{"schemaVersion":"jobsearcher.job.v1","id":"c8bb8330f2d40503c2106f0e","url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/c8bb8330f2d40503c2106f0e","canonicalUrl":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/c8bb8330f2d40503c2106f0e","title":"Program Lead","description":"The Program Lead manages all programmatic and staffing aspects of an early care and education center, in accordance with the agency’s program and people management goals. This position ensures program quality is maintained in a single Catalyst Family Inc. licensed childcare center. The Program Lead position provides oversight of the planning, implementation, assessment, reflection, and program requirements for school age and/or infant/toddler age children. Program Leads are a classroom/program leader that must be able to coach, mentor and provide ongoing observation and feedback to teaching staff that results in implementation of quality programming. Program Lead ensures that all children receive quality staff-child interactions and are supervised, at all times, in a safe and healthy environment.\nThe Program Lead works collaboratively with the Center Manager/Site Supervisor to support the business of the center including enrollment and attendance, purchasing and community relationship building. The Program Lead position acknowledges and celebrates diversity among staff, children, and families, and provides an environment that reflects the diversity within a community. They create classroom environments that reflect the backgrounds and experiences of children, families, and staff. Program Leads are in ratio approximately 33% of the time.\n\nEssential Job Functions:\n\nProgram Quality\nLiaison for communicating Catalyst Family Inc. vision, mission, philosophy, and curriculum approaches to staff, parents, school personnel, the community, and State and local government agencies, as needed.\nEnsures streamlined processes for documented learning from observations/anecdotes to lesson plans, documentation, all assessments, internal and external reviews are consistent with Catalyst Family Inc.’s mission, values, philosophy, and position statements.\nShares program information and assessment results with the center, supports, mentors’ and role models for teachers in the creation and implementation and evaluation/completion of center action plans through diverse strategies or approaches.\nCollaborates with center staff to provide an enriched, dynamic indoor/outdoor environments, that meet the diverse and cultural needs and interests of children, utilizes staff, family, and community expertise. Environments are safe, clean, well maintained and meet agency and industry standards (ERS)\nAssess program quality and curriculum implementation, health/safety, and licensing standards; take steps to continuously improve in alignment with our agency’s quality standards as well as meet/exceed licensing and other external quality tools\nFully participate and lead QRIS for Infant/Toddler programs.\nMaintains knowledge of Developmentally Appropriate Practices and applicable curriculum influences such as Reggio Emilia, California’s Learning Framework and Foundations, Search Institute, and Program for Infant/Toddler Caregivers (PITC) - as applicable to the age group(s).\nUsing staff observations and program assessment tools, work with staff to develop and implement child growth plans.\nIn partnership with center leadership and all staff, follows Catalyst’s Positive Behavior Approach and protocol with family members and provides tools and resources to support implementation of agreed upon strategies.\nScheduled to be in ratio 33% of work week, depending on center needs.\nManaging, Coaching & Supporting Staff\nManage a team at the center with a size ranging from 2-5 staff depending on center size and enrollment.\nManage staff performance proactively; coach, support and provide feedback to staff regularly so that they can deliver their best.\nConduct Annual Performance review on time and provide regular feedback\nFacilitate highly effective, participatory team meetings that foster ownership for expected outcomes.\nObserve staff interactions with children, effectiveness of planned activities, maintenance and development of the learning environment and give staff immediate and useful feedback to achieve high program quality.\nProvide on-site mentoring and modeling in the classroom. Train and mentor teaching staff as needed, including frequently observing weekly lesson plans to include a range of age-appropriate activities that support social emotional, physical, cognitive development, observe impact of curriculum implementation, and provide relevant and constructive feedback\nOrient and integrate new staff into the team to achieve high staff retention. Set and communicate clear job expectations. Communicate Mission, philosophy to all staff; ensure behavior and outcomes of center are staff consistent with agency values.\nIn partnership, develop professional growth plans with staff and provide opportunities for continuous growth and development.\nEnsure that individual and team goals are aligned with agency goals and hold people accountable to high performance expectations. Co-develop and implement immediate corrective action plans as necessary to address underperformance.\nLeadership\nCommit to continuous improvement in knowledge of child/youth development, curricular, and implementation of program and leadership skills.\nAttend internal and/or external trainings, professional development or research-based practice exchanges that supports the needs of the center and implements these practices in the classrooms as appropriate; teaching back to all stakeholders.\nAct as a change agent to advocate, communicate and implement organizational changes in practices, systems, and processes.\nNurture team spirit and maintain high staff morale.\nMentor and develop internal candidates for new positions.\nEncourage all staff to act as recruiters, promote the employee referral program, and help recruit new staff through strong relationships with families, schools, and communities.\nFamily & Community Partnerships\nProvide excellent customer service by establishing and maintaining authentic connections and reciprocal, culturally responsive relationships with children, youth, families, schools, communities, and center/classroom team.\nIn partnership with CM/SS and other staff, organizes and supports a parent advisory committee where families can give useful feedback and have a voice in center operations and program quality.\nMake authentic connections to the local and school communities as a Catalyst representative.\nParticipate in activities at the school (PBIS meetings, IEP meetings, PTO events, etc.) acting as a representative of the agency.\nContinually assess community needs, involve the community in planning and adjust program and services to meet community needs.\nWork with families as partners with an open-door policy. Engages in ongoing, two-way interactions with families to discuss daily activities, observations and child progress. Encourage shared decision making, problem solving and address questions and concerns.\nProvide ongoing information to parents/families including parent education, and other request parents have for community resources.\nParticipate in local, regional, and statewide advocacy efforts on behalf of children and families.\nCompliance\nEnsure and maintain full compliance with all agency policies/procedures and protect agency assets and resources.\nEnsures all center operations meet or exceed state licensing regulations, Funding Terms and conditions including Desired Results compliance, health/safety & nutrition requirements and other Catalyst policies, procedures, and quality tools.\nEnsure that staff schedules meet required adult to child ratios.\nBusiness Management\nForecast staffing needs in consideration of business requirements and changing environment.\nPartner with Recruiting to support interview process and hire best candidates to match the needs of the center.\nIn partnership with the CM/SS, create and maintain staffing schedules and purchasing for the classrooms and center, as appropriate.\nObtain and maintain full enrollment and attendance at the center; earn all ADE, as determined by center leadership team.\nIdentify ways to improve the performance of the center, take proactive actions to support center enrollment and marketing, and follow center budget/purchasing guidelines.\nEducation & Experience:\nEducation\nThe MINIMUM formal relevant education required by the position. Minimum education requirements may change as needed based on state and center requirements\nHS Degree or GED AND Completion of 15 units of ECE (3 in administration or staff relations and core units) OR\nAA degree with 24 ECE/CD units, 6 units in administration and 2 units in adult supervision OR\nBA with 12 ECE/CD units, 6 units in administration and 2 units in adult supervision OR\nSite Supervisor Permit or above preferred, or expected to acquire Site Supervisor permit upon hire\nContinuing education to meet professional growth standards required.\nExperience\nThe MINIMUM relevant experience necessary to qualify for the position.\n2-3 years' experience in ECE/CD setting\nAt least 1 year of experience mentoring and leading other adults or teaching staff.\n\nOther Qualifications:\nMust be able to complete Child Care Center Part II Orientation Certificate and Mandate Reporter training.\nAble to pass Criminal Record Clearance, health screening, TB test, and have updated immunizations.\nKnowledgeable and values the impact of culture on the development of children.\nAbility to provide strategic approaches as well as assist in implementation.\nUnderstands and values diversity and the importance of cultural sensitivity and inclusivity.\nStrong interpersonal skills: ability to listen, receive take feedback and provide constructive feedback to peers and staff.\nPossesses a high a high level of initiative, motivation, and direction.\nAbility to interact with children in a manner consistent with Catalyst Family Inc. philosophy\nKnowledgeable about agency philosophy and curriculum standards, DAP and able to implement and role model consistent program practices and standards.\nAbility to take initiative to appropriately partner within the community as well as with internal departments\nStays abreast of new research and theories in the ECE/Youth fields.\nWorking knowledge of staffing, marketing communication, highly desirable.\nProficiency in second languages also desirable\nDemonstrated ability to manage staff, coach and mentor\nProvides effective customer service\nEffective Leadership skills; committed to continual improvement of these skills.\nStrategic thinking and planning\nInterpersonal and team communications\nHighly effective in program quality, program implementation and people management\nAbility to track and follow a budget\nDemonstrates a team player mentality.\nShift Type: Full Time\nSchedule: Monday - Friday, 8 hours per day\n\nWhat We Offer:\nMedical, Dental, and Vision Benefits\n401(k) Retirement plan and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)\nPersonal Health Advocate\nPaid vacation, sick time, and holidays\nCommuter pre-tax benefit\nDiscounted childcare\nAccess to the Calm app\nTickets at Work employee discounts\nBe constantly in a learning and growth process with training and professional growth advisory\nWe are proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug-free workplace.\nLicenses & Certifications\nRequired\nPermit Site Supervisor\nEqual Opportunity Employer\nThis employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.","company":"Catalyst Family","rawCompany":"catalyst family","city":"Tracy","state":"CA","isRemote":false,"isActive":false,"createdAt":"2026-08-06T16:25:13.685Z","occupations":[{"code":"11-9031.00","title":"Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare","slug":"education-and-childcare-administrators-preschool-and-daycare"},{"code":"11-9151.00","title":"Social and Community Service Managers","slug":"social-and-community-service-managers"},{"code":"39-9011.00","title":"Childcare Workers","slug":"childcare-workers"}],"industries":[{"code":"624410","title":"Child Care Services","slug":"child-care-services"},{"code":"624110","title":"Child and Youth Services","slug":"child-and-youth-services"},{"code":"611110","title":"Elementary and Secondary Schools","slug":"elementary-and-secondary-schools"}],"jobPosting":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"JobPosting","title":"Program Lead","description":"The Program Lead manages all programmatic and staffing aspects of an early care and education center, in accordance with the agency’s program and people management goals. This position ensures program quality is maintained in a single Catalyst Family Inc. licensed childcare center. The Program Lead position provides oversight of the planning, implementation, assessment, reflection, and program requirements for school age and/or infant/toddler age children. Program Leads are a classroom/program leader that must be able to coach, mentor and provide ongoing observation and feedback to teaching staff that results in implementation of quality programming. Program Lead ensures that all children receive quality staff-child interactions and are supervised, at all times, in a safe and healthy environment.\nThe Program Lead works collaboratively with the Center Manager/Site Supervisor to support the business of the center including enrollment and attendance, purchasing and community relationship building. The Program Lead position acknowledges and celebrates diversity among staff, children, and families, and provides an environment that reflects the diversity within a community. They create classroom environments that reflect the backgrounds and experiences of children, families, and staff. Program Leads are in ratio approximately 33% of the time.\n\nEssential Job Functions:\n\nProgram Quality\nLiaison for communicating Catalyst Family Inc. vision, mission, philosophy, and curriculum approaches to staff, parents, school personnel, the community, and State and local government agencies, as needed.\nEnsures streamlined processes for documented learning from observations/anecdotes to lesson plans, documentation, all assessments, internal and external reviews are consistent with Catalyst Family Inc.’s mission, values, philosophy, and position statements.\nShares program information and assessment results with the center, supports, mentors’ and role models for teachers in the creation and implementation and evaluation/completion of center action plans through diverse strategies or approaches.\nCollaborates with center staff to provide an enriched, dynamic indoor/outdoor environments, that meet the diverse and cultural needs and interests of children, utilizes staff, family, and community expertise. Environments are safe, clean, well maintained and meet agency and industry standards (ERS)\nAssess program quality and curriculum implementation, health/safety, and licensing standards; take steps to continuously improve in alignment with our agency’s quality standards as well as meet/exceed licensing and other external quality tools\nFully participate and lead QRIS for Infant/Toddler programs.\nMaintains knowledge of Developmentally Appropriate Practices and applicable curriculum influences such as Reggio Emilia, California’s Learning Framework and Foundations, Search Institute, and Program for Infant/Toddler Caregivers (PITC) - as applicable to the age group(s).\nUsing staff observations and program assessment tools, work with staff to develop and implement child growth plans.\nIn partnership with center leadership and all staff, follows Catalyst’s Positive Behavior Approach and protocol with family members and provides tools and resources to support implementation of agreed upon strategies.\nScheduled to be in ratio 33% of work week, depending on center needs.\nManaging, Coaching & Supporting Staff\nManage a team at the center with a size ranging from 2-5 staff depending on center size and enrollment.\nManage staff performance proactively; coach, support and provide feedback to staff regularly so that they can deliver their best.\nConduct Annual Performance review on time and provide regular feedback\nFacilitate highly effective, participatory team meetings that foster ownership for expected outcomes.\nObserve staff interactions with children, effectiveness of planned activities, maintenance and development of the learning environment and give staff immediate and useful feedback to achieve high program quality.\nProvide on-site mentoring and modeling in the classroom. Train and mentor teaching staff as needed, including frequently observing weekly lesson plans to include a range of age-appropriate activities that support social emotional, physical, cognitive development, observe impact of curriculum implementation, and provide relevant and constructive feedback\nOrient and integrate new staff into the team to achieve high staff retention. Set and communicate clear job expectations. Communicate Mission, philosophy to all staff; ensure behavior and outcomes of center are staff consistent with agency values.\nIn partnership, develop professional growth plans with staff and provide opportunities for continuous growth and development.\nEnsure that individual and team goals are aligned with agency goals and hold people accountable to high performance expectations. Co-develop and implement immediate corrective action plans as necessary to address underperformance.\nLeadership\nCommit to continuous improvement in knowledge of child/youth development, curricular, and implementation of program and leadership skills.\nAttend internal and/or external trainings, professional development or research-based practice exchanges that supports the needs of the center and implements these practices in the classrooms as appropriate; teaching back to all stakeholders.\nAct as a change agent to advocate, communicate and implement organizational changes in practices, systems, and processes.\nNurture team spirit and maintain high staff morale.\nMentor and develop internal candidates for new positions.\nEncourage all staff to act as recruiters, promote the employee referral program, and help recruit new staff through strong relationships with families, schools, and communities.\nFamily & Community Partnerships\nProvide excellent customer service by establishing and maintaining authentic connections and reciprocal, culturally responsive relationships with children, youth, families, schools, communities, and center/classroom team.\nIn partnership with CM/SS and other staff, organizes and supports a parent advisory committee where families can give useful feedback and have a voice in center operations and program quality.\nMake authentic connections to the local and school communities as a Catalyst representative.\nParticipate in activities at the school (PBIS meetings, IEP meetings, PTO events, etc.) acting as a representative of the agency.\nContinually assess community needs, involve the community in planning and adjust program and services to meet community needs.\nWork with families as partners with an open-door policy. Engages in ongoing, two-way interactions with families to discuss daily activities, observations and child progress. Encourage shared decision making, problem solving and address questions and concerns.\nProvide ongoing information to parents/families including parent education, and other request parents have for community resources.\nParticipate in local, regional, and statewide advocacy efforts on behalf of children and families.\nCompliance\nEnsure and maintain full compliance with all agency policies/procedures and protect agency assets and resources.\nEnsures all center operations meet or exceed state licensing regulations, Funding Terms and conditions including Desired Results compliance, health/safety & nutrition requirements and other Catalyst policies, procedures, and quality tools.\nEnsure that staff schedules meet required adult to child ratios.\nBusiness Management\nForecast staffing needs in consideration of business requirements and changing environment.\nPartner with Recruiting to support interview process and hire best candidates to match the needs of the center.\nIn partnership with the CM/SS, create and maintain staffing schedules and purchasing for the classrooms and center, as appropriate.\nObtain and maintain full enrollment and attendance at the center; earn all ADE, as determined by center leadership team.\nIdentify ways to improve the performance of the center, take proactive actions to support center enrollment and marketing, and follow center budget/purchasing guidelines.\nEducation & Experience:\nEducation\nThe MINIMUM formal relevant education required by the position. Minimum education requirements may change as needed based on state and center requirements\nHS Degree or GED AND Completion of 15 units of ECE (3 in administration or staff relations and core units) OR\nAA degree with 24 ECE/CD units, 6 units in administration and 2 units in adult supervision OR\nBA with 12 ECE/CD units, 6 units in administration and 2 units in adult supervision OR\nSite Supervisor Permit or above preferred, or expected to acquire Site Supervisor permit upon hire\nContinuing education to meet professional growth standards required.\nExperience\nThe MINIMUM relevant experience necessary to qualify for the position.\n2-3 years' experience in ECE/CD setting\nAt least 1 year of experience mentoring and leading other adults or teaching staff.\n\nOther Qualifications:\nMust be able to complete Child Care Center Part II Orientation Certificate and Mandate Reporter training.\nAble to pass Criminal Record Clearance, health screening, TB test, and have updated immunizations.\nKnowledgeable and values the impact of culture on the development of children.\nAbility to provide strategic approaches as well as assist in implementation.\nUnderstands and values diversity and the importance of cultural sensitivity and inclusivity.\nStrong interpersonal skills: ability to listen, receive take feedback and provide constructive feedback to peers and staff.\nPossesses a high a high level of initiative, motivation, and direction.\nAbility to interact with children in a manner consistent with Catalyst Family Inc. philosophy\nKnowledgeable about agency philosophy and curriculum standards, DAP and able to implement and role model consistent program practices and standards.\nAbility to take initiative to appropriately partner within the community as well as with internal departments\nStays abreast of new research and theories in the ECE/Youth fields.\nWorking knowledge of staffing, marketing communication, highly desirable.\nProficiency in second languages also desirable\nDemonstrated ability to manage staff, coach and mentor\nProvides effective customer service\nEffective Leadership skills; committed to continual improvement of these skills.\nStrategic thinking and planning\nInterpersonal and team communications\nHighly effective in program quality, program implementation and people management\nAbility to track and follow a budget\nDemonstrates a team player mentality.\nShift Type: Full Time\nSchedule: Monday - Friday, 8 hours per day\n\nWhat We Offer:\nMedical, Dental, and Vision Benefits\n401(k) Retirement plan and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)\nPersonal Health Advocate\nPaid vacation, sick time, and holidays\nCommuter pre-tax benefit\nDiscounted childcare\nAccess to the Calm app\nTickets at Work employee discounts\nBe constantly in a learning and growth process with training and professional growth advisory\nWe are proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug-free workplace.\nLicenses & Certifications\nRequired\nPermit Site Supervisor\nEqual Opportunity Employer\nThis employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.","datePosted":"2026-08-06T16:25:13.685Z","dateModified":"2026-08-06T16:25:13.685Z","hiringOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Catalyst Family","sameAs":"https://jobsearcher.com"},"jobLocation":{"@type":"Place","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressLocality":"Tracy","addressRegion":"CA","addressCountry":"US"}},"identifier":{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"JobSearcher","value":"c8bb8330f2d40503c2106f0e"},"url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/c8bb8330f2d40503c2106f0e"}}