Careers

We are hiring! Come join Little Wonders, a play-based, cooperative parent-child community in San Mateo, CA. Our unique parent-child model creates a supportive community where educators, parents, and children learn together. We are proud of our collaborative teaching team, strong parent engagement, and stable program built by long-tenured educators.

Our program offers classes to parents and their children aged 3 months to 36 months. Parents attend weekly or bi-weekly classes with their children and engage in both educational play and parent education focused discussions. We also offer virtual support classes that meet monthly for parents only. Little Wonders is a co-operative program, with all families contributing hours to the school both in and out of the classroom. 

Little Wonders is a member of the San Mateo Council of Parent Participation Nursery Schools and the California Council of Parent Participation Nursery Schools.

Program Director

Little Wonders is hiring a part-time Program Director to join our team! Download this job posting here.

Job Summary

Little Wonders is seeking a Program Director to serve as the primary administrator and community leader of Little Wonders Parent-Child Community. This role works closely with the Board of Directors and teaching staff to ensure the program reflects the school’s philosophy of play-based learning, parent participation, and community engagement. The Director is responsible for the overall administration of the program, supporting and managing the teaching staff, acting as the liaison for the board of directors, maintaining compliance with licensing requirements, and fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for families. The Director also teaches 1-2 classes each year

The individual we are seeking demonstrates flexibility, patience, and very strong team-oriented interpersonal and communication skills. The director should also embody deep respect for the capabilities of young children, and take joy in helping families navigate early parenthood.

Essential Responsibilities

  • Serves as the leader and primary point of contact for the school and works to foster a positive, supportive, and safe community atmosphere for all families, staff, and board members. 

    • Is present at Little Wonders daily and steps in as needed to support teachers and families. 

    • Maintains regular availability for communications with parents, staff, board members, and the community. 

    • Promotes enrollment and Little Wonders in the broader community by attending occasional weekend events such as preschool fairs, previews, and community events.

  • Acts as the primary administrator for Little Wonders 

    • Is ultimately the primary individual responsible for our facility and program

    • Creates and maintains the annual school calendar 

    • Maintains all files, including personnel files, lease information, articles of incorporation, insurance papers, incident reports, warranties, and others. 

    • Assists the volunteer treasurer with payroll and budgeting 

  • Leads the Staff

    • Supervise and support the teaching staff, including conducting annual staff evaluations, supporting professional development. and addressing any concerns that arise

    • Facilitate regular staff meetings and occasional teacher in-service days.

    • Works with the curriculum coordinator to onboard new staff and offer continued support and coaching to teachers.

    • Is responsible for a substitute list and, ultimately, teaching classes when substitutes are not available

  • Partners with the Curriculum Coordinator to support the educational direction and philosophy of the school. 

    • Provides final approval for educational matters including curriculum materials, educational events, and professional development requests.

  • Teaches 1-2 classes per year 

  • Serves at the primary liaison between the staff and board of directors 

    • Attends all monthly board meetings to provide operational insight and recommendations to support board decision making

    • Serves on various committees, and is available to meet with board members as needed. 

    • Aids with annual board transitions and attends on-boarding meetings for each board position. 

  • Other duties as assigned or needed

Minimum Qualifications

  • Holds valid credentials issued by the California Department of Education or comparable E.C.E. units and/or experience.

  • Holds an administrative services credential and/or has demonstrated experience in administrative skills 

  • A bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or equivalent major preferred

  • 5 years of early childhood education experience required 

  • 2 years of management experience is desirable 

  • Ability to pass a background check and proof of immunization & health criteria

  • Current CPR Certification desired 

  • Meets other qualifications set forth by the “hiring committee” of Little Wonders.

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to remain stationary or seated for extended periods during parent discussions or classroom activities.

  • Ability to move throughout the classroom and outdoor play areas.

  • Ability to lift and carry up to 35 lbs

  • Ability to interact with children on the floor and at child-height tables.

  • Ability to supervise indoor and outdoor environments.

Compensation and Benefits 

  • The estimated starting rate for this role is $65 - $75 per hour. Exact compensation is commensurate with experience and skill. Little Wonders offers regular pay increases based on a stepped compensation program recognizing experience, tenure, and contribution to the Little Wonders community.

  • Health stipend and retirement contributions (403(b)) for eligible positions.

  • Annual bonus opportunity at the discretion of the Board of Directors.

  • Opportunities for professional development including workshops, conferences, and continuing education.

  • Consistent part-time schedule that supports work–life balance.

  • A cooperative school model where parents actively collaborate in the classroom and beyond, to support the success of Little Wonders.Application Process

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit their resume and cover letter to our Board of Directors Co-Presidents by email at president@littlewonders.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis beginning March 10th.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Little Wonders is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and families and does not discriminate on the basis of any characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.