Center Director - Head Start

Durango 4C Council (Tri-County Head Start); Pagosa Springs (CO); On-site; USD 61,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid sick leave

Paid vacation

Personal leave

Over 4 weeks paid holidays

Professional development and training

403(b) retirement savings plan

Job summary

Durango 4C Council (Tri-County Head Start) seeks a Center Director for the Pagosa Springs Head Start site. The role leads daily operations, supports staff, and partners with families to foster a safe, welcoming learning environment.

The position requires experience in early childhood education and adherence to Head Start and Colorado licensing standards. Competitive pay and benefits accompany a leadership role across multiple program teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, Human Development, or related field preferred.
• Colorado Large Child Care Center Director qualification per CDOC requirement.
• Experience in early childhood education or licensed child care settings preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and day-to-day oversight of center operations.
• Supervise, coach, and support center staff.
• Promote a positive, collaborative workplace culture.
• Ensure licensing and program standards compliance.
• Monitor staffing, schedules, health, and safety.
• Engage families and create a welcoming environment.
• Lead enrollment and outreach efforts with partners.
• Coordinate with program teams and support staff.

Skills

Leadership

Staff supervision

Communication

Organization

Tech literacy

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education

Colorado Large Child Care Center Director qualification

Tools

Record-keeping software

Job description

Center Director – Head Start

Location: Pagosa Springs, Colorado Schedule: Full-Time, Year-Round Pay: $61,401 - $76,710 annually, depending on education and experience Lead a Center. Support a Team. Make an Impact.

We are looking for a collaborative and organized Center Director to lead our Pagosa Springs Head Start center.

This is a great opportunity for an experienced early childhood professional who enjoys supporting staff, building strong relationships with families, and creating a safe, welcoming environment where children can learn and thrive.

As Center Director, you’ll oversee the day-to-day operations of the center while working closely with teaching staff, families, and Tri-County Head Start’s leadership and program support teams.

What You’ll Do

• Provide leadership and day-to-day oversight of center operations.
• Supervise, coach, and support center staff.
• Promote a positive, collaborative, and professional workplace culture.
• Ensure compliance with Colorado child care licensing requirements, Head Start Program Performance Standards, and TCHS policies and procedures.
• Monitor classroom staffing, schedules, attendance, ratios, health and safety, and other center operations.
• Partner with families and help create a welcoming, family-centered environment.
• Lead the center’s enrollment and recruitment strategy, partnering with staff and community organizations to reach eligible families, maintain funded enrollment, and support strong attendance.
• Coordinate with Education, Health, Family & ERSEA, Human Resources, Facilities, and other program teams.
• Support staff development, onboarding, training, and performance management.
• Help maintain accurate documentation and prepare for licensing, monitoring, and program reviews.
• Step in where needed to support children, staff, and smooth center operations.

What We’re Looking For

• A supportive and confident leader.
• Organized and able to manage multiple priorities.
• Experienced in early childhood education and/or child care center operations.
• Comfortable supervising and coaching employees.
• Knowledgeable about child care licensing, health and safety, and regulatory requirements.
• A strong communicator who builds positive relationships with staff, children, families, and community partners.
• Comfortable using technology and maintaining accurate records and documentation.
• Responsive to community needs with the capacity to pivot effectively.

Minimum Qualifications

• Meets or can meet Colorado Large Child Care Center Director qualification requirements through the Colorado Department of Early Childhood.
• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, Human Development, or a related field preferred.
• Relevant experience working in early childhood education or a licensed child care setting.
• Previous supervisory or leadership experience preferred.
• Ability to meet all TCHS, Colorado licensing, and Head Start background check, training, and health requirements.

Why Tri-County Head Start?

Our employees make a meaningful difference for children and families throughout Southwest Colorado. We also believe the people doing this work deserve opportunities to grow, recharge, and build rewarding careers.

Eligible employees receive benefits that may include:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid sick, vacation, and personal leave
• Over 4 weeks of paid holidays
• Paid professional development and training
• 403(b) retirement savings plan

Join Our Team

If you’re an early childhood professional who enjoys leading people, solving problems, and helping a center run successfully, we’d love to hear from you.

Tri-County Head Start is an Equal Opportunity Employer.