Job Description: Director of Child Development
Position: Director of Child Development
Organization: Charisma’s Heart
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Reports To: CEO
Salary: [Salary Range]
Employment Type: Full-time
About Us
Charisma’s Heart is a dedicated nonprofit organization committed to providing safe, temporary housing and comprehensive support services to low-income women and children. Our mission is to help families transition into stable and secure lives. We are seeking a compassionate and experienced Director of Child Development to lead and oversee our child development programs, ensuring that the children in our care receive the highest quality of support and education.
Position Overview
The Director of Child Development is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing all child-focused programs and services within the organization. This role involves creating a nurturing and supportive environment for children, overseeing educational and developmental activities, and working closely with families to support the well-being and growth of their children. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in early childhood education, child development, and program management, with a passion for working with children and families facing housing instability.
Key Responsibilities
- Program Development and Implementation: Design and implement comprehensive child development programs that address the educational, emotional, and social needs of children living in temporary housing. Ensure that all programs align with the organization’s mission and goals.
- Curriculum Oversight: Develop and oversee the curriculum for child development programs, ensuring that it is age-appropriate, culturally relevant, and meets the developmental needs of each child.
- Staff Supervision and Training: Recruit, train, and supervise child development staff, including educators, counselors, and volunteers. Provide ongoing professional development opportunities and ensure that staff are equipped to deliver high-quality services.
- Family Engagement: Work closely with parents and guardians to support their involvement in their children’s development. Provide resources, guidance, and training to help families foster their children’s growth and learning at home.
- Individualized Support: Develop and implement individualized plans for children with special needs or those who require additional support. Collaborate with external specialists and resources as necessary.
- Program Evaluation: Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of child development programs. Collect and analyze data to assess program outcomes, and make recommendations for improvements and enhancements.
- Compliance and Safety: Ensure that all child development programs comply with local, state, and federal regulations, as well as the organization’s policies. Maintain a safe and nurturing environment for all children.
- Resource Management: Manage the budget for child development programs, ensuring the efficient use of resources. Identify and pursue opportunities for program funding and expansion.
- Partnerships and Collaboration: Develop and maintain partnerships with schools, community organizations, and other stakeholders to enhance the services provided to children and families.
- Advocacy and Awareness: Advocate for the needs and rights of children within the organization and the broader community. Raise awareness of issues affecting children in temporary housing and promote the organization’s child-focused initiatives.
Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Social Work, or a related field. A Master’s degree or relevant certifications (e.g., Child Development Associate, Certified Childcare Professional) is preferred.
- Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in early childhood education, child development, or a related field, with at least 3 years in a leadership or management role. Experience working in a nonprofit setting and with vulnerable populations is highly desirable.
Skills
- Strong knowledge of child development principles and early childhood education best practices.
- Excellent leadership and team management skills.
- Ability to develop and implement effective child-focused programs and curricula.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and support families.
- Proficiency in program evaluation, data analysis, and reporting.
- Knowledge: Familiarity with local, state, and federal regulations related to child development and early childhood education. Understanding of trauma-informed care and its application in working with children.
- Personal Attributes: Compassionate, patient, and dedicated to the well-being of children and families. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Benefits
- [List of benefits, such as health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, etc.]
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter below. Additionally, submit portfolio of relevant work to info@charismasheart.org. Please include “Director of Child Development Application – [Your Name]” in the subject line.