Manager of Center Operations

ECS4KIDS•Ocala, FL

19d•Onsite

About The Position

The Manager of Center Operations administers policies and programs for Head Start and Early Head Start and is responsible for planning, daily operations, and evaluation of assigned centers. The role supervises and develops Center Managers, supports center operations, monitors Child Care Partner (CCP) sites and program compliance, and works with agency leaders and community partners to maintain quality educational services for children and families. The position also supports staff recruitment, training, performance reviews, program planning, budgets, reporting, data accuracy, and responses to parent, community, and staff issues. It reports to the Director of Educational Operations. The work is based in an office with regular classroom visits and travel to various sites; some out-of-town travel, including nights and weekends, is required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
At least 3 years of related center operations experience in Head Start or directly operated centers.
Director’s Credential.
Knowledge of and commitment to applicable governmental, educational, and religious standards, including Head Start/Early Head Start, DCF, NAEYC, CDA, VPK, and the State Partnership of School Readiness.
Ability to work tactfully and diplomatically with employees and the public.
Good judgment and emotional maturity in crisis and routine situations.
Knowledge of 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 work with little direct supervision.
Knowledge of applicable safety and abuse-reporting procedures.
Intermediate to advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office products.
Effective oral and written communication skills.
Ability to maintain confidential information.
Ability to multitask, prioritize, and work in a fast-paced environment.
Valid driver’s license and proof of automobile coverage.
Satisfactory driving record under the Vehicle Driving Policy.
Complete 15 hours of in-service/professional development training each fiscal year (July–June).
Renew Director’s Credential six months before its expiration to ensure compliance.
Complete a Level II Background Screening, including local, state, and federal criminal checks.

Responsibilities

Select, recruit, supervise, and train assigned Center Managers.
Assist with day-to-day center operations when the Center Manager is absent.
Monitor Child Care Partner contract compliance with Head Start Performance Standards and ECS Head Start/Early Head Start policies and procedures.
Coordinate with Center Managers on recruitment and selection of center-based staff.
Develop and maintain relationships with Child Care Partners.
Develop professional development plans for Center Managers and CCP Directors, and coordinate training for new staff with relevant managers and training personnel.
Interpret ECS Head Start/Early Head Start programs to Child Care Partners, parents, families, and the community.
Monitor and adhere to Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten contracts.
Ensure timely and meaningful performance reviews and goal development for center staff.
Work with the Director of Educational Operations, management team, and Policy Council to develop Head Start and Early Head Start program plans and goals that meet community needs.
Ensure Child Care Partners provide educational services; guide curriculum, program planning, and training development.
Monitor program quality and compliance with Head Start/Early Head Start Performance Standards, NAEYC criteria, APPLE, Florida Department of Children and Families regulations, and other agency assessment tools.
Assist with reports and maintain accurate, current records and data for each CCP site in collaboration with the Director of Educational Operations and central office team.
Support center and CCP staff in maintaining quality programming that meets the needs of parents, children, and staff.
Monitor the approved Head Start/Early Head Start program budget and take appropriate action to correct variances.
Monitor Child Plus to ensure the accuracy of the Program Information Report.
Collaborate with the management team to arrange, plan, and conduct program-wide staff trainings and meetings.
Prepare and submit accurate, timely reports required by funding sources.
Work with Center Managers, Human Resources, and/or the Director of Educational Operations to follow up on parent and community complaints.
Assist Human Resources with investigations of staff disciplinary issues as needed.
Promote a work atmosphere that supports creative thinking, positive attitudes, dedication to ECS’s mission, and teamwork.
Help staff develop relationships with community agencies to support future program development and CCP partnerships.
Perform other related duties as required.