Julia Duke
San Diego
Summary
Early Childhood Education Director | Program Leader | Preschool Consultant
Early childhood education professional with 30+ years of experience as a Director, Assistant Director, Lead Teacher, and Consultant. Proven leader in opening schools, managing licensing, building teams, and developing high-quality programs. Strong communicator with families, staff, and administrators. Helped launch two successful San Diego preschools, including one during COVID.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
Work History
Director
Kinder Mission Preschool
San Diego
01.2019 - Current
- Supported launch of new preschool; managed licensing, inspections, and compliance
- Oversaw budget, scheduling, documentation, and safety procedures
- Hired, trained, and supervised staff
- Maintained records, rosters, attendance, and supply ordering
- Led family tours and built strong school-family relationships
- Developed program standards and ensured high-quality care
Assistant Director
Seaside Preschool
San Diego
2017 - 2019
- Opened second campus in Pacific Beach
- Managed licensing, classroom setup, and compliance
- Conducted emergency drills and maintained student records
- Led staff trainings on curriculum, behavior guidance, newsletters, and conferences
- Organized family events and team-building initiatives
Assistant Director
Growing Tree Children’s Center
Oregon
2015 - 2017
- Designed individualized lesson plans
- Integrated behavioral supports and ABA services
- Produced monthly family newsletters
- Focused on confidence-building, responsibility, and critical thinking
Assistant Director & Summer Camp Director
Pacific Palisades Preschool
Pacific Palisades, CA
2010 - 2015
- Supervised staff and ensured licensing compliance
- Managed summer camps (planning, staffing, curriculum)
- Led staff meetings, trainings, and parent communication
- Worked with school, church, and parent boards
Lead Teacher / Admin Leadership Roles
Methodist Preschool
Pacific Palisades, CA
2005 - 2010
- Taught Pre-K skills and prepared children for Kindergarten
- Coordinated staff, events, field trips, and operations
- Assisted with daily school management
Early Education Roles
Multiple States
1996 - 2005
Education
Teaching Certificate - Early Childhood Education
UCLA Extensions
Westwood, California2004
Administration Certificate - Early Childhood Education
UCLA Extensions
Westwood, California2005
Early Childhood Education
Santa Monica College
Santa Monica, California2007
Early Childhood Education
Central Oregon Community College
Bend, Oregon2016
Business
Central Oregon Community College
Bend, Oregon2016
Early Childhood Education
Southwestern Community College
Chula Vista, California2018
Business
Central Oregon Community College
Bend, OR2023
Skills
- Leadership & Team Development
- Relationship & Community Building
- Strong Written & Verbal Communication
- Strategic Planning & Decision-Making
- Staff Supervision, Hiring & Retention
- Conflict Resolution & Problem Solving
- Time Management, Multitasking & Organization
- Operations Management & Program Development
- Program Quality & Educational Excellence
- School Promotion & Enrollment Support
- Customer Service & Family Engagement
Timeline
Director
Kinder Mission Preschool
01.2019 - Current
Assistant Director
Seaside Preschool
2017 - 2019
Assistant Director
Growing Tree Children’s Center
2015 - 2017
Assistant Director & Summer Camp Director
Pacific Palisades Preschool
2010 - 2015
Lead Teacher / Admin Leadership Roles
Methodist Preschool
2005 - 2010
Early Education Roles
Multiple States
1996 - 2005
Teaching Certificate - Early Childhood Education
UCLA Extensions
Administration Certificate - Early Childhood Education
UCLA Extensions
Early Childhood Education
Santa Monica College
Early Childhood Education
Central Oregon Community College
Business
Central Oregon Community College
Early Childhood Education
Southwestern Community College
Business
Central Oregon Community College