Growingplace
Description
The Growing Place Position Description
Position:
Office Manager Location:
Growing Place Early Childhood Lab School, 1802 4th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401 Status:
Full-time, non-exempt Reports to:
Campus Director Hours:
Monday- Friday, 8:30 am-5:00 pm Overview
The Office Manager is responsible for ensuring a welcoming environment for all who engage with Growing Place and providing all the services necessary to carry out effective school operations. This position supports the administrative team in carrying out the GP mission. The role requires the candidate to be professional, have excellent written and verbal communication, think critically, and be flexible and inclusive of others. The Office Manager will juggle multiple tasks simultaneously while prioritizing effectively. Responsibilities and Duties Promoting Effective Teaching and Learning
Work with Children — Support teachers with ill/late/absent children; create a positive, trusting relationship with young children; score Ages and Stages Questionnaires (ASQs)
Work with Families — Collaborate with Director, Assistant Director, and Program Coordinator to oversee and organize GP Friends Parent Committees; liaison between parent volunteers, vendors, and teachers to organize and serve tasting and hot lunches once a month for 8 months; support scheduling committee meetings and needs; contact families when needed (e.g., illness, attendance signatures); maintain attendance records; onboard new families; update and maintain Parent Square; respond to family needs promptly
Work with Faculty and Staff — Respond to daily needs related to school operation; onboard new faculty and staff; serve as notetaker at All Staff Meetings and distribute notes; support supervision as needed; assist with record keeping and marketing/communication for Annual Investment Campaign, Spring Fundraisers, Pitch-In Days, and other events; support Growing Place calendar and scheduling; prepare interviews; coordinate PD days and educator tours/workshops/internships; orient and oversee internships, observations, and student-teachers; attend weekly and monthly meetings
Overseeing Enrollment and Marketing
— Coordinate tours, interviews, enrollment applications (e.g., Curacubby); respond to inquiries; track acceptance/rejection letters and enrollment paperwork; assist with marketing/communication; adhere to fiscal procedures and secure tuition deposits, fees, contracts
Ensuring Licensing, Accreditation Standards, and Qualifying for Insurance
— Liaison with licensing; maintain NAEYC accreditation; assist with emergency preparedness plans and materials; liaise with local law and emergency personnel
Maintaining School Environment and Facilities
— Promote health and safety; conduct quarterly maintenance walk-throughs; select materials with Educational Coordinating Team; liaise with janitorial/maintenance vendors; develop emergency plans; maintain security; oversee Pitch-In Days; manage office supplies; procure and organize first aid, sanitation, and site supplies; support stewardship of resources and budgeting; partner with faculty, staff, and families on fundraising
Ensure Effective Center Communication and Records
— Create classroom binders; maintain Resource Book; manage mail/packages; daily attendance and late fees; update campus calendars; handle phone calls; use tools like Asana and Google; coordinate inventory and ordering (approval required for orders over $300); maintain check log and process bills
Building Deeper Community Partnerships
— Convey a welcoming image to faculty, staff, families, and visitors; support tuition assistance partnerships and build local relationships
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications/Requirements Skills
A Bachelor’s Degree or higher (12 ECE units preferred)
2 years of experience working with children and families in a licensed childcare program or school; NAEYC-accredited center preferred
Must meet California Department of Social Services requirements (licensing), including updated TB status, CPR certification, and fingerprint clearance
Competencies
Values parents as important partners; demonstrates discretion in communication; values accuracy and attention to detail
Collaborates with children and adults positively; team player; curious about learning and teaching
Finds joy in working with children and adults; lifelong learner; reflective; committed to diversity, inclusion, and equity
Seeks resources to improve practice; maintains professional boundaries; professional in dress, attitude, communication, and punctuality; integrity; adds value to organization
Shows strong writing and communication skills
Working Conditions
Standing and sitting in environments designed for children ages 2.5 to 5; ability to move from sitting to standing; ability to push/pull or lift up to 50 lbs; working in all weather conditions; requires developmentally normal hearing and visual acuity; requires strong communication skills with children, families, faculty, and staff
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Office Manager Location:
Growing Place Early Childhood Lab School, 1802 4th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401 Status:
Full-time, non-exempt Reports to:
Campus Director Hours:
Monday- Friday, 8:30 am-5:00 pm Overview
The Office Manager is responsible for ensuring a welcoming environment for all who engage with Growing Place and providing all the services necessary to carry out effective school operations. This position supports the administrative team in carrying out the GP mission. The role requires the candidate to be professional, have excellent written and verbal communication, think critically, and be flexible and inclusive of others. The Office Manager will juggle multiple tasks simultaneously while prioritizing effectively. Responsibilities and Duties Promoting Effective Teaching and Learning
Work with Children — Support teachers with ill/late/absent children; create a positive, trusting relationship with young children; score Ages and Stages Questionnaires (ASQs)
Work with Families — Collaborate with Director, Assistant Director, and Program Coordinator to oversee and organize GP Friends Parent Committees; liaison between parent volunteers, vendors, and teachers to organize and serve tasting and hot lunches once a month for 8 months; support scheduling committee meetings and needs; contact families when needed (e.g., illness, attendance signatures); maintain attendance records; onboard new families; update and maintain Parent Square; respond to family needs promptly
Work with Faculty and Staff — Respond to daily needs related to school operation; onboard new faculty and staff; serve as notetaker at All Staff Meetings and distribute notes; support supervision as needed; assist with record keeping and marketing/communication for Annual Investment Campaign, Spring Fundraisers, Pitch-In Days, and other events; support Growing Place calendar and scheduling; prepare interviews; coordinate PD days and educator tours/workshops/internships; orient and oversee internships, observations, and student-teachers; attend weekly and monthly meetings
Overseeing Enrollment and Marketing
— Coordinate tours, interviews, enrollment applications (e.g., Curacubby); respond to inquiries; track acceptance/rejection letters and enrollment paperwork; assist with marketing/communication; adhere to fiscal procedures and secure tuition deposits, fees, contracts
Ensuring Licensing, Accreditation Standards, and Qualifying for Insurance
— Liaison with licensing; maintain NAEYC accreditation; assist with emergency preparedness plans and materials; liaise with local law and emergency personnel
Maintaining School Environment and Facilities
— Promote health and safety; conduct quarterly maintenance walk-throughs; select materials with Educational Coordinating Team; liaise with janitorial/maintenance vendors; develop emergency plans; maintain security; oversee Pitch-In Days; manage office supplies; procure and organize first aid, sanitation, and site supplies; support stewardship of resources and budgeting; partner with faculty, staff, and families on fundraising
Ensure Effective Center Communication and Records
— Create classroom binders; maintain Resource Book; manage mail/packages; daily attendance and late fees; update campus calendars; handle phone calls; use tools like Asana and Google; coordinate inventory and ordering (approval required for orders over $300); maintain check log and process bills
Building Deeper Community Partnerships
— Convey a welcoming image to faculty, staff, families, and visitors; support tuition assistance partnerships and build local relationships
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications/Requirements Skills
A Bachelor’s Degree or higher (12 ECE units preferred)
2 years of experience working with children and families in a licensed childcare program or school; NAEYC-accredited center preferred
Must meet California Department of Social Services requirements (licensing), including updated TB status, CPR certification, and fingerprint clearance
Competencies
Values parents as important partners; demonstrates discretion in communication; values accuracy and attention to detail
Collaborates with children and adults positively; team player; curious about learning and teaching
Finds joy in working with children and adults; lifelong learner; reflective; committed to diversity, inclusion, and equity
Seeks resources to improve practice; maintains professional boundaries; professional in dress, attitude, communication, and punctuality; integrity; adds value to organization
Shows strong writing and communication skills
Working Conditions
Standing and sitting in environments designed for children ages 2.5 to 5; ability to move from sitting to standing; ability to push/pull or lift up to 50 lbs; working in all weather conditions; requires developmentally normal hearing and visual acuity; requires strong communication skills with children, families, faculty, and staff
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