Center Education Coordinator (Full Year) - Head Start

Community Action Partnership of Ramsey and Washington Counties•Saint Paul, MN

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the Education Operations Manager, this management position is responsible for the implementation of quality services to children and families in center-based programming. Duties include total responsibility for center daily operations, implementation of all center-based policies and procedures, and acting as a liaison with parents, staff, internal and external collaborative partners. This position may require teaching in the classroom, or in the role of any open position. The scope of supervision includes Assistant Center Education Coordinators, Teachers, and Assistant Teachers.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field with coursework equivalent to a major relating to early childhood education.
Two years supervisory experience required.
Two years of experience teaching in an early childhood setting required.
Knowledge of Developmentally Appropriate Practices (DAP), Dual Language Learners, MN Early Learning Standards, Head Start Performance Standards, DCYF Rule 3 child care licensing requirements, CLASS tool, Teaching Strategies GOLD Assessment Tool, and knowledge of child development.
Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
Must be culturally competent and demonstrate a proven ability to work effectively and respectfully with varied socio economic and culturally and linguistically diverse groups and/or individuals.
Demonstrated leadership skills, including the ability to motivate staff, parents and partners, and mentor, coach and model appropriate practices.
Ability to take initiative and to use good judgment.
Must be flexible and a team player.
Must be proficient in using a computer, including Microsoft for Windows or similar, e-mail and internet.
Ability to utilize new technologies, such as software and applications as they are introduced to the agency.
Must have strong oral and written communication skills.
Must successfully pass a criminal background check.
Must obtain CPR/First Aid Certification within 90 days of hire; must maintain certifications.
A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation on a daily basis is required.
Normal office physical exertion required.
Must be able to lift 50 pounds and have the stamina to model best practices in the classroom and act appropriately in an emergency situation.
Physically capable of reacting to the demands of active 3-5-year olds.
Must be able to successfully pass the pre-placement Head Start physical exam.
This position requires the ability to handle and prioritize multiple tasks, and the ability to function independently.
Effectively relate and communicate to people of varying multi-ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds.
Willing to use team-teaching approach.
Enjoy working with young children.
Capable of using good judgment and developmentally age appropriate best practices in daily teaching situations.

Nice To Haves

Previous Head Start experience preferred.
Ten years of experience teaching in a Head Start classroom may substitute for one year of supervisory experience.
Five years of demonstrated experience of increasing responsibility in a Head Start Program may substitute for one year of supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

Responsible for the direct supervision of center-based staff and for effectively collaborating with internal and external partners to ensure all classrooms are functioning in accordance with Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) Rule 3-regulations and guidelines, Head Start Program Performance Standards, and the Child and Adult Care Food Program guidelines (CACFP).
Responsible for the day-to-day center operations, including full implementation of established policies and procedures to ensure compliance with all state, federal and program regulations and requirements.
Supervise, coach and provide work direction for assigned staff, manage work schedules to ensure proper ratios are maintained, approve time off requests, determine substitute/multi-site assignments, and reallocate staff as needed.
Utilize the agency's performance management system to provide meaningful performance feedback to assigned staff, collaborate with staff to establish individual professional development goals and plans, and monitor goals throughout the performance period.
Responsible for the screening, interviewing, selection, and hiring of center-based staff, conduct new employee orientation, and ensure new staff are provided with comprehensive training that meets Minnesota DCYF Rule 3 child care licensing and Head Start Performance Standards requirements.
Develop and provide program-wide training to improve quality of service delivery as needed, and responsible for appropriate behavior guidance and mandated reporting training and compliance.
Ensure that all necessary documentation and reporting requirements are met, perform timely, accurate and detailed documentation when situations arise to warrant an internal investigation, and responsible for the implementation of effective discipline strategies up to and including termination.
Must know, understand and ensure adherence to the Head Start Performance Standards and Minnesota Rule-3 Licensing requirements.
Provide feedback and support to assist staff in setting and achieving professional development goals related to CLASS scores.
Develop and implement the DCYF-Rule 3 child care licensing regulations and Guidelines requirements (Risk Reduction Plan, Child Care Program Plan, and Emergency Preparedness) annually, and ensure staff are informed of their responsibilities as related to licensing regulations.
Responsible for adhering to and monitoring of the respective center annual budget utilizing proper grant codes.
Assess center equipment, supply building and grounds to ensure safe environments that meet all DHS-Rule 3 Regulations and Head Start Performance Standards.
Order supplies and/or report maintenance improvement needs to Facility Coordinator and Supervisor as necessary.
Responsible for ensuring all health, nutrition, and safety practices are followed according to state licensing and Head Start Performance Standards including, but not limited to: attendance, immunizations, physicals, notice of sick children, administration of medicine, Individual Child Care Program Plans (ICCPPs), sanitation practices, meals and snacks, prescribed diet and food allergies.
Responsible for all aspects of program enhancement activities including scheduling, communication, and payment.
Responsible for coordinating and implementing activities related to the licensing of new centers/classrooms when applicable.
Research and understand current best practices in the field of early childhood education and present ideas to improve quality at the center-level based on research and best practices to Head Start management.
Participate in public relations efforts including networking and collaborating with social service and education agencies, school districts, child protection agencies, public housing agencies and community childcare providers to build and promote positive partnerships.
Monitor compliance in completing the required home visits and Parent/Teacher conferences.
Ensure staff enters all required data into the program's database.
Responsible for comprehensive communication to staff, participants and internal/external partners regarding day-to-day activities of the center.
Communicate parent engagement opportunities such as classroom assistance, center events, family fun events, community events, the Head Start Policy Council and advisory committees.
Ensure the full implementation of approved curricula through direct service by monitoring lesson plans which include alignment to goals to achieve measurable outcomes in School Readiness Goals and each curriculum area, individual child goals, screening/assessments, and support of Individual Family Services plan (IFSP)/Individual Education Plans (IEP).
Ensure all screening and assessment are completed by the due date, entered into the program database and follow up with staff as needed.
Complete weekly Transportation Monitoring each week for all buses assigned to each site (part-year classrooms only).
Facilitate “Data Debriefs” three to four times (depending on program option) each school year to review and analyze child outcome data and set site-and classroom-level goals to ensure children are progressing in developmentally appropriate learning skills and that there is progress toward program achieving School Readiness Goals.
Prepare and analyze all relevant data prior to the meetings.
Coordinate and facilitate classroom-level On-site Collaboration meetings with all necessary staff to include, but not limited to, classroom teaching staff, family advocates, early intervention specialist, nurses, etc.
Responsible for ensuring the development and implementation of transition plans for all children in the Head Start program.
Prepare and maintain records and reports needed to comply with Federal, State, and local authorities.
Attend and participate in agency meetings, training sessions, or other activities as assigned.
Accompany staff on home visits and parent/teacher conferences to provide support, feedback, technical assistance.
Represent the program as an advocate for children and families.
Responsible for conducting all duties in a safe manner.