Educator, Program Lead

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY

Educators at the Pacific Oaks Children’s School (POCS) play a critical role in delivering high‑quality early childhood learning experiences grounded in anti-bias education, emergent curriculum, peaceful conflict resolution, and developmentally appropriate practice. This position supports the core mission of POCS by creating safe and inclusive indoor and outdoor learning environments, partnering with families, and fostering children’s social‑emotional development, inquiry, and play-based exploration. Educators contribute to the design, implementation, and continuous refinement of practices that advance child-centered learning and uphold the school’s foundational values.

The role exists at four progressive levels (I, II, II+, and III), reflecting increasing breadth of responsibility, professional judgment, and leadership influence. These levels align with a tiered framework of decision-making and instructional autonomy:

• Educator I. A foundational practitioner role focused on implementing established classroom practices with direct guidance and support. Decisions are made with close supervision, following defined routines, safety standards, and curriculum frameworks.

• Educator II. An experienced educator role overseeing more complex instructional, caregiving, and family engagement responsibilities with moderate autonomy. Decisions are made independently within established parameters and rely on strong pedagogical judgment and collaboration with colleagues.

• Educator II+ (Senior Educator). An advanced practitioner who bridges classroom expertise and emerging leadership. This role demonstrates readiness for program leadership by independently planning curriculum, coordinating yard-level operations, and providing consistent mentoring to junior staff. Decisions involve high-level professional judgment regarding instructional strategy and daily yard flow, operating with increased autonomy while preparing for the full scope of program management.

• Educator III (Program Leader). A senior leadership role serving as the lead educator in their respective yard or program area. Program Leaders provide instructional and operational oversight, mentor and supervise other educators, guide curriculum development and family partnerships, and contribute to schoolwide initiatives. Decisions at this level involve advanced professional judgment, staff development, and significant influence over program quality and outcomes.

Working in partnership with fellow educators, school leadership, and families, Educators support daily classroom operations and help advance a cohesive, relationship‑based program. Success in this role requires strong communication, cultural humility, reflective practice, and a commitment to fostering equitable, developmentally grounded learning experiences for all children.

LOCATION

This position requires the employee to work at the designated campus location and may require occasional night or weekend hours.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Core Functions (applicable to Educator I, II, II+, and III)

All educators are expected to:

• Support and implement the school’s philosophy, values, and pedagogical approach.

• Engage with children in a developmentally appropriate, respectful, and responsive manner.

• Maintain safe, clean, organized, and purposeful indoor and outdoor learning environments.

• Observe and document children’s behavior, development, and interests.

• Collaborate with colleagues to support consistent routines and positive classroom culture.

• Communicate professionally with families through daily interactions and assigned documentation.

• Supervise and support adults in the learning environment, including parents, volunteers, and student observers, ensuring alignment with school practices and student safety.

• Participate in staff meetings, training, and ongoing professional development.

• Participate in school events outside of standard hours, including family engagement activities, conferences, and community events, as assigned.

• Comply with all licensing, health, safety, and school policies.

• Report to their designated supervisor and work within the established organizational structure.

Educator II (includes all the above plus the following)

Educator II staff demonstrate increased experience and education and take on expanded responsibility without program ownership or supervisory authority.

• Supports Educator III in daily yard operations and instructional planning.

• Assists with curriculum implementation and environmental preparation as directed.

• Contributes observations and documentation toward developmental summaries.

• Assists Educator III in preparing for and participating in parent conferences and meetings.

• Provides guidance and informal mentoring to Educator I staff through modeling and support.

• Helps orient new staff, substitutes, and practicum students within the yard.

• Supports consistency in routines, expectations, and classroom practices.

• May assume temporary coverage responsibilities under Educator III direction.

Educator II+ (includes all the above plus the following)

Educator II+ serves as an advanced practitioner who demonstrates readiness for program leadership while not holding full supervisory or program management responsibility. This role bridges classroom expertise and emerging leadership, with increased autonomy and influence across the yard.

• Takes a lead role in implementing curriculum and guiding daily classroom flow in alignment with Educator III direction.

• Independently plans and facilitates learning experiences based on child observations and emergent curriculum.

• Plays a key role in maintaining consistency of pedagogical practices across the yard.

• Supports coordination of daily operations, including transitions, coverage needs, and environmental setup.

• Provides consistent mentoring and coaching to Educator I staff and contributes to the development of Educator II peers.

• Assists in onboarding, modeling best practices, and reinforcing school expectations for new staff and students.

• Takes increased responsibility for documentation, including contributing substantially to developmental summaries and child portfolios.

• Co-facilitates parent conferences and participates in more complex family communications with guidance from Educator III.

• Helps identify classroom or yard-level needs and brings forward recommendations for improvement.

• May take the lead in the temporary absence of the Educator III, ensuring continuity of operations (without formal supervisory authority).

Educator III (includes all the above plus the following)

Educator III serves as the Program Leader for a specific yard, with full responsibility for management, supervision, and program quality.

• Leads and manages the educational program for the assigned yard.

• Develops curriculum and pedagogical practices in collaboration with the Associate Director of Education.

• Supervises, coaches, and evaluates Educator I and Educator II staff.

• Assigns responsibilities and ensures appropriate staffing and coverage.

• Oversees observation systems, documentation, and completion of developmental summaries.

• Serves as the primary supervisor and mentor for fieldwork/practicum students, including coordination with partner programs and providing formal feedback.

• Leads parent conferences, meetings, and complex family communications.

• Lead and facilitate Back to School Night and other key family engagement events.

• Facilitates staff meetings and professional learning within the yard.

• Coordinates with specialists and external consultants to support children’s needs.

• Ensures licensing compliance and alignment with school-wide standards.

• Serves as the primary liaison between the yard and school leadership.

• Participates in strategic planning and school-wide initiatives.

DECISION MAKING

• Educator I. Educator