Human Resources Manager

Job Summary

The Human Resources Manager is responsible for leading and managing all HR functions for Just 4 Kids Preschool across multiple locations. This role serves as a strategic partner to the Vice President of Operations and the center leadership team, and a trusted resource for staff, with a strong focus on employee relations, compliance, recruitment, and retention in an early childhood education environment.

The HR Manager ensures that policies, practices, and culture support a safe, compliant, high-performing workplace where children, families, and staff can thrive.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee relations issues across all locations.
• Coach center directors and supervisors on handling performance concerns, conflict resolution, and corrective action.
• Conduct fair and thorough investigations into complaints and concerns (e.g., harassment, discrimination, policy violations).
• Provide guidance on progressive discipline, documentation, and terminations in alignment with company policy and California law.
• Promote a positive, respectful, inclusive culture that reflects the values of Just 4 Kids Preschool.
• Lead employee engagement efforts, including recognition, feedback channels, and retention initiatives.

• Lead full-cycle recruiting for teaching, support, and administrative positions (posting, screening, interviewing, reference checks, offers).
• Partner with center directors and the VP of Operations to forecast staffing needs and maintain appropriate staffing levels at each location.
• Ensure that all new hires meet regulatory and internal requirements (background checks, TB tests, immunizations, qualifications, etc.).
• Own and continuously improve the onboarding process to provide a high-quality, consistent experience for new staff.
• Support workforce planning and pipeline development for key roles (lead teachers, assistant teachers, center leadership).

• Ensure compliance with federal, state (especially California), and local employment laws and regulations.
• Maintain and update the employee handbook, HR policies, and procedures; communicate changes effectively to leaders and staff.
• Oversee personnel files and HR records to ensure accuracy, confidentiality, and compliance with licensing and legal standards.
• Coordinate with Payroll and Finance to ensure accurate and timely processing of pay, changes, and corrections.
• Support compliance with childcare licensing requirements related to staff (e.g., ratios, qualifications, documentation).
• Assist with responses to audits, licensing reviews, and other regulatory inquiries related to HR and staffing.

• Support the design and implementation of performance review processes and tools.
• Coach leaders on setting clear expectations, offering feedback, and supporting employee growth.
• Identify training needs for center leaders and staff, and coordinate or deliver training on HR-related topics (e.g., harassment prevention, documentation, communication, leadership basics).
• Partner with leadership to create development plans and career pathways for key roles.

• Assist employees and managers with questions related to benefits, time off, and HR policies.
• Coordinate and track leaves of absence (e.g., FMLA, CFRA, pregnancy disability, personal leave) in accordance with law and policy.
• Support wellness, attendance, and return-to-work processes.
• Work with external vendors and brokers as needed to support benefits administration.

• Maintain HR metrics (e.g., turnover, time-to-fill, headcount, absenteeism) and share regular reports with leadership.
• Use data and trends to recommend improvements in recruitment, retention, and employee experience.
• Recommend and help implement HR systems and tools to streamline processes and improve service to staff and leaders.

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration,…