Manager, Early Care and Education Services

Our ideal candidate

You are an excellent communicator, both orally and in writing. You are adept at working with diverse clientele representing varying roles. You take your responsibilities seriously and can be trusted to follow through on program plans, goals, and tasks. You are extremely organized, flexible, and calm under pressure. Above all, you are committed to empowering families and children through an integrated, comprehensive, and high-quality system of early care and education.

General description

Under general direction of the Director of Child Development, the Manager, Early Care and Education Services is responsible for implementing early care and education (ECE) services, including: professional support to the Child Care Planning Council (CCPC), quality improvement programs that support the Quality Counts California Consortium for quality rating and improvement system (QRIS) implementation, and other ECE initiatives. The manager is responsible for ensuring that required goals and outcomes are met in order to improve and increase high quality early care and education services throughout Santa Barbara County.

Incumbents in this class may be assigned to positions supporting the Child Care Planning Council, quality improvement programs, or other related programs.

Specific duties and responsibilities

Plan, coordinate, implement, and advocate for the priority goals of the CCPC, quality improvement programs, and other ECE initiatives; Coordinate and facilitate the work of stakeholders (e.g., Child Care Planning Council, QRIS Consortium, and regional partnerships), committees and workgroups to address relevant topics, including leading and facilitating group discussions toward consensus; ensures compliance with the Brown Act and other public meeting requirements, including preparation of agenda, minutes and accessibility of public records;

Execute contractual requirements and legislative mandates tied to the CCPC, quality improvement programs, and other ECE initiatives, within limits of authority;

Collect data, prepare and maintain reports, and respond to requests for documentation and information; anticipate and respond to legislation and new initiatives; manage database and ensure required data entry from authorized users;

Research and write funding proposals to support the mission, goals and objectives of the CCPC and quality improvement programs; oversee the implementation of funded projects to accomplish stated goals and fulfill terms; create, plan and manage contracts, including budgets and subcontractor grants;

Maintain knowledge regarding ECE standards relevant to state plans, goals, and objectives in order to support onboarding of new early learning programs, and participate in advancing program quality for participating sites;

Plan and implement professional development opportunities for stakeholders (e.g., coaches, center staff, providers, and parents); develop annual training calendar; secure venues and presenters; prepare and/or order materials; facilitate venue set-up and cleanup, refreshments, registration, and evaluation;

Maintain communication and serve as a liaison between the Child Care Planning Council, local consortium, County Superintendent, County Board of Supervisors, California Department of Education, First 5 California and other stakeholders;

Collaborate in the development and implementation of broad-based communication strategies related to ECE initiatives; contribute to ongoing website and social media presence;

Attend and actively participate in appropriate committees, workgroups, meetings, conferences, and trainings throughout Santa Barbara County, the region, and the state;

Performs general administrative duties as directed, and other duties as assigned.



Education and Experience

Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in child development, education, or a related discipline

Experience: Two years of increasingly responsible program administration experience that included some combination of the following: data collection and analysis, grant writing, budget management, group facilitation, ECE professional development, and workshop/event coordination.

Knowledge of:

Principles and practices of program administration and professional development

Budget development and management

Current principles and practices in early care and education

Local, state and national laws and policies affecting early care and education

Program development and evaluation

Effective grant writing strategies

Data collection and management methods

Strategic planning

Group facilitation methods and practices

Standard written and spoken English

Standard office productivity software

Ability to:

Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing

Research, write and present reports

Write and manage grants

Interact with and maintain cooperative relationships with diverse levels of staff and the community

Lead and work effectively with groups to accomplish goals and meet deadlines

Organize, implement and evaluate training programs

Operate a computer and other office equipment and related software programs

Work independently, exercise sound judgment, and assume responsibility for completion of tasks

Coordinate work of third parties over whom one has no supervisory authority

Work with frequent interruptions

Adapt to diverse populations, environments, and requirements

Sufficient visual acuity to read written materials and computer screens

Sufficient hand- -eye coordination and finger dexterity to write and use a computer keyboard, mouse or other pointing device

Licenses and certificates

Valid California driver’s license and the use of a dependable automobile

Working conditions

Work is performed in a typical modern office environment. Local travel to a variety of locations, as well as occasional overnight travel, is required. Occasional attendance at evening and weekend meetings and events is also required.

Classified Management salary ranges have 9 steps (A-I). Initial salary placement for new hires may be at any step of the range, based on qualifications.

Click here for an Overview of Our Application & Selection Process .

RECRUITMENT INFORMATION:

• All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to participate in the examination process for the position.

• The examination process may include one or more of the following: written, oral, and performance examination.

• Candidates must pass all parts of the examination process to be placed on the eligibility list. Final score will determine the candidate's rank on the eligibility list.

• A candidate in the top three ranks (including tie scores) on the eligibility list may be considered for hire; when there are multiple vacancies in the same job classification, additional ranks will be considered.

• This recruitment is Dual Certification, meaning it is open to all applicants, including current SBCEO employees and those from the general public. Dual certification results in one integrated eligibility list based on rank.

• Eligibility lists are generally valid for six months; promotional eligibility lists are valid for one year. Lists may be exhausted prior to the original expiration date, or they may be extended with the approval of the Personnel Commission.

• If you require an accommodation for any step of the application and selection process, please notify Human Resources by the application deadline date (or as soon as possible for an open continuous recruitment).

• Veterans' Preference Points: This recruitment is eligible for veterans' preference points for qualifying veterans.

Closing Date/Time: Wed, 23 Jul 2025

• 

• Santa Barbara County Education Office

• (805) 964-4711

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