HALF MOON BAY, California
Manchester-by-the-sea, Massachusetts
Hoboken (by Manhattan), New Jersey
Posted: 02-Nov-25
Location: HALF MOON BAY, California
Type: Full Time
Salary: Salary Range: $90-$115K
Required Education:
About Sea Crest School:
Sea Crest School is an independent, nonprofit school in Half Moon Bay serving students in junior kindergarten through eighth grade. For more than 25 years, Sea Crest has been a vibrant, joyful learning community where curiosity, creativity, and compassion are cultivated every day. Rooted in our coastal setting and guided by our mission, Sea Crest empowers students to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally, preparing them to make a difference in their communities and the wider world. In 2026, Sea Crest will launch its first preschool program, expanding our commitment to early childhood education. The program will begin with a three-year-old class and grow over time, offering young learners a nurturing, engaging environment to build foundational skills, foster independence, and develop a love of learning.
Position Overview :
The Director of Early Childhood Education will serve as both the founding director of the preschool program and the lead teacher of the three-year-old class. Reporting to the Head of School and partnering closely with the administrative team, the Director will oversee daily operations, ensure licensing and compliance, hire and mentor additional preschool faculty, and provide joyful, developmentally appropriate instruction for three-year-old students. This role requires a leader who is both visionary and hands-on: building the foundation of a new program while also modeling excellent teaching in the classroom.
Key Management Responsibilities
Program Leadership:
- Partner with the Head of School and the administrative team to guide the design and successful launch of Sea Crest’s preschool program.
- Establish a preschool philosophy and procedures aligned with best practices in early childhood education.
- Ensure compliance with state and local preschool licensing requirements.
- Build strong relationships with preschool families, offering clear communication and parent education opportunities.
- Represent the preschool in the broader Sea Crest and local community.
Faculty & Staff Leadership:
- Recruit, hire, and mentor additional preschool staff as the program grows.
- Manage staff schedules including substitutes and personal days.
- Provide professional development, coaching, and support to teachers through observation, goal setting and feedback.
- Foster a collaborative and positive team culture.
Lead Teacher Responsibilities (Three-Year-Old Class)
Planning and Preparation:
- Design and implement developmentally appropriate, play-based learning experiences across domains such as early literacy, numeracy, science exploration, social-emotional learning, creative arts, and motor development.
- Set meaningful learning goals tailored to the needs of three-year-old students.
- Create authentic assessments to track growth and communicate progress to families.
Learning Environment:
- Create a nurturing, inclusive, and joyful classroom culture that fosters belonging and respect.
- Use positive, responsive strategies to guide behavior and support independence.
- Organize classroom space and materials to encourage exploration, creativity, and self-direction while maintaining a safe learning environment.
Instruction:
- Foster curiosity, problem-solving, and creativity through hands-on experiences and play.
- Use developmentally appropriate language to communicate expectations and goals.
- Adapt instruction responsively to meet the needs of each child, while following our adopted early childhood curriculum.
- Engage children through questioning, play, and storytelling.
Professional Responsibilities:
- Reflect on teaching practices and pursue ongoing professional learning.
- Maintain accurate records and portfolios for students.
- Communicate effectively with families through conferences, newsletters, and informal updates.
- Participate fully in schoolwide events, faculty meetings, and professional learning opportunities.
Qualifications & Attributes
- Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in early childhood education or educational leadership preferred.
- California Site Supervisor or Program Director permit (or eligibility).
- At least three years of leadership experience in early childhood education.
- Classroom teaching experience with three-year-olds strongly preferred.
- Strong knowledge of child development and early childhood best practices.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with children, families, and colleagues.
- CPR, First Aid, and AED certification (or willingness to obtain).
- Mandated Reporter training and Live Scan clearance required.
- A joyful, flexible, and collaborative leadership style.
- Commitment to Sea Crest School’s mission and values.
Additional Requirements:
- EMSA-approved Health Practices Course, including Child Nutrition and Poisoning Prevention
- Immunization against influenza, pertussis, and measles (may apply for waiver for influenza vaccination)
- Physical Exam
- Child Abuse Index Check
- Background Check performed by Guardian (in addition to Live Scan)