Head Start Teacher Director

Company: Encompass Community Services
Location: Santa Cruz
Posted on: April 3, 2026

Job Description:

Join an exciting team of professionals making a difference in the lives of children and families! Head Start has been improving the lives of low-income children and families in Santa Cruz County since 1965 through high quality, comprehensive child development, and family support services. Head Start supports school readiness and promotes healthy families through delivery of education, health, and social services. Head Start also provides quality training and support to employee’s individualized professional growth and development. JOB SUMMARY: We are looking for an early childhood professional who enjoys working in the classroom while serving children and families in Santa Cruz County. The Head Start (HS) Teacher Director oversees day-to-day operations of classroom services that provide high-quality learning environments through center-based programs. Position is regular, full-time with placement in North County. Position works part-year (late July – mid-April OR late July - 3 rd week in May). Position works with children ages 3-5 years of age. Salary is $28.54 - $34.78 per hour, dependent on education and experience. Hourly pay differential for bilingual skills awarded upon qualification. As center team leader, the Teacher-Director promotes interdisciplinary service strategies, which address the needs of Head Start clients. This includes making provisions for parent participation in the educational activities of the program to enhance their role as the principal influence on the child’s education and development. The Teacher-Director implements the curriculum, ensuring individualization to meet the different needs of children as well as ensure the adequate supervision of children to ensure safety while in the program. The Teacher Director is the point person for licensing visits, and provides guidance and support to center team staff and parents when needs or concerns arise. Ensures accurate, up-to-date record keeping/documentation within required deadlines Plans and coordinate class activities with staff team, and act as a liaison with other managers and sites Demonstrate good judgment and problem-solving skills; seek assistance when needed; exercise discretion when speaking of clients and colleagues MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Have an AS/AA degree (required) or BA/BS or advanced degree (preferred) in child development or ECE OR Have an AS/AA, or BA/BS, or advanced degree in a related field with coursework equivalent to a major relating to ECE and experience teaching preschool children OR Have a BA/BS or advanced degree and is (or was) admitted into Teach for America Program. 16 hours of preventative health (course or certification) AND Meet ONE of the CCL Director Options Minimally 15 college units & 4 years teaching experience in a licensed program 3 of the units in Admin/Supervision 12 units ECE Core courses (Child Growth or Human Growth & Development, Child Family Community, Curriculum) AS in ECE & 2 years teaching experience 3 units Admin/Supervision BA related to ECE & 1 year experience 3 units Admin/Supervision Have, and maintain, a current California Child Development Site Supervisor Permit or higher Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a diverse population and comply with program regulations Demonstrated ability to multi-task, successfully and manage stressful situations Ability to problem solve and maintain a high level of productivity Effective verbal and written communication skills Ability to work at children’s physical level, by: bending, squatting, sitting & rising from floor, moving swiftly Bilingual (Spanish/English) required Basic to Intermediate computer literacy skills Must have a valid driver’s license, vehicle insurance, good driving record Provide own transportation and be familiar with community resources Must be able to pass and maintain background check Health Screen, TB, MMR & Tdap (vaccines) clearance before hire Proof of citizenship or right to work in the United States Flexible schedule that may include evenings and weekends About Us: Encompass Community Services is committed to racial equity and standing against discrimination of all kinds. We believe that having a diverse workforce, representative of the many communities we serve, is a tremendous strength for our agency. We are committed to providing staff development and advancement opportunities that support and foster a strong and diverse workforce that supports excellence in services. At Encompass, we provide our community with a wide range of services related to family & social well-being, early childhood education, behavioral health, housing and more. Every day through these services, we work to make health, education and housing more equitable for all people in Santa Cruz County. For more than 40 years, our work has touched generations by helping people have access to education, rebuild relationships, restore their health and regain dignity. Our total compensation package includes a comprehensive medical and dental insurance plan, 403(b) retirement plan, paid winter and spring break, vacation, holidays and sick time. Encompass Community Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. We are committed to excellence through diversity and strive to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all clients and employees. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. If we find that your qualifications are a good fit with our current needs, we will contact you with further instructions. Thank you for your interest in Encompass!

Keywords: Encompass Community Services, Merced , Head Start Teacher Director, Education / Teaching , Santa Cruz, California