Center Manager - Early Childhood Education

COMMUNITY ACTION COUNCIL OF HOWARD COUNTY MD INC • Columbia, MD

1d • Onsite

About The Position

At the Community Action Council of Howard County (CAC), we have a mission to diminish poverty and enable self-sufficiency for all Howard County individuals, families, and children in need. We take action towards this mission by focusing on five critical services: housing assistance, food assistance, energy assistance, weatherization assistance, and early childhood education. CAC impacts our local society by changing lives and helping create a pathway through and out of poverty or just providing a hand up when one is needed. As a Center Manager at CAC, you are a passionate and dedicated leader with a strong background in early childhood education. You possess excellent organizational and interpersonal skills, and you are committed to ensuring the success and well-being of both children and staff. Reporting to the Director of Early Childhood Education, you will oversee the daily operations of the center, ensuring compliance with regulations and providing high-quality care and education to all children.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field and MSDE Office of Childcare Director credential
• 3 or more years of experience supervising staff and site operations in an educational early childhood program with children aged 6 weeks to 5 years old.
• Valid Driver's License: Must have a valid driver's license and access to a reliable vehicle during work hours.
• Able to read, write, comprehend, and speak English.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite programs and able to use academic and information systems platforms to monitor staff and programming compliance.
• Able to maintain a safe onsite environment for up to 120 people, including the ability to evacuate staff, students and clients during drills and emergency situations, and respond quickly to children who may need redirection.

Nice To Haves

• Experience managing a mid-large sized staff with 10+ direct employees.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards, COMAR licensing regulations, and Maryland Early Learning Standards.
• Provide structured and personalized training to center staff, serving as the instructional leader and supporting staff in implementing the ECE curriculum and assessment screening tools.
• Build strong relationships with enrolled families through outreach events and daily interactions, fostering a positive and supportive environment for children and families.
• Supervise center staff, conduct classroom observations, staff evaluations, and scheduling to ensure high-quality care and education.
• Monitor building compliance and coordinate with internal team members to resolve any issues, ensuring a safe and secure environment for children and staff.
• Create positive relationships with the local community and supporting school district, representing CAC in a positive manner.
• Other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

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