Center Director

CEN-TEX FAMILY SERVICES INC; Del Valle (CA); On-site; USD 42,854 - 55,244; Full time

Job summary

CEN-TEX FAMILY SERVICES INC is seeking a Center Director to manage a Head Start center in Del Valle, CA. Responsibilities include leadership, compliance with Head Start standards, and provision of quality early childhood education and family engagement.

Ideal candidates will have supervisory experience and knowledge of early childhood education policies. The role offers the opportunity to positively impact the lives of children and families. Join us in promoting school readiness and community engagement.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of supervisory experience in early childhood education.
• Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards.
• Ability to lift 40 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Lead center operations in compliance with Head Start Act.
• Oversee implementation of approved Head Start curricula.
• Ensure compliance with licensing and funder requirements.

Skills

Communication

Organizational skills

Collaboration

Education

Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education

CD Credentials or ability to obtain

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Del Valle, TX 78617

Salary Range: $42,854.35 - $55,244.44 per year

Job Summary

The Center Director is responsible for the overall leadership, administration, and management of a Head Start and/or Early Head Start center in compliance with the Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS), federal, state, and local regulations, and organizational policies. The Center Director ensures high-quality early childhood education, family engagement, health, and social services while promoting school readiness and positive outcomes for children and families.

Program Leadership & Vision

Responsibilities:

• Lead center operations in alignment with the Head Start Act and HSPPS
• Communicate program goals, expectations, and outcomes to staff and families
• Support school readiness goals across all program areas
• Serve as the primary decision-maker for center-level operations
• Lead change initiatives based on monitoring and assessment results

Key Behaviors:

• Communicates a clear vision aligned with Head Start outcomes and values
• Leads with integrity, cultural responsiveness, and accountability
• Promotes equity, inclusion, and family-centered practices
• Makes informed decisions grounded in data and Head Start requirements

Education & Child Development Oversight

Responsibilities:

• Oversee implementation of approved Head Start curricula and assessments
• Conduct classroom observations and support instructional quality
• Ensure compliance with child screening, assessment, and IFSP/IEP requirements
• Collaborate with education specialists and coaches
• Support transitions to pre-kindergarten and other early learning programs

Key Behaviors:

• Supports evidence-based curricula and teaching practices
• Monitors classroom quality and child outcomes
• Ensures compliance with education and assessment standards
• Promotes inclusive practices for children with disabilities
• Supports smooth transitions for children and families

Family & Community Engagement

Responsibilities:

• Ensure implementation of family engagement and family partnership processes
• Support family goal-setting and access to community resources
• Collaborate with Policy Council and parent leadership groups
• Build partnerships with schools, health providers, and social service agencies
• Address family concerns and complaints promptly

Key Behaviors:

• Promotes family engagement and shared decision-making
• Communicates respectfully with diverse families
• Responds effectively to family concerns and needs
• Strengthens community partnerships
• Represents the program positively in the community

Staff Supervision & Professional Development

Responsibilities:

• Supervise education, family services, and support staff
• Ensure staff qualifications and credentials meet HSPPS requirements
• Conduct performance evaluations and reflective supervision
• Support professional development plans and coaching efforts
• Maintain appropriate staff‑to‑child ratios at all times

Key Behaviors:

• Recruits and retains qualified Head Start staff
• Provides coaching, feedback, and performance evaluations
• Supports ongoing professional development
• Addresses performance concerns constructively
• Promotes staff wellness and collaboration

Compliance, Monitoring & Risk Management

Responsibilities:

• Ensure compliance with HSPPS, licensing, and funder requirements
• Conduct internal monitoring and follow‑up on corrective actions
• Oversee health, safety, and emergency preparedness practices
• Ensure timely reporting, documentation, and record maintenance
• Lead responses to monitoring reviews and audits

Key Behaviors:

• Maintains strong knowledge of HSPPS and related regulations
• Conducts ongoing monitoring and corrective actions
• Promotes health, safety, and child protection
• Ensures accurate documentation and recordkeeping
• Responds promptly to incidents and findings

Fiscal & Enrollment Management

Responsibilities:

• Monitor center budgets and expenditures in coordination with fiscal staff
• Support enrollment, attendance, and recruitment efforts
• Ensure full enrollment and compliance with eligibility requirements
• Review financial and enrollment reports regularly
• Support audits and fiscal reviews

Key Behaviors:

• Understands Head Start funding and fiscal requirements
• Monitors budgets and enrollment data
• Uses data to guide fiscal and operational decisions
• Ensures responsible stewardship of funds
• Identifies risks and resource needs

Data‑Informed Decision Making & Continuous Improvement

Responsibilities:

• Review child outcomes, CLASS, ERSEA, and program data
• Participate in program self‑assessment and planning
• Implement quality improvement plans at the center level
• Monitor progress toward goals and outcomes
• Share data insights with staff and leadership

Key Behaviors:

• Analyzes data from assessments, monitoring, and reports
• Uses data to identify strengths and areas for improvement
• Engages staff in reflective practices
• Adjusts strategies based on results
• Supports a culture of learning and improvement

Communication, Governance & Collaboration

Responsibilities:

• Serve as a liaison to Policy Council and parent committees
• Communicate center performance and compliance status
• Participate in leadership, governance, and planning meetings
• Ensure timely and accurate communication across program areas
• Support shared decision‑making processes

Key Behaviors:

• Communicates clearly with staff, families, and leadership
• Collaborates with Policy Council and governing bodies
• Facilitates productive meetings
• Resolves conflicts professionally
• Maintains transparency and accountability

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field (Bachelor’s preferred)
• CD Credentials or the ability to obtain CD credentials within 6 months
• Minimum of three years of supervisory experience in early childhood education
• Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards and state licensing regulations
• Knowledge of infant/toddler development and responsive caregiving practices
• Strong communication, organizational, and collaboration skills
• Ability to communicate in English, both verbally and written

Licenses/Certifications

• Current CPR and First Aid certification (or ability to obtain)
• Valid ID/Driver License
• Background clearance as required by state and federal regulations

Working Conditions & Physical Demands

• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds
• Frequent bending, standing, sitting on the floor, and active movement
• Exposure to common childhood illnesses
• Office and classroom settings with regular interaction with children, families, and staff
• Occasional travel for training, meetings, and community events
• Performs other duties as assigned

Performance Indicators

• Implementation of improvement plans with measurable results
• Compliance with all Head Start standards and state licensing
• Positive feedback from family engagement surveys
• Timely completion of assessments and documentation
• Performs other duties as assigned by management staff