Head Start Center Director II

Directs the Head Start Program at the center level. Responsibilities encompasses all facets of the program, including integration of components, center/cluster supervisory compliance with NM Childcare Licensing Regulations; Head Start Program Performance Standards, NAEYC accreditation, safety and developmentally appropriate education of young children; involvement of parents/guardians; supervision and mentoring of staff and volunteers; and maintenance and security of the Head Start Center.

BA in Early Childhood Education or related field of study and a minimum of 6 years of responsible administrative experience in an early childhood growth and development setting as documented by past employment relating to supervision of staff, program operations and function. Must have 2 years of supervisory experience.

CENTER DIRECTOR II: Directs the Head Start program at the center/cluster level. Responsibilities encompasses all facets of the program, including: integration of components, center/cluster supervisory compliance with New Mexico Child Care Licensing Regulations, Head Start Program Performance Standards, NAEYC accreditation; safety and developmentally appropriate education of young children; involvement of parents/guardians; supervision and mentoring of staff and volunteers; and maintenance and security of the Head Start Center.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

BA in Early Childhood Development or related field of study plus six (6) years experience in an early childhood growth and development setting.

Must have two (2) years demonstrated supervisory experience and knowledge of Head Start program.

Must show interest and ability in working with people.

Ability to exhibit emotional maturity and good judgment, to include high standards of morals and speech.

Ability to establish an effective professional manner in all dealings with clients and the general public.

Must be dependable and flexible with regard to working hours.

Ability to follow and carry out written and oral instructions, quickly and accurately.

Must be able to use discretion in all facets of work-related situations.

Ability to perform all works rapidly and accurately, meeting all deadlines when applicable
Must keep abreast of modern techniques and methods used in individual and group sessions.
Must be qualified to license a Head Start Center under New Mexico State Childcare Licensing regulations.

JOB CHARACTERISTICS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

This position is exempt from overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act. This is a professional position, which requires organizational and communication skills, as well as judgment, tact, and diplomacy in contacts with Head Start employees, community residents, parents and local government agencies. Strict adherence is required to all regulations concerning confidentiality.

Good general health and the ability to lift and carry 55 lbs. are essential. Background investigation to include fingerprint process will be required. Physical and TB test may be required every five years.

Travel is required. Must have a valid drivers license and proof of satisfactory car insurance.

Youth Development, Inc. is an at-will employer. Employment is by mutual consent of the company and employee, and either may terminate the relationship at any time with or without cause or advance notice. This job is contingent upon funding; however, availability of funding is not a guarantee of continued employment, nor does it imply any specific term of employment.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES (Not Inclusive):

• Responsible for enforcement of all State Licensing and Fire Marshal Regulations.
• Ensures and is primarily responsible for compliance with Performance Standards, work plan and agency Personnel Rules and Regulations. Ensures that center activities and interactions conform to the agency mission and Standards of Conduct.
• Will provide cluster level leadership.
• Assists in organizing and participates in parent meetings. Reports all problem areas to the Associate Director.
• Responsible for the inventory and care of all equipment and supplies.
• Attends all meetings as assigned by the Associate Director.
• Participates in management meetings and supervisory training.
• Holds regular staff meetings with center staff.
• Monitors kitchen for safety and health standards.
• Monitors classroom for teacher/child interactions; staff interactions; developmentally appropriate practices; parent volunteers, and compliance with performance standards, work plan and licensing regulations.
• Mediates staff and parent conflicts at center level. Facilitates conflict resolution and implements progressive intervention when necessary.
• Reports all problem areas to the Associate Director.
• Provides guidance, leadership, coaching, and technical assistance to Center Director I positions under cluster assignments. Conducts supervision/coaching sessions with Center Director I staff to develop supervisory skills and leadership development.
• Informs and facilitates the planning and implementation of adequate systems to ensure quality services are being delivered to children and families in compliance with Head Start Performance Standards.
• Ensures consistency in service delivery across centers/clusters with attention to inclusive practices and integration of component areas; encourages continuous improvement of systems.
• Establishes and maintains collaborative relationships with public school districts and other community agencies and partners.
• Will be engaged and represent YDI Head Start/Early Head Start on local planning bodies.
• Participate in the development of collaborations and facility development for future expansion of families and/or services.
• Visits Head Start centers on a regular basis, and confers with staff, to provide ongoing mentoring and support to outlying centers.
• Plans and directs the work of the staff supervised. Observes staff and provides feedback on a regular, informal basis.
• Manages staffing ratios at the center level; ensures adequate classroom coverage with appropriate staff.
• Conducts and/or participates in performance evaluations of all center staff.
• Ensures compliance with Performance Standards, including education, nutrition, social services, disabilities, parent involvement and health.
• Organizes cluster support meetings.
• Provides job orientation, to include job responsibilities, assignments, personnel policies and general familiarization of the work site.
• Responds to parent concerns at the center level.
• Reviews all reports, daily attendance, meal counts, screening, time sheets, etc. and submits to the Associate Director or appropriate content area manager.
• Submits monthly reports to Associate Director.
• Responsible for adherence to health, sanitation, and safety standards related to nutrition.
• Other duties as assigned.