversee the implementation of individualized transition plans. Provide leadership and guidance in the development and execution of transition strategies for children moving between classrooms or progressing to kindergarten. Coordinate with families, teaching staff, and support specialists to ensure transitions are smooth and developmentally supportive.

WHAT YOU BRING TO VDM?

• Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
• Must have a current Child Development Program Director Permit issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).
• Minimum of 3 years of direct supervisory experience in an early education setting, with administrative and program coordination experience.
• Experience with Early Head Start/Head Start and California-subsidized childcare programs such as CCTR, and familiarity with applicable performance standards and regulations.
• Strong classroom and crisis management skills, with the ability to remain calm and composed under pressure.
• Demonstrated leadership ability, including motivating staff and resolving conflicts

Salary: $90,000 - $100,000 / annually

What Can We Offer You for All Your Hard Work?

• Full benefits offered (Medical, Dental, Vision)
• FSA/Dependent Care and Supplemental benefits through The Standard
• 403(b) – 3% Employer contribution based off annual salary
• 4 Mental Health Days
• Up to 12 Paid Holidays
• Up to 25% for Cell Phone Discounts with 3 Major Carriers (AT&T, Verizon, Sprint)

Vista Del Mar’s Credentials:

Our nationally recognized clinical programs have been awarded a Gold Seal by the Joint Commission, the highest level of accreditation possible. In addition, our educational facilities are fully accredited through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), and our graduate degree program is recognized worldwide for its high quality of instructions.

Equal Employment Statement

Vista Del Mar is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. Therefore, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Vista Del Mar will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations as part of this commitment.