Manager of Center Operations

Ecs4Kids•Ocala, FL

About The Position

JOIN THE ECS4Kids TEAM ECS4Kids (formerly Episcopal Children’s Services) is a 2026 Top Workplace that honors young children’s immense potential by helping them enter school ready to learn. We cultivate lifelong learners by immersing children in enriching guided experiences and discovery-oriented approaches. Through programs like Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK), Head Start, School Readiness, Child Care Resource & Referral (CCRR), and more, our dedicated professionals work with families and caregivers throughout Florida to promote children’s well-being. These enable us to strengthen key areas including motor development, cognitive development, social and emotional development, language and communication skills, and problem-solving skills. Partner with us to help empower communities to rise above generational poverty with comprehensive early childhood education and holistic family support. We have career opportunities available in several counties throughout Northeast and Central Florida. ECS4Kids offers a competitive benefit package which includes: Medical, dental and vision insurance 403(b) plan with 5% employer match Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Long-term & short-term disability insurance Employer-paid life insurance Paid holidays Generous paid time off Career development Qualifying employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The Manager of Center Operations administers the policies and programs for Head Start and Early Head Start. This person is responsible for the planning, daily operations, and evaluation of assigned centers.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree with 3+ years related center operations experience in Head Start or Directly Operated centers required.
Director’s Credential
Knowledge of and commitment to governmental, educational and religious standards set forth by: Head Start/ Early Head Start, DCF, NAEYC, CDA, VPK, State Partnership of School Readiness, and any other standards to which the agency commits.
Ability to work with other employees and the public in a tactful and diplomatic manner
Ability to exercise good judgment and emotional maturity in crisis and in normal situation
Knowledge and ability to articulate and demonstrate current best practices in early childhood education.
Ability to track, monitor, synthesize and analyze data.
Skill in developing employees and holding them accountable.
Ability to perform with little direct supervision
Knowledge of applicable safety and abuse-reporting procedures
Knowledge of Microsoft Office products at an intermediate to advanced level
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
Ability to maintain confidential information
Ability to multi-task, prioritize and work in fast-paced environment
Valid driver’s license and proof of automobile coverage
Satisfactory Driving Record (as outlined in Vehicle Driving Policy)
Complete 15 hours of in-service/professional development training hours each fiscal year (July-June)
Renewal of Director’s Credential six months prior to expiration date to ensure compliance
Acceptable eyesight (with or without correction)
Acceptable hearing (with or without correction)
Ability to communicate both orally and in writing
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
A Level II Background Screening which consists of a local, state, and federal criminal check will be completed on all employees and any contracted employee position, intern position or volunteer position in which individuals have contact with children, have access to confidential information and / or are in a position of special trust.

Responsibilities

Select, recruit, supervise and train assigned Center Managers.
In the absence of the Center Manager, assist with the day-to-day operations of the center.
Monitor contract compliance with Child Care Partners (CCP) to ensure compliance with the Head Start Performance Standards.
Monitor compliance with all ECS HS/EHS policies and procedures.
Coordinate with the Center Managers for the recruitment and selection of center-based staff.
Develop and maintain relationships with CCP’s.
Develop individual professional development plans for Center Managers/CCP Directors.
Work with Center Managers, Center Directors, Education Managers, Director of Training, Education Training Coordinator and management team to coordinate training for new staff.
Work with Center Managers, Education Manager and management team to coordinate training for new center staff/CCP staff.
Interprets ECS HS/EHS programs to CCP’s, their parents, families and the community.
Monitor and adhere to the Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten contracts.
Ensure that regular performance reviews and goal development for all center staff is conducted in a timely and meaningful manner.
Work with Director of Educational Operations, management team and Policy Council to develop program plans and goals for Head Start and Early Head Start that meet the needs of the community.
Ensure that CCP’s are providing educational services; guide curriculum, program planning, development of training.
Monitor program quality and adherence to governmental and educational standards by use of the Head Start/Early Head Start Performance Standards, NAEYC Criteria, APPLE and Florida Department of Children and Families Regulations, and other program assessment tools used by the agency.
Assist with reports and maintain accurate data up-to-date records for each CCP site.
Works in collaboration with the Director of Educational Operations and Central office team.
Support Center/CCP staff to maintain quality programming that meets the needs of the parents, children and staff.
Monitor the approved program budget for Head Start/Early Head Start and take appropriate action to correct variances.
Monitor Child Plus to ensure accuracy of Program Information Report.
Collaborate with management team to arrange, plan, and conduct program-wide staff trainings and staff meetings.
Prepare and submit accurate and timely reports required by funding sources.
Assist with reports and maintain accurate data up-to-date records for each CCP site.
Works in collaboration with the Director of Educational Operations, Professional Development Coordinator and Central office team.
Work with Center Manager, HR and/or Director of Educational Operations as needed to follow up on parent and community complaints.
Assist HR as needed to investigate staff disciplinary issues.
Support and encourage a working atmosphere that allows for creative thinking, positive attitudes, dedication of the mission of ECS, and teamwork.
Assist staff in cultivating key relations with community agencies to enhance future program development and partnerships with CCP’s.