Center Director (33024)

Lutheran Services Florida•Clearwater, FL

12h•Onsite

About The Position

Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) is seeking a Center Director to manage the daily operations of a Head Start/Early Head Start center or multiple centers. This role involves overseeing classrooms, coordinating educational activities for preschool-aged children and infants/toddlers, communicating with parents and the community, and supervising education staff. The Center Director ensures compliance with federal performance standards, local licensing, and health/fire safety regulations, while also participating in quality assurance efforts.

Requirements

A baccalaureate or advanced degree in Early Childhood Education; or a baccalaureate or advanced degree in any subject, and coursework equivalent to a major relating to Early Childhood Education with experience teaching preschool-aged children.
Coursework equivalent to a major related to Early Childhood Education includes at least 18 semester credits in courses focusing on child development, early childhood education and curriculum, early childhood teaching and assessment, psychology, family development, health and physical development, mathematics, science, and children’s literature.
Completion of State Childcare Training required including Certificate of Completion of an approved 10-hour Developmentally Appropriate Practices for Preschoolers or Infant/Toddlers Course.
Proof of successful completion of the following courses: 6 hours Child Growth and Development; 6 hours Behavioral Observation & Screening; 8 hours Health, Safety & Nutrition; 4 hours Identifying and Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect; and 6 hours Child Care Facility Rules and Regulations, or a 30-hour Introductory Child Care Training Course.
All state mandated courses for the Voluntary prekindergarten required.
A Certificate of Completion of an approved 10-hour Special Needs Course.
A State of Florida Child Care and Education Program Director Credential.
Possession of a valid Driver License.
Must be 21 years of age.
Three years of experience in teaching pre-school or kindergarten age plus two years of supervisory experience.
Certification in First Aid and CPR within 90 days from the date of hire.
Successful completion of a Level II background screening, local criminal record check, health, TB and drug screening prior to hiring.
Ability to assume a seated position on the floor, or a bent or keeled position for extended periods of time.
Ability to collect, organize and evaluate data and develop logical conclusions.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to prepare and maintain work related reports and files.
Ability to handle confidential information.
Ability to use a computer and related software.
Ability to follow established procedures.
Ability to administer CPR and First Aid.
Ability to implement safety procedures.
Ability to work effectively with others.
Ability to provide physical assistance in the transportation of special needs children.
Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.

Nice To Haves

Some experience in financial management and budgeting preferred.
Previous Head Start/Early Head Start experience preferred.
Bilingual preferred: English/Spanish or English and other languages present in the local area.
A baccalaureate degree in any field and has been admitted into the Teach For America program, passed a rigorous early childhood content exam, such as the Praxis II, participated in a Teach For America summer training institute that includes teaching preschool children, and is receiving ongoing professional development and support from Teach For America’s professional staff.
Teaching credentials: licensure or certification by the state for Pre-K teachers recognized by the local school district or state education agency if the individual has at least 500 clock hours of experience in an early childhood setting teaching pre-school aged children.

Responsibilities

Coordinate and oversee the daily activities of a Head Start/Early Head Start Center to ensure compliance with federal performance standards and local licensing/health/fire inspection requirements.
Assess educational needs of education staff and develop/implement individual education plans.
Conduct classroom observations on education staff and measure performance using the Teacher/Teacher Assistant Success Rubric and Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS).
Prepare for and maintain NAEYC Accreditation.
Ensure teaching staff complete Teaching Strategies GOLD assessments and observations.
Conduct classroom Environmental Rating Screenings.
Provide coaching and feedback to education staff on classroom management, emotional support, organization, and instructional support.
Schedule, assign, and review the work of Center staff, ensuring all staff records are maintained in compliance with county licensing and Head Start requirements.
Supervise assigned staff, ensuring proper child/staff ratios, preparing performance appraisals, and taking corrective action as needed.
Review and approve staff timecards and time off requests.
Select new staff for vacant positions.
Monitor food service and supplies for adequate inventory and ensure proper documentation for USDA reimbursement.
Monitor meal, snack, restroom, and playground activities to ensure a safe environment.
Document children's progress and complete required screening and assessment forms.
Review Child Plus entries for accuracy and completeness.
Review reports concerning incidents on children and report to appropriate specialists and licensing if needed.
Report suspected child abuse and neglect to designated state agency and local county Child Care Licensing.
Complete and submit appropriate reports and review Health Observations and Reports of Concern referrals.
Plan volunteer activities for parents and community volunteers.
Attend and participate in workshops and meetings to acquire and disseminate information.
Plan, coordinate, and oversee field trips for assigned children.
Order supplies and equipment for classrooms, including those for special needs children.
Maintain inventory of Program assets.
Oversee the maintenance of the Center and submit requests for repairs.
Inspect classrooms and grounds to ensure safety, orderliness, sanitation, and cleanliness.
Review and forward accident and incident reports.
Discuss plans and coordinate concerns regarding children and families with staff.
May perform First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
Maintain strict confidentiality regarding children, families, and staff.
Attend all workshops and meetings as deemed necessary by the supervisor.
Attend all required staff and parent meetings and activities; seek collaboration with associations and community professional organizations.

Benefits

Medical
Dental
Vision
Telehealth (24/7 online access to Doctors)
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Employer paid life insurance (1X salary)
13 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday
Generous PTO policy (starting at 16 working days a year)
403(b) Retirement plan with 3% discretionary employer match OR 3% student loan repayment reimbursement
Tuition reimbursement