Facilities & Program Specialist – Head Start/Early Head Start

South Central Iowa Community Action Program, Inc.; Iowa, Northern (LA, KY); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

South Central Iowa Community Action Program, Inc. seeks a Facilities & Program Specialist to ensure Head Start/Early Head Start centers are safe, well-maintained, compliant, and ready to provide high-quality services to children and families.

This hands-on role combines facilities, health and safety, transportation, compliance, staff support, and program operations. The position requires regular travel to Head Start/Early Head Start locations across a five-county area, with independent work and

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience working with children and staff.
• Knowledge of mandatory reporting requirements.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Basic computer skills and the ability to learn program-specific software.
• Valid driver’s license and current auto insurance.
• Ability and willingness to travel throughout SCICAP’s five-county service area.

Responsibilities

• Ensure facilities are maintained, safe, and ready for children and staff.
• Coordinate repairs and obtain bids, including three bids for repairs exceeding $10,000 when possible.
• Provide monthly reports to the Program Director regarding facility concerns and repair status.
• Conduct annual health and safety checks at each center.
• Coordinate emergency preparedness activities and stay current with OSHA requirements.
• Conduct ongoing compliance and case file reviews.
• Identify areas needing improvement and assist staff in developing solutions.
• Close out child files and transport to Central Office.
• Conduct on-site observations and follow up on identified concerns.
• Maintain confidentiality of child, family, and staff information.
• Monitor transportation safety and vehicle records.
• Train and orient new staff.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Experience with children

Experience with staff

Ability to learn program software

Follow verbal/written instructions

Multi-tasking

Independent work

Valid driver’s license

Willingness to travel

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Location: Chariton, IA – Travel throughout a five-county service area
Job Type: Full-Time, Non-Exempt
Schedule: Monday–Friday, approximately 7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (flexibility as needed)
Make a Difference in the Lives of Children and Families!
SCICAP Head Start/Early Head Start is seeking a Facilities & Program Specialist to join our team! This position is an important part of ensuring our Head Start and Early Head Start centers are safe, well-maintained, compliant, and ready to provide high-quality services to children and families.
If you are organized, dependable, hands-on, and enjoy a position that combines facilities, health and safety, transportation, compliance, staff support, and program operations, we would love to hear from you!

About the Position

The Facilities & Program Specialist works closely with the Head Start/Early Head Start Program Director and staff throughout our five-county service area. This position conducts compliance reviews, monitors facility and playground safety, coordinates maintenance and repairs, supports transportation safety and compliance, conducts site visits, and assists with staff training and orientation. This is a hands-on position with regular travel to Head Start/Early Head Start locations, so flexibility and the ability to work independently are important.

Key Responsibilities

Facilities & Safety

• Ensure Head Start/Early Head Start facilities are properly maintained, safe, and ready for children and staff.
• Work with center staff to identify and address facility concerns in a timely manner.
• Coordinate repairs and obtain bids when needed, including seeking at least three bids for repairs exceeding $10,000 when possible.
• Provide monthly reports to the Program Director regarding facility concerns and repair status.
• Collect and review monthly Facility/Playground Safety and Playground Maintenance checklists.
• Conduct annual health and safety checks at each center.
• Coordinate emergency preparedness activities and stay current with applicable OSHA requirements.

Program Compliance & Quality

• Conduct ongoing compliance and case file reviews to ensure accuracy, completeness, and adherence to program and agency requirements.
• Identify areas needing improvement and assist staff in developing solutions that improve compliance, efficiency, and quality.
• Close out child files at the end of the school year and transport completed files to the Central Office.
• Conduct on-site observations and follow up on identified concerns.
• Maintain confidentiality of child, family, and staff information.

Transportation Safety

• Monitor required information for drivers and maintain current records for vehicles used to transport children.
• Monitor annual vehicle safety inspections and maintenance records.
• Conduct on-site observations with bus monitors twice each year.
• Ensure Transportation Kits are properly maintained and include required safety materials.
• Monitor completion of bus evacuation drills and pedestrian safety training.
• Monitor accident and incident reports and ensure required information is entered into Child Plus.
• Train and orient new staff, including new bus monitors.
• Monitor that parents receive required Pedestrian Safety Training.

Staff Training & Support

• Provide new staff orientation and training related to assigned areas of responsibility.
• Present updated procedures, safety information, and materials to staff.
• Work collaboratively with center staff and Central Office staff to address concerns and improve program operations.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Program Director.

What We’re Looking For

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience working with children and staff.
• Knowledge of mandatory reporting requirements.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Basic computer skills and the ability to learn program-specific software.
• Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to coordinate multiple responsibilities and priorities.
• Ability to work independently while also functioning effectively as part of a team.
• Valid driver’s license and current auto insurance.
• Ability and willingness to travel throughout SCICAP’s five-county service area.

Knowledge & Skills

• Head Start Program Performance Standards
• Iowa State Licensing requirements
• SCICAP policies and procedures
• Health and safety requirements
• Transportation safety requirements
• Emergency preparedness
• Mandatory reporting

Previous experience in Head Start, Early Head Start, childcare, facilities, health and safety, transportation, compliance, or a related field is helpful.

Required Background & Health Checks

• Current physical examination at the start of employment and every three years thereafter.
• Criminal record checks prior to employment.
• Required fingerprinting at hire and every four years thereafter.
• Clearance of applicable child abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect records.

Physical & Working Requirements

• Sit, talk, and hear regularly.
• Stand, walk, reach, and climb frequently.
• Frequently lift or move up to 25 pounds.
• Occasionally lift or move up to 50 pounds.
• Travel to program sites, trainings, in-services, and occasional conferences.

Why Join SCICAP Head Start/Early Head Start?

At SCICAP, your work directly supports children, families, and communities. The Facilities & Program Specialist plays an important behind-the-scenes role in making sure children have safe, healthy, well-maintained environments where they can learn and thrive.
If you are someone who notices what needs to be done, enjoys solving problems, takes pride in keeping things organized and safe, and wants your work to have a meaningful impact, this could be the opportunity for you!
Join the SCICAP Head Start/Early Head Start team and help us create safe, supportive, high-quality learning environments for children and families across South Central Iowa.
South Central Iowa Community Action Program is an Equal Opportunity Employer.