Associate Director, Expanded Learning

About PLN 

Founded on Skid Row in 1980, Para Los Niños provides education and wraparound support, serving over 10,000 children, youth, and families annually in some of the most underserved areas in Los Angeles. PLN fosters pathways to success by striving for excellence in education, family support, and comprehensive social-emotional, and community-based services. 

Through early education, TK-8th grade education, youth workforce services, and family and community services Para Los Niño’s’ model provides a comprehensive, holistic approach to break the cycle of poverty and help children and youth thrive. 

Position Overview 

The Associate Director of Expanded Learning, reporting directly to the Managing Director of Expanded Learning, is responsible for overseeing daily operations and ensuring the effective implementation of all program components. This includes compliance with all policies, procedures, licensing standards, and performance requirements. Key responsibilities include managing program operations such as enrollment, recruitment, and staffing (including hiring and coverage for short-staffing), as well as overseeing ratios, incidents, facilities, health and safety protocols, and parent engagement. The Associate Director provides oversight of monthly reports to meet grant and licensing requirements, leads emergency procedures including monthly drills and equipment readiness, and ensures the availability and accuracy of data management systems (e.g., attendance reporting, family files, CDE). They are also responsible for reviewing daily program requirements, managing administrative staff (Operations Coordinators), preparing for audits and Federal Program Monitoring across both sites, maintaining records for major incidents and behavior or medical decisions (in coordination with relevant staff), and completing annual environmental skills assessments. This role participates in weekly site staff meetings and team group meetings, facilitates the biweekly management team meeting, and performs other duties as assigned.

Duties 

• Oversee daily operations of afterschool, summer, and intersession programs, ensuring compliance with licensing requirements, agency policies, and grant conditions, including emergency procedures, inventory management, and incident reporting. 
• Provide leadership and supervision to program staff—including the Operations Coordinator—supporting recruitment, hiring, evaluations, professional development, and full program enrollment. 
• Ensure compliance with all administrative, financial, and human resource responsibilities; manage data systems (CDMIS, Cityspan, ASSIST, APR), maintain attendance records, and oversee audits and documentation for CDE, CCL, and Federal Program Monitoring (FPM). 
• Collaborate with the Managing Director of Expanded Learning to monitor program performance against contractual and fiscal benchmarks and serve as a designee when needed. 
• Lead the planning, coordination, and reporting of student assessments (DRDP-SA and SACERS), including annual summaries and parent conferences, and support positive behavior management and family engagement. 
• Represent the agency during site visits and audits by regulatory entities such as CDE, LACOE, CCL, the Health Department, and the Fire Department, while maintaining strong partnerships and ensuring ongoing grant compliance. 

• Holds an active Site Supervisor Permit or higher from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing or meets the eligibility requirements to obtain one. 
• Five years of experience working in a school or program setting and at least two years of experience supervising a team. 
• Demonstrated experience managing ASES, 21st Century, and other Expanded Learning program grants. 
• Strong knowledge of Title 22 and Title 5 regulations governing childcare and expanded learning programs. 
• Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment. 
• Skilled in managing multiple, competing priorities with a high level of organization and adaptability. 
• Consistently exercises sound judgment and effective decision-making in a fast-paced setting. 
• Brings strong creativity, initiative, and organizational skills to program planning and execution. 
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English are required, and we celebrate linguistic diversity, valuing the unique perspectives and strengths that multilingual team members bring to our organization. 
• Travel Requirements: Frequent travel within Los Angeles County to Para Los Niños Charter Schools and other designated locations for meetings, training, and program support.  

• Approximately 50% of time is spent sitting, while frequently required to walk, stand and bend.   
• Must be able to speak and hear well.     
• Good vision is imperative.     
• Occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.     
• Employee will be required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds without assistance.  
• TB test clearance to be renewed every two years.   
• Verification of Immunizations required by the California Department of Health (Pertussis, Measles and Influenza).  

• Unwavering belief in and commitment to fulfill the mission of Para Los Niños.   
• Deep commitment to the success of all PLN students and families.   
• Commitment to excellence and high standards -- for self, students, and colleagues.   
• Continuous learning by engaging in reflection, self-assessment, and individual professional development.   
• Use of data to inform decisions and drive continuous improvement.   
• Ability to thrive as a member of a collaborative team.   
• Self-motivation and initiative with solutions-oriented disposition.   
• Belief in and ability to develop respectful relationships with families and children informed by the students’ cultural and socioeconomic characteristics.   
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.   
• Ability to effectively handle challenging situations.   
• Comfort with basic Microsoft Office applications and a curiosity and propensity to push own adoption of new technology and approaches.   
• Regular, punctual attendance and professional appearance.