Center Manager - Early Childhood Education (ECE)

EASTER SEALS NORTH GEORGIA•Clarkston, GA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Center Manager manages the daily operations of the Easter Seals Child Development Center under the direction of the Vice President, Early Education and Care. The role carries out blended Early Childhood Development Programs using Head Start Performance Standards, Bright From The Start, and NAEYC guidelines as best practice. The manager ensures services are delivered comprehensively, in a coordinated and cost-effective manner, and that the center operates at optimal capacity to support family and staff engagement and children’s school readiness. The position oversees center communications, community relationships, program monitoring, records, budgets, regulatory compliance, staff development, and human resource activities. It ensures the center meets Head Start, Georgia licensing, Georgia Pre-K, and NAEYC requirements, while maintaining required licenses and accreditations. The role also involves regular interaction with children, families, staff, community partners, and visitors, and may include other duties assigned by management.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related area.
Minimum of four years of experience in Early Childhood Education.
Knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform assigned functions responsibly.
Excellent communication skills.
Training, experience, and knowledge of theories and principles of child growth and development, early childhood education, and family support.
Ability to work independently.
Knowledge and ability to supervise staff and provide program continuity.
Knowledge of record management techniques.
Knowledge of basic budget management.
Ability to stand, sit, and walk for sustained periods; walk quickly in response to safety concerns; use hands and fingers for computer operation and handling tasks; climb stairs; stoop, kneel, crouch, sit on the floor, or crawl; reach in any direction; push or pull objects weighing up to 25 pounds; lift and carry a child up to age five; communicate by speaking and hearing; and see clearly for child safety, computer use, and extensive reading and writing.
Ability to work in indoor and outdoor conditions.

Responsibilities

Maintain a positive work atmosphere through appropriate conduct and communication with customers, clients, coworkers, and management, and maintain punctuality and attendance.
Assist in developing and implement center marketing plans; lead regular staff meetings on policies, procedures, and implementation.
Participate in monthly center manager, staff, parent, specialist team, and community partnership meetings as needed to coordinate services and communication.
Facilitate parent committee meetings and support parents in establishing and achieving program and committee goals.
Greet, tour, and enroll visitors; support community activities and maintain collaborative relationships with local schools and community partners.
Organize, coordinate, and publicize center events; advocate for Easter Seals Child Development Centers; communicate regularly with parents; contribute to and distribute the monthly program newsletter.
Monitor staff schedules for mandated ratios, program implementation and outcomes using ChildPlus and Teaching Strategies GOLD, safety, staff time and attendance, center budgets, and component record keeping and reporting.
Maintain child attendance records, program forms, reports, and records for Head Start, Pre-K, and licensing; protect the confidentiality of sensitive child, family, and staff records.
Implement and supervise record-keeping and reporting systems for center policies and procedures, education, children’s health, nutrition, safety, and family services.
Plan and monitor center budgets for compliance with fiscal policies and procedures; develop a plan for center-level in-kind contributions and assist with budget development.
Complete and approve purchase requisitions, ensure USDA and CACFP procedures are implemented and reports submitted, review and approve staff attendance records, meet budgeted enrollment, and submit required reports on time.
Develop correction plans for non-compliance issues; coordinate with training and education specialists on mandated training and facility licensing and accreditation.
Ensure compliance with Head Start performance standards, Georgia licensing regulations, Pre-K standards, and NAEYC accreditation standards; maintain required licenses and accreditations; compile program data and reports.
Participate in mandatory Easter Seals trainings and complete required training hours for Bright from the Start, Georgia Pre-K, and Head Start.
Conduct monthly Protected Time Forums; participate in staff selection interviews and make hiring recommendations.
Complete probationary reviews and annual performance appraisals, address and document inappropriate conduct, recommend disciplinary action when needed, provide ongoing performance feedback, and serve as a role model.
Perform other duties as assigned by management.