OUR STORY

Since 1965, MAAC has been maximizing self-sufficiency with families and individuals through high-quality programs and advocacy in our communities. MAAC employs dedicated staff who provide life-changing services to thousands of individuals annually through programs in five core focus areas: Education, Economic Development, Health & Wellbeing, Housing, and Advocacy & Leadership Development. Through a wide variety of programs, MAAC has grown to become one of the largest nonprofit social service organizations in the community.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Child Development provides strategic and operational leadership for MAAC’s early childhood education programs, including Head Start, Early Head Start, State Preschool, and other early education initiatives. This role ensures compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and funding requirements while advancing program quality, innovation, and family engagement. The Director is a key member of MAAC’s senior leadership team and represents the organization in interactions with community partners, educational institutions, and service organizations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic & Educational Leadership

Lead strategic planning and implementation for the Child Development department, aligning program goals with MAAC’s mission and strategic priorities.
Ensure high-quality educational programming that prepares children for kindergarten and supports socioemotional development.
Oversee curriculum development, teaching practices, and continuous quality improvement initiatives.

Regulatory Compliance & Operations

Ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, California State Preschool regulations, and licensing guidelines.
Direct and evaluate department operations, including health, nutrition, social services, special needs/disabilities, transportation, and facilities.
Implement robust quality assurance systems to monitor and improve program effectiveness.

Stakeholder Engagement & Community Partnerships

Build and maintain partnerships with community organizations, educational institutions, and local agencies to expand program reach and resources.
Promote parent involvement through training, governance participation, policy council, and leadership development.
Collaborate with internal departments to support family empowerment and economic mobility.

Policy and Advocacy

Engage in policy development and advocacy efforts in early childhood education at the local, state, and federal levels of government.
Expand networks and partnerships, particularly within San Diego County, to enhance program reach and impact.
Stay informed on local, state, and federal policy changes related to early childhood education and their implications for MAAC Child Development.

Labor Relations & Workforce Development

Support labor union collaboration within the department, ensuring compliance with labor agreements and fostering a positive work environment.
Lead recruitment, enrollment, and eligibility processes to maintain full program participation.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

Deep understanding of early childhood education principles, curriculum development, and child development best practices.
Familiarity with Head Start, Early Head Start, and State Preschool operations and regulations.
Strong skills in program budgeting, contract administration, and performance monitoring.
Ability to build collaborative relationships with families, staff, and community partners.
Effective communicator in public and professional settings.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/CERTIFICATION

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, Social Work, or a related field required.
Head Start and Early Head Start experience preferred.
Master’s degree preferred.
Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in early childhood education, including five (5) years in a management role.
Child Development Program Director Permit may be required.
Bilingual in Spanish preferred.

VALUE-BASED BEHAVIORS

Listens attentively to others. Asks clarifying questions to gain a better understanding of the other person’s views and underlying assumptions

Works effectively in a team environment and actively participates in joint problem solving; willingly cooperates with co-workers

Identifies and takes advantage of opportunities for personal and professional development

Attends work consistently and punctually. Arrives to meetings prepared and on time; honors work commitments; follows through on what was agreed upon; meets deadlines

Honors the private and confidential matters of co-workers. Protects the proprietary information of MAAC systems

Follows rules, regulations, and policies; positively contributes to implementing changes

Deals with issues directly, in a respectful and timely manner. Focuses on resolving the issue while not criticizing the person. Follows rules, regulations, and policies; positively contributes to implementing changes

HEALTH STATUS

Must have a physical examination, TB clearance and a drug screen by a doctor/clinic designated by MAAC as well as immunization records for influenza*, pertussis and measles as required by state and federal regulations prior to the first day of employment.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this class, an employee is regularly required to stand, walk and sit, talk or hear both in person and by telephone, uses hands to finger, handle or feel objects or controls, reach with hands and arms. An employee also is regularly required to stoop, kneel, bend, crouch or crawl, climb or balance and lift up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, color vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Mental Demands

While performing the duties of this class, the employee is regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret information; analyze and solve problems; observe and interpret people and situations; use basic math; learn and apply new information or skills; work under intensive deadlines and interact with MAAC management, administrators, staff, teachers, parents, family members, children and others encountered in the course of work.

BACKGROUND CLEARANCE

All positions are subject to a background/education check, DMV check, NSOR, exclusion and debarment checks prior to hire and periodically throughout employment as required by various funding sources.

Note: California Start law requires background criminal checks on anyone who works in a licensed childcare facility who is not a client. Must have or obtain a current criminal background check clearance, signed criminal record statement, and signed Acknowledgement to Report Child Abuse form prior to the first day of employment.

TRANSPORTATION

Must have and maintain a valid California Driver’s License, daily use of a personal, insured vehicle, and have and maintain a motor vehicle driving record acceptable to MAAC’s insurance carrier. Incumbents will be enrolled in the California DMV Pull Program.

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Director of Child Development