Center Director (33027)

Lutheran Services Florida • Clearwater, FL

4d

About The Position

The Center Director is responsible for the general and day-to-day operations of a Head Start/Early Head Start center or cluster of outlying centers. The role covers multiple classrooms and includes coordinating, overseeing, and teaching duties, communicating with parents and the community, and supervising and monitoring education staff. The Director ensures educational activities for preschool-aged children and infants/toddlers comply with federal performance standards and participates in Head Start/Early Head Start quality assurance efforts.

The Director coordinates daily center activities and monitors compliance with federal performance standards, local licensing requirements, and health and fire inspections. The role oversees staff training, classroom observations and assessments, accreditation, staffing, payroll approvals, hiring, food service, child documentation, safety, facilities, supplies, and program assets. The Director also works with families and community volunteers, coordinates field trips and meetings, maintains confidentiality, and may provide First Aid and CPR.

The position requires a qualifying degree or equivalent coursework and experience in Early Childhood Education, state childcare training and credentials, a valid driver license, and a minimum age of 21. Three years of teaching experience with preschool- or kindergarten-aged children and two years of supervisory experience are required. First Aid and CPR certification must be obtained within 90 days of hire, and required background, criminal record, health, TB, and drug screenings must be completed before hiring.

Requirements

• A baccalaureate or advanced degree in Early Childhood Education; or a baccalaureate or advanced degree in another subject with coursework equivalent to a major related to Early Childhood Education and experience teaching preschool-aged children; or one of the specified qualifying alternatives involving state-recognized teaching credentials and experience, qualifying coursework, or Teach For America participation and requirements.
• Completion of required state childcare training, including an approved 10-hour Developmentally Appropriate Practices for Preschoolers or Infant/Toddlers course, and the specified coursework in child development, behavioral observation and screening, health, safety and nutrition, identifying and reporting child abuse and neglect, and child care facility rules and regulations, or a 30-hour Introductory Child Care Training Course.
• Completion of all state-mandated courses required for Voluntary Prekindergarten.
• Certificate of Completion of an approved 10-hour Special Needs Course.
• State of Florida Child Care and Education Program Director Credential.
• Valid driver's license.
• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Three years of experience teaching preschool- or kindergarten-aged children and two years of supervisory experience.
• First Aid and CPR certification within 90 days of hire.
• Successful completion of a 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, presenting to groups, communicating with preschool-aged children, and resolving conflicts between young 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 work-related reports and files; handle confidential information; use a computer and related software; follow procedures; administer CPR and First Aid; implement safety procedures; work effectively with others; physically assist in transporting children with special needs; and safely operate a motor vehicle.
• Ability to assume a seated position on the floor or a bent or kneeling position for extended periods.

Nice To Haves

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

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, and fire requirements.
• Conduct ongoing monitoring to ensure compliance with regulatory bodies.
• Assess education staff training needs and develop and implement individual education plans.
• Observe education staff, assess performance using the Teacher/Teacher Assistant Success Rubric for classroom Active Supervision, and conduct CLASS observations of teacher-child interactions.
• Maintain CLASS scores as required by Head Start policies and procedures.
• Prepare for and achieve NAEYC accreditation and maintain accreditation requirements, including annual reports, classroom supplies and 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, classroom organization, and instructional support.
• Schedule, assign, and review the work of center staff; supervise assigned staff and maintain staff records in compliance with licensing and Head Start requirements.
• Ensure classroom staffing coverage and proper child-to-staff ratios; complete performance appraisals and take corrective action when appropriate.
• Review and approve staff timecards and time-off requests according to payroll schedules and organizational policies.
• Select staff for vacant positions and prepare and route required hiring documentation for approval.
• Monitor food service and supplies, maintain adequate inventory, and ensure meals are documented for reimbursement through the USDA Food Program and other programs.
• Monitor meals, snacks, restroom activities, and playground activities to ensure a safe environment.
• Document children's progress and complete required screenings, assessments, and reports; review Child Plus entries for accuracy and completeness.
• Review reports of children's health concerns and report to appropriate healthcare specialists and licensing authorities when needed.
• Report suspected child abuse and neglect to the designated state agency and local county Child Care Licensing; submit required reports and review health observations and referrals.
• Plan volunteer activities for parents and community volunteers and attend workshops and meetings to acquire and share information with 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, request facility repairs, and inspect classrooms and grounds for safety, orderliness, sanitation, and cleanliness.
• Review and forward accident and incident reports.
• Discuss and coordinate plans and concerns regarding children and families with Head Start/Early Head Start staff.
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding children, families, and staff.
• Attend required workshops, staff meetings, parent meetings, and activities, and collaborate with associations and community professional organizations.
• May perform First Aid and CPR.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Telehealth with 24/7 online access to doctors.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Employer-paid life insurance equal to one times salary.
• 13 paid holidays and one floating holiday; Head Start employees' paid time off and holiday schedule may differ.
• Generous paid time off policy starting at 16 working days per year.
• 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