Center Director (33027)

Lutheran Services Florida • Largo, FL

5d

About The Position

The Center Director oversees the general and day-to-day operations of a Head Start/Early Head Start center or cluster of centers, including multiple classrooms. The role coordinates, oversees, and may perform teaching duties; communicates with parents and the community; supervises and monitors education staff; and ensures educational activities for preschool-age children and infants/toddlers comply with federal performance standards. The Director also participates in Head Start/Early Head Start quality assurance efforts.

The position coordinates center operations and regulatory compliance; supports staff development and performance; oversees classroom observations, assessments, accreditation, staffing, records, payroll approvals, hiring, meals, children’s records and safety; and coordinates parent, volunteer, community, and field-trip activities. It also monitors facilities, maintains program assets and supplies, handles required reports and referrals, and maintains confidentiality regarding children, families, and staff.

Candidates must meet one of the specified education pathways in Early Childhood Education or an equivalent qualifying pathway, complete required Florida childcare training, hold a Florida Child Care and Education Program Director Credential, and have a valid driver license. The role requires three years of preschool or kindergarten teaching experience and two years of supervisory experience. First Aid and CPR certification are required within 90 days of hire; background, criminal-record, health, TB, and drug screenings are required before hiring. The position requires knowledge of early-childhood education and staff supervision, communication and organizational skills, computer proficiency, and the ability to assist children with special needs and safely operate a motor vehicle.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s or advanced degree in Early Childhood Education; or a bachelor’s or advanced degree in another subject with coursework equivalent to an Early Childhood Education major and experience teaching preschool-age children; or one of the specified qualifying alternatives involving state-recognized Pre-K credentials, qualifying coursework, or the Teach For America program.
• For the coursework pathway, at least 18 semester credits specifically addressing young children in areas such as child development, early childhood education and curriculum, teaching and assessment, psychology, family development, health and physical development, mathematics, science, or children’s literature.
• Completion of required state childcare training, including an approved 10-hour Developmentally Appropriate Practices course and specified required coursework, or a 30-hour Introductory Child Care Training Course; completion of state-mandated Voluntary Prekindergarten courses is also required.
• Completion of an approved 10-hour Special Needs Course.
• Florida Child Care and Education Program Director Credential.
• Valid driver license; must be at least 21 years old.
• Three years of experience teaching preschool- or kindergarten-age children and two years of supervisory experience.
• First Aid and CPR certification within 90 days of hire.
• Successful Level II background screening, local criminal record check, health screening, TB screening, and drug screening before hiring.
• Knowledge of education staff supervision, developmentally appropriate practices, early-childhood behavior modification, and current early-childhood education techniques and practices.
• Skills in coordinating appropriate activities for young children and parents, giving group presentations, communicating with preschool-age children, and resolving conflicts between children.
• Ability to plan, organize, and conduct early-childhood education programs; oversee subordinate staff; collect, organize, and evaluate data; communicate effectively orally and in writing; prepare and maintain reports and files; handle confidential information; use a computer and related software; follow procedures; administer CPR and First Aid; implement safety procedures; and work effectively with others.
• Ability to remain seated on the floor or in a bent or kneeling position for extended periods.
• Ability to provide physical assistance in transporting children with special needs and safely operate a motor vehicle.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in financial management and budgeting.
• Previous Head Start/Early Head Start experience.
• Bilingual ability in English and Spanish, or English and another language present in the local area.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and oversee daily Head Start/Early Head Start center activities to ensure compliance with federal performance standards and local licensing, health, and fire inspection requirements; conduct ongoing compliance monitoring.
• Assess education staff needs and develop and implement individual education plans consistent with federal performance standards.
• Observe classroom staff and assess performance using the Teacher/Teacher Assistant Success Rubric for classroom Active Supervision.
• Conduct CLASS observations of teacher-child interactions and maintain required CLASS scores.
• Prepare for NAEYC accreditation and maintain compliance after accreditation, including annual reports, classroom materials, and staffing.
• Ensure teaching staff complete Teaching Strategies GOLD assessments and observations according to the Education calendar.
• Conduct classroom Environmental Rating Screenings according to the Education calendar.
• Coach and provide feedback to education staff on classroom management, emotional support, organization, and instructional support.
• Schedule, assign, and review Center staff work; supervise assigned staff and ensure classroom coverage and appropriate child-staff ratios.
• Maintain staff records in compliance with county licensing and Head Start requirements, including credential records; complete timely performance appraisals and take appropriate corrective action.
• Review and approve staff timecards and time-off requests according to payroll schedules and LSF policies.
• Select staff for vacancies and prepare and route hiring documentation for approval according to Head Start HR policies and procedures.
• Monitor food service and supplies; ensure meals served are documented for USDA Food Program and other program reimbursements.
• Monitor meal and snack periods, restroom activities, and playground activities to ensure children’s safety.
• Document children’s progress, complete required screenings and assessment reports, and review Child Plus entries for accuracy and completeness.
• Review reports of ringworm, head lice, or bruises and report concerns to the appropriate Healthcare Specialist and Childcare Licensing when needed.
• Report suspected child abuse and neglect to designated state and local agencies; complete required 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 share information with Head Start/Early Head Start staff.
• Plan, coordinate, and oversee field trips for assigned children.
• Order supplies and equipment, including items needed for children with special needs, and maintain an inventory of program assets.
• Oversee Center maintenance and submit facilities repair requests; inspect classrooms and grounds for safety, orderliness, sanitation, and cleanliness.
• Review and forward accident and incident reports.
• Discuss and coordinate child and family plans and concerns with Head Start/Early Head Start staff.
• May provide First Aid and CPR.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding Head Start/Early Head Start children, families, and staff.
• Attend workshops, meetings, staff and parent meetings, and activities as required; collaborate with associations and community professional organizations.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 24/7 telehealth access to doctors.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Employer-paid life insurance equal to one times salary.
• 13 paid holidays plus one floating holiday; Head Start employees’ paid-time-off and holiday schedules may differ.
• PTO starting at 16 working days per year; Head Start employees’ schedules may differ.
• 403(b) retirement plan with a 3% discretionary employer match or 3% student loan repayment reimbursement.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Growth opportunities within the organization.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager