Center Director In Training (Temporary)

MAAC (Metropolitan Area Advisory Committee)•Rincon, CA

2d•$72,000 - $77,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Center Director In Training is a temporary, developmental position that provides qualified individuals with hands-on experience needed to meet MAAC’s experience requirements for Center Director. Appointments are limited to a maximum of two years, though they may be shorter; at the conclusion of the appointment, the incumbent may be considered for a Center Director position. Under direction, the incumbent plans, develops, implements, and supervises operations at an assigned Head Start or Early Head Start center. The role ensures compliance with MAAC policies and procedures, licensing requirements, health and safety standards, and service area plans. It also supports age-appropriate curriculum, monitors children’s development, oversees recruitment and enrollment and family development activities, encourages parent participation, and helps maintain parent satisfaction. The position coordinates parent committee activities and prepares required site reports. MAAC’s Child Development Program provides Head Start, Early Head Start, and State Preschool services to children and families in North San Diego County. Its programs serve children from birth through age five and emphasize school readiness, individualized developmentally appropriate programming, and comprehensive support for children and families.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university, with a major in early childhood education, child development, or a closely related field.
15 semester units in child development, including 12 core units, three units in administration or staff relations, and six units of Infant/Toddler coursework. Hiring with three Infant/Toddler units is allowed if the remaining three units are completed within six months.
At least two years of progressively responsible teaching experience in a Head Start or child development program, including at least one year in a coaching, lead, or supervisory capacity, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Valid California Child Development Permit at the Site Supervisor level.
Complete 15 hours of preventive health practices training and one hour of nutrition training if required under the cited Health and Safety Code provision.
Knowledge of instruction, care, and supervision of infants, toddlers, and preschool children; child development and behavior; Head Start standards; applicable regulations; health and safety requirements; center administration; business communication; standard business software; supervision; and relevant human resources policies and procedures.
Ability to manage a Head Start or Early Head Start center in compliance with applicable standards and regulations; develop appropriate curriculum and lesson plans; create a safe learning environment; observe and document child development, behavior, and health; use standard business software; prepare reports; prioritize work and exercise independent judgment; communicate effectively; protect confidential information; and maintain effective working relationships.
Must complete a physical examination, TB clearance, and drug screen through a MAAC-designated doctor or clinic, and provide required influenza, pertussis, and measles immunization records before the first day of employment.
Must obtain and maintain required background clearances, including applicable criminal background clearance, signed criminal record statement, and signed child-abuse reporting acknowledgment before the first day of employment.
Must have and maintain a valid California Driver’s License, daily use of a personal insured vehicle, and a driving record acceptable to MAAC’s insurance carrier; incumbents will be enrolled in the California DMV Pull Program.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the position, including standing, walking, sitting, communicating, handling objects, reaching, bending, kneeling, crouching, crawling, climbing, balancing, and lifting up to 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

Plan, organize, supervise, and evaluate the programs and activities of an assigned Head Start or Early Head Start center.
Work with teaching and family service staff to develop, implement, and monitor center and service-area work plans, goals, objectives, and educational outcomes.
Contribute to program planning, resource monitoring, and the development and evaluation of processes and procedures.
Evaluate assigned staff, set performance expectations and development targets, provide coaching, recommend compensation and recognition, and take disciplinary action subject to management concurrence and applicable policies.
Promote a high-performance, child- and family-centered environment and support parent involvement and positive employee relations.
Oversee daily center operations, ensure appropriate staffing, communicate center activities and calendars, and maintain effective relationships among staff, families, volunteers, community partners, specialists, and consultants.
Respond to parent inquiries and visits, address concerns and complaints, supervise meal service, and resolve food service, transportation, and special-needs issues with applicable managers.
Inspect and monitor center operations for compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, licensing requirements, and health, safety, and fire regulations; ensure facilities meet cleanliness and permit requirements and take corrective action as needed.
Oversee and participate in age-appropriate, individualized, and culturally sensitive lesson planning and activities; observe teachers, provide feedback, mentor and coach staff, and provide technical and problem-solving assistance.
Train staff on curriculum changes and DRDB+ procedures; monitor completion of child observations and assessments and ensure Individual Education Plans are developed and implemented.
Meet with parents regarding children’s development and behavior, refer children for appropriate assessments or services, and respond to child or family emergencies.
Coordinate parent committee meetings, conduct parent education and training, oversee parent trainees, and maintain Parent Committee fund records.
Maintain accurate, current center and children’s files; review teacher reports and submit required monthly program and site reports.
Fill in for center staff as needed, including classroom substitution, preparing or portioning meals, serving as a bus aide, and participating in field trips.
Attend management, staff, program-planning, and mandatory training meetings.
Build community relationships and participate in recruitment and enrollment activities.
Maintain inventory and order center materials and supplies.
Conduct home visits as required to address children’s or families’ special situations and needs.
Participate in summer recess activities, including revising forms, updating policies and service-area plans, and developing staff training plans and activities.