Interim Director

Haight Ashbury Community Nursery School - San Francisco, CA

The Haight Ashbury Community Nursery School is seeking an Interim Director. Come join us!

The Haight Ashbury Community Nursery School (HACNS), a non-profit parent run co-operative nursery school in San Francisco, is seeking to fill the position of Interim Director.

Opened in 1974, HACNS offers a magical place for children to learn and grow. Imaginary play, developmentally appropriate art and science projects, books, music, and movement are all part of daily life at HACNS. Situated at the Grattan Playground in Cole Valley, our uncommonly large, sunny, and sandy site is an urban oasis where children can master new physical challenges with the freedom to explore and adventure. 

At HACNS, a child’s only job is to play. Children are encouraged to try out their ideas, exercise their imaginations and develop a sense of control over their own worlds. As a co-operative nursery school, parent participation helps create a family atmosphere reflective of the San Francisco community.

Due to the COVID situation, our current Director is unable to work. We are therefore seeking an Interim Director to begin as soon as possible through to early June 2021. This is a Long Term Substitute (LTS) position with the possibility of future extension.

The Interim Director will supervise the overall operation of the school and its daily program, performing duties in accordance with the ethics and standards of current practice and following the HACNS Bylaws, Operations Manual and Handbook. While HACNS is licensed for 24 children, the number currently enrolled is approximately one third.

Job responsibilities

• Work with parents and the HACNS Board of Directors to re-open the school in compliance with COVID guidelines and general licensing requirements.
• Create an inspiring, nurturing, and safe environment for nursery aged children.
• Implement a stimulating, effective daily school program with a play-based curriculum in which you would serve as the sole teacher working alongside participating parents (‘working parents’).
• Provide guidance to children based on a pedagogical philosophy built around respectful, non-coercive care.
• Support and guide working parents in applying a pedagogical philosophy built around respectful, non-coercive care.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with children and parents.
• Set up the school environment daily including assembling necessary materials, with help from working parents.
• Ensure the school is cleaned at the end of the day in line with COVID protocols, with help from working parents.
• Participate in monthly membership meetings, including to provide the Director’s Report and parent education, and attend meetings of the HACNS Board of Directors.
• Distribute an outline of the monthly curriculum plan to parents each month.
• Plan and attend the end of year School Circus and Graduation.
• Participate in other special events of the school community including fundraising events.
• Make enrolment decisions including assessing children’s readiness to attend, in conjunction with the current Director.
• Provide direction with school maintenance days, undertaken by parents.
• Work with parents to oversee the general administration of the school in areas including budget management, purchasing, school facilities, administrative files, communication with families and liaison with prospective families.
• Liaise with state licensing authorities to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
• Keep up to date on CPR and First Aid certification, and any other requirements of licensing.
• Keep up to date on professional development workshops.
• Join director groups of the San Francisco Council of Parent Participation Nursery Schools (SFCPPNS) and the California Council of Parent Participation Nursery Schools (CCPNNS) to keep abreast of issues.

 Required qualifications and attributes

• Minimum qualifications for a Child Care Center Director as outlined in Title 22, Division 12 regulations (see below).
• Teaching or supervisory experience, preferably in a play-based or parent co-operative environment.
• Experience or knowledge of parent co-operative nursery schools (must embrace the parent co-operative model).
• A firm understanding and belief in play-based education.
• Leadership ability, energy, and drive to carry out the school’s mission and vision.
• An enthusiasm for teaching outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Ability to effectively communicate with a diverse group of children and parents and transfer knowledge to families through mentoring and education.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Proficiency with email and computers.
• Current CPR and First Aid training and Mandated Reporter training.
• Valid TB test and compliance with California immunization requirements.
• Successful completion of criminal background check and eligibility to work in the U.S.
• Ability to move on sand and lift 50 lbs regularly (moving play equipment/picking up children).
• Knowledge and competence regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Applicants must meet all qualifications set by CA DSS Community Care Licensing for a Title 22, Division 12 Program. 
• Administrative management experience (preferred).
• Education or training related to anti-bias (preferred).

Required Child Care Center Director Qualifications (Title 22, Division 12 regulations)

Completion with passing grades of at least 15 semester units of coursework in early childhood education at an accredited or approved college or university AND at least four years of teaching experience in a licensed child care center or comparable group child care program.

OR

An associate of arts degree from an accredited or approved college or university with a major or emphasis in early childhood education or child development AND at least two years of teaching experience in a licensed child care center or comparable group child care program.

OR

A bachelor's degree from an accredited or approved college or university with a major or emphasis in early childhood education or child development AND at least one year of teaching experience in a licensed child care center or comparable group child care program.

OR

A Child Development Site Supervisor Permit or a Child Development Program Director Permit issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

Hours

Estimated hours of school attendance are 22.5 hours per week during the remaining 2020-2021 school year. Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8.45am – 1.15pm, with children on site 9.30am to 12.30pm (hours may change slightly). HACNS follows the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) calendar with respect to holidays.

Compensation

Salary depending on experience. Health insurance benefits and paid holidays following the SFUSD calendar will be offered.

How to apply

Please send a cover letter, resume and other inquiries to the HACNS Recruitment Working Group at info@hacns.com. Applications should be titled ‘Application for HACNS Interim Director’ and arrive by the end of Friday January 15th 2021.

 

The Haight Ashbury Community Nursery School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, special needs, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression in administration of its employment policies, educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and/or other school administered programs.