Ascension Lutheran Early Childhood Center (ECC) is a premier early childhood education center in Thousand Oaks, CA. Our 32 teachers and administers provide 193 students with a loving Christian community that is rooted in nature, where our young learners have large amounts of time to investigate, explore, and have hands-on learning experiences. Our teachers facilitate problem solving, encourage collaboration, and foster independent thinkers through play-based opportunities.
We believe the ECC is a critical mission of Ascension Lutheran Church. In August of 2020, we built a modern 14,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility with 10 classrooms, and a multipurpose room where we host classes open to the wider community.  Our Early Childhood Center program has been in place since 1963, and we have consistently had an active waiting list for enrollment.

The ECC Director is a member of the “One Ascension” executive leadership team that collaborates and shapes culture for the broader organization.  The ECC Director provides vision, leadership, and management for all aspects for the early education program for Ascension Early Childhood Center, which includes the Infant/Toddler program and the Preschool Program at Ascension Lutheran School.  Our Vision is to nurture the whole child, establishing a lifelong learner and a foundation of faith. 
Our Five Strategic Goals state: We strive to Create Wise Stewards of God’s Creation, to Develop a Heart of Service in Every Student, to Inspire Life-Long Learners, to Nurture the Whole Child, and to Foster a Welcoming Christ-Centered Community.
This is a full time, exempt position with benefits that include paid time off, health care, and 6% of salary contribution to a 403b retirement account.

Specific duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Direct daily operations of the ECC in compliance with Community Care Licensing and the State of California Department of Social Services
• Lead and develop an ECC staff of approximately 32 teachers and administrators in providing consistent and age-appropriate education in the classes they teach
• Articulate and supervise curriculum consistent with the center’s philosophy and educational goals, including Nature Explore and RIE (Resources for Infant Education)
• Oversee enrollment, budgets, and staffing to maintain program quality and financial health
• Partner with other executive leaders to lead and shape organizational culture and climate throughout the ECC, TK-8 School, and Church community
• Empower and equip parents through communication, conferences, and community-building events
• Maintain and revise health, safety, and emergency preparedness procedures are up to date and integrated into daily routines
• Interact with the School Board in written and verbal reports and meetings on the status of enrollment, programming, and ensuring compliance with the policies and procedures directed by the School Board
• Promote collaborative opportunities between the ECC, TK-8 school, church, and general community 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field required; Master’s Degree Preferred
• Minimum of 10 years experience in the field of early childhood education
• Experience in early childhood center administration or management strongly preferred
• Must meet requirements to obtain a Child Development Site Supervisor Permit or

• Nature Explore Experience preferred, commitment to the philosophy required
• Experience with or knowledge of RIE (Resources for Infant Education)
• Outstanding administrative abilities
• Strong interpersonal, communication, collaboration, and leadership skills to use with the staff, parents, and students
• An open outlook, a vision to plan into the future, and be innovative in the planning process.
• Be able to work as a team member of the School Staff and One Ascension leadership team.
• Promote a cooperative spirit among staff members and a collaborative culture.
• An active Christian faith.