Director of Early Childhood Education

Saint Mark’s School, a coeducational independent Episcopal day school in Altadena, California, is seeking an inspiring and innovative Director of Early Childhood Education to lead its vibrant early childhood program. As Director of ECE, you’ll join a dynamic team dedicated to nurturing young learners in a collaborative and inclusive environment. This position offers the opportunity to shape a Reggio-inspired program that emphasizes play, social-emotional development, and inquiry-based learning in our newly constructed, state-of-the-art facility.

In collaboration with the Head and Assistant Head of School, the ECE Director will take a leadership role in all areas that support the School’s core mission, including managing the day-to-day operations of the ECE program, mentoring faculty and staff, and ensuring the program provides the highest quality learning experiences and environment in a safe and nurturing environment.

About Saint Mark’s School
Founded in 1960, Saint Mark’s serves approximately 325 students from Preschool through Sixth Grade, representing diverse ethnic, racial, religious, and economic backgrounds. Our mission is to develop the unique intellect and character of each student in a nurturing environment committed to academic excellence, respect for diversity, responsibility, and spiritual growth.

Date Posted

12/23/24

Date Available

January 2025

Position Type

Full-time; Exempt

About the Role
As the Director of Early Childhood Education, you will:

• Collaborate with the Head and Assistant Head of School to design and implement a child-centered, developmentally appropriate curriculum.
• Serve as the face of the ECE program, building relationships with families and faculty while ensuring the program meets the highest standards of care, compliance, and learning.
• Mentor and support ECE faculty and staff, fostering a joyful and professional culture.
• Lead curriculum development, collaborate with academic leadership to help align the transition from the early childhood to elementary program, and oversee compliance with California State Licensing Title 22 regulations.
• Play a vital role in admissions, parent communication, and professional development for the ECE community.
• Collaborate with passionate educators and leadership to inspire growth and innovation.

Qualifications

• Meet California State Licensing Title 22 requirements for directors.
• Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in early childhood education preferred.
• Expertise in developmentally appropriate practices, a Reggio-inspired approach, and compliance with state licensing regulations.
• A warm, approachable demeanor combined with strong leadership and communication skills.
• A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Physical Requirements
The role involves light physical activity, including standing, walking, sitting, and occasional lifting up to 50 pounds.

Compensation

$85,000 – $110,000

How to Apply
Submit a cover letter and resume to Kelly Mancuso, Assistant Head of School, at kellym@saint-marks.org. A full job description is available upon request.

Contact Information