Head Start Center Director: Lead Early Learning

Lutheran Services Florida, Inc.; Clearwater (FL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental and Vision insurance

Telehealth

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Life insurance

PTO

Holidays

403(b) retirement plan

Job summary

Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) is seeking a Center Director to lead a Head Start/Early Head Start center, overseeing operations across multiple classrooms in Florida. The role emphasizes compliance with federal standards and strong collaboration with parents and the community.

The Center Director will coach and monitor education staff, conduct classroom observations, and ensure high-quality early childhood education while maintaining licensing, safety, and program integrity.

Qualifications

• Three years of teaching preschool or kindergarten experience with two years of supervisory experience.
• Experience in financial management and budgeting preferred.
• Bilingual preferred: English/Spanish or other languages in local area.

Responsibilities

• Oversees daily Head Start/Early Head Start center operations to ensure compliance with federal standards and licensing.
• Provides coaching to staff on classroom management and instructional support.
• Conducts observations (CLASS, Teacher/Teacher Assistant rubrics) and maintains essential assessments.
• Schedules and reviews work, payroll timecards, and staff credentials; ensures proper child/staff ratios.

Skills

Staff supervision

Educational leadership

Classroom observation

Verbal communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education

Coursework in child development/early childhood education

Teacher certification/licensure

Florida Program Director Credential (or state requirement)

Job description

Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) is seeking a Center Director to lead a Head Start/Early Head Start center, overseeing operations across multiple classrooms in Florida. The role emphasizes compliance with federal standards and strong collaboration with parents and the community.

The Center Director will coach and monitor education staff, conduct classroom observations, and ensure high-quality early childhood education while maintaining licensing, safety, and program integrity.