Reports to: Director of Special Programs
Department: Special Programs
Status: Full-Time
FLSA: Non-Exempt
All UCDS employees are expected to embody the school’s mission to design a culture of inquiry essential to meaningful learning; cultivate reflective, collaborative, skillful thinkers who ignite positive change in their communities; and engage diverse perspectives in an ongoing effort to shape and share our innovative education model.
Overview
University Child Development School (UCDS) located in Seattle, Washington is an independent school serving 390+ Infant/Toddler, Early Elementary (Preschool, Pre-Kindergarten, and Kindergarten) and Elementary (1st through 5th grade) students. In addition, the UCDS education institution comprises the UCDS Graduate School of Education. UCDS uniquely serves to prepare teachers, educate children, and develop innovations in curriculum and teaching. UCDS’s unique design as a place where both teachers and children learn, where early-career teachers develop their practice, and where experienced teachers research and design curriculum, gives rise to its innovation. The Master of Education program is the evolution of UCDS’ deep history of developing and supporting exceptional educators.
Position Summary
The Special Programs Manager sustains UCDS’s before- and after-school programming, providing families with reliable extended-day care that helps them meet work schedules while keeping students engaged in a safe, enriching environment beyond the academic day. This role extends UCDS’s
educational mission into off-school hours, ensuring the school’s commitment to child development and community continues through recreational, social, and creative programming. By maintaining
high-quality programming and staffing, the position supports UCDS’s reputation and enrollment as a school families can depend on for full-day coverage. The Special Programs Manager exercises independent judgment in daily program delivery and staff supervision, operating collaboratively with the other Special Programs Manager and within program direction set by the Director of Special Programs.
What You’ll Do — Essential Responsibilities
The items listed in this section are the key duties and responsibilities for this position and do not represent an exhaustive list. UCDS is dynamic and therefore duties may change based on business necessity. The job description may be revised at UCDS’s discretion to reflect those changes.
- Manages all aspects of the Early Elementary (EE) and Elementary Extended Day Program (EDP), including scheduling, staffing, and daily operations, to ensure consistent, high-quality extended-day programming for students.
- Supervises EDP teachers and staff, providing daily oversight, performance evaluations, and
feedback to maintain a high standard of instruction and professionalism. - Monitors the safety and health of all EDP activities to protect student well-being and minimize organizational risk.
- Schedules and facilitates regular meetings with EDP staff and instructors to evaluate, develop, and implement instruction and training that reflects the school’s vision and safety standards.
- Collaborates with the other Special Programs Manager to develop, market, schedule, and
implement Special Programs, including extended- and full-day programming, academic and extracurricular clubs, and off-campus activities. - Collaborates with the other Special Programs Manager to manage the registration process for prospective EDP students.
- Serves as the primary point of contact for parents and guardians, proactively communicating on all matters related to special programs to build trust and support family engagement.
- Escalates and reports to the Director of Special Programs on student needs and program matters requiring additional support or decision-making.
- Coordinates with the Directors of Facilities, Technology, and Educational Operations to secure facilities and equipment needed for special programs.
- Maintains consistent student and staff expectations as outlined in the UCDS Constitution to support a cohesive program that adopts a culture of respect for oneself, others, and the community.
- Represents special programs alongside the Director of Special Programs at community events, fairs, and festivals to support UCDS’s public presence.
- Orders materials, equipment, and supplies for EDP in collaboration with the other Special
Programs Manager to ensure program readiness. - Perform other duties as assigned.
What You’ll Bring — Essential Qualifications
The items listed below are the minimum requirements for this position. UCDS values both work experience and education and recognizes that individuals take different paths to acquire knowledge.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Education, Child Development, Recreation Administration, or a related field.
- Three years of experience supervising children in a school or youth-serving organization.
- Three years of experience leading or supervising staff or a team.
- One year of experience in program coordination or operations.
- Any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the necessary qualifications to successfully perform the duties of this position will be considered.
Knowledge and Skills
- Knowledge of the cognitive and emotional development of children ages 3 to 12.
- Knowledge of child safety protocols and emergency response procedures.
- Demonstrated ability in supervising, coaching, and providing performance feedback to staff.
- Demonstrated ability in resolving conflicts and managing difficult conversations with staff, students, and families.
- Ability to manage program budgets, supplies, and vendor or facilities coordination.
- Knowledge of and demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion practices.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Proficiency with Google Suite.
- Ability to work effectively with a diverse range of students, families, and staff.
- Strong planning and organizational skills.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently and accurately, re-prioritizing as needed.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to work collaboratively.
Licenses and Certifications
- Current First Aid and CPR certification, or obtained within three months of employment.
- Must pass Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) and Washington State Patrol (WSP) background checks.
Supervisory Responsibilities
The roles listed below identify the supervisory scope and authority associated with this position, where applicable. Supervisory scope may change based on business necessity and does not expand the employee’s authority beyond what is otherwise granted under UCDS policy.
- 6-8 Extended Day Program (EDP) Staff Members
Work Environment
- The physical demands and work conditions described below are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.
- Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to
perform these functions. - Regularly stands, walks, and moves throughout classrooms, hallways, offices, and outdoor spaces for extended periods during the workday.
- Frequently sits, kneels, bends, or works at floor level to engage with children, particularly in infant, toddler, and early childhood settings.
- Occasionally lifts and carries items up to 40 lbs, such as classroom supplies, furniture, or equipment; may lift or carry a child in the course of care, comfort, or an emergency.
- Regularly supervises children in indoor and outdoor settings, including during arrival/dismissal, lunch, recess, and transitions, requiring sustained visual and auditory attention to ensure student safety.
- Works outdoors in a range of weather conditions typical of the Pacific Northwest, including rain, cold, and sun, for recess, outdoor play, or outdoor instruction.
- May supervise or accompany students on field trips or off-site programming, including walking,
standing, or riding in a vehicle for extended periods. - Works in environments with variable noise levels, including active classrooms, cafeterias, and playgrounds.
- Uses computers, phones, and standard office or classroom equipment for communication,
instruction, and administrative tasks. - May be required to respond to emergency situations, including assisting with evacuation or providing physical support to children or colleagues.
- Maintains a regular, predictable on-site schedule, with some roles requiring early morning, evening, or extended hours based on programming needs.
- May be exposed to bodily fluids, including blood, in the course of providing first aid or responding to illness or injury, and follows UCDS health and safety protocols in doing so.
Compensation & Benefits
$30.00/hour
The school offers a generous and comprehensive benefits package to benefits-eligible employees subject to the discretion of the Head of School, which includes:
- Employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Health Savings Account with employer contribution
- Flexible Spending Account
- 403(b) Retirement Plan with available employer matching
- Paid sick leave
- Employer-paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
- Employer-paid Life Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program for employees and their dependents
- Wellness benefit is to be used on items or services that promote wellness
- Professional Development opportunities
- Free parking
How to Apply
If you are interested in applying for this position, click the “Apply Now” button to submit a resume and a detailed cover letter addressing interest in this position and qualifications.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging
UCDS aspires to be a welcoming learning community with a deep commitment and appreciation for diversity in all forms. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are central values at UCDS. From our youngest to our oldest students, we strive to help them develop a worldview that identifies, understands, and values diversity in race, ethnicity, gender, religion, ability, and more. We weave opportunities for these meaningful conversations, experiences, and learning throughout students’ days. Over the past few years, UCDS has continued to refine our approach and review our DEIB programming to continue to improve the ways we support students, parents, and employees by bringing an equity lens to academic and operational systems across the school.
We encourage members of marginalized communities, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, as well as members of other underrepresented groups, to apply and potentially become a part of our commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive educational environment.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement
UCDS is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with disabilities. We will provide reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job unless doing so would cause an undue hardship. Physical requirements and job duties listed in this posting are essential to the role. If you believe you need an accommodation to perform these functions, we encourage you to apply and discuss potential accommodations with our team.
If you require accommodation during the application or hiring process, please contact hr@ucds.org.
Notice of Nondiscrimination
UCDS strives to provide equal opportunity to all employees. The school’s policy is not to discriminate in employment based on race, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, creed, age, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran or military status or any other status protected under applicable local, state or federal law. The School is committed to administering employment decisions, including hiring, promotions, compensation benefits, transfers, layoffs, return from layoffs, terminations, training, sabbaticals, tuition assistance, and other programs, without regard to an employee’s protected status.
All applicants for UCDS employment, both paid and volunteer positions, are subject to criminal background checks.