Program Manager - School Readiness

Southwest Human Development • Phoenix, AZ

2d

About The Position

Southwest Human Development is seeking a dedicated and experienced School Readiness Program Manager to oversee and enhance service delivery across district sites. The role supervises Child Development Managers (CDMs), ensures compliance with safety standards, curriculum fidelity, and teaching quality, and proactively addresses concerns raised by staff, families, and children. The position requires strong leadership, an early childhood education background, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

The Program Manager provides daily oversight of operations across district sites; coaches and develops CDMs through regular feedback and reflective supervision; monitors safety, curriculum, and teaching quality; and responds professionally to operational and service concerns. The role includes weekly site visits and individual coaching sessions, monthly reviews of district performance and child development progress, professional development for CDMs, and comprehensive annual evaluations. The manager also collaborates with leadership on long-term strategic planning, organizational goals, and communication across teams.

Requirements

• Minimum 2 years of supervisory experience in early childhood education programming.
• Knowledge of early childhood developmentally appropriate practice (DAP).
• Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards.
• Certification in First Aid/CPR, Food Handler’s Card, and Fingerprint Clearance Card required.
• Functional knowledge of Arizona Childcare Licensing Requirements.
• The equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted.

Nice To Haves

• BA/BS or MA in Early Childhood Education, Social Work, Family Studies, or a related education field with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education is preferred.
• Ability to speak, write, and read Spanish is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily oversight of service delivery across district sites to ensure smooth, efficient, and high-quality operations.
• Supervise and coach Child Development Managers (CDMs) through consistent feedback, leadership development, and reflective supervision.
• Monitor and enforce safety compliance, curriculum fidelity, and teaching quality in alignment with program standards.
• Address concerns promptly and professionally from staff, families, and children.
• Conduct weekly site visits and analyze operational data to identify service delivery trends and systemic issues.
• Facilitate weekly one-on-one coaching sessions with CDMs to evaluate performance, discuss progress, and support growth.
• Lead monthly reviews of district-wide performance, operational data, and child development progress to identify areas for improvement.
• Organize and deliver professional development opportunities for CDMs based on monthly performance reviews and goals.
• Conduct comprehensive annual evaluations of service delivery, curriculum implementation, and CDM performance.
• Collaborate with leadership to develop long-term strategic plans, set organizational goals, and enhance communication across teams.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Generous paid time off
• 401(k) employer contribution every paycheck
• Access to learning, development, and career advancement opportunities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed