Head Start Education Manager

Community Action Program Belknap-Merrimack County; Laconia (NH); On-site; USD 35,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Community Action Program of Belknap-Merrimack Counties is seeking a Head Start Education Manager to oversee preschool education services at the Lakes Region Family Center. The role focuses on supporting infants, toddlers, and NH Head Start requirements.

This full-time position involves supervising Head Start teachers, conducting classroom observations, ensuring licensing compliance, and coordinating program development, assessment, and staff training.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field; infant/toddler coursework preferred.
• Three years early childhood education teaching experience; 2 years supervisory or management experience preferred.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills; knowledge of Head Start and Childcare Licensing policies; program development, operation, evaluation, and fiscal management.
• Attention to detail, confidentiality, problem-solving skills, and a commitment to fostering a positive workplace and early childhood classroom experience; must be 21.
• Criminal record check, CPR/First Aid certification.

Responsibilities

• Completing regular observations of Head Start classrooms and provide feedback and support to teachers.
• Work with the Head Start Center-Based Education Specialist to ensure NH Childcare Licensing and HSPPS requirements are met.
• Engage in and model adult-child interactions that are responsive, supportive, and respectful of children's needs.
• Complete administrative tasks such as reporting on development benchmarks, screening tools, and curriculum documentation.
• Support HS Preschool teachers during onboarding, orientation, and professional development through supervision and training.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Policy knowledge

Program development

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education

Infant/toddler coursework preferred

Tools

CPR/First Aid certification

Criminal record check

Job description

Community Action Program of Belknap-Merrimack Counties

Empowering Communities and Enriching Lives. Join Our Mission!

Job Title: Head Start Education Manager

Location: Lakes Region Family Center

Hours: Full Time, Monday - Friday, 37.5 hours per week

Salary Description: $25.31- $30.21, based on level of education and relative work experience

About Community Action Program Belknap-Merrimack (CAPBM):

The Community Action Program Belknap-Merrimack Counties, Inc. (CAPBM) is a cornerstone of community development and support, dedicated to fostering independence and resilience in families and individuals. Our programs serve as vital resources to empower families, prepare children for future success, and enrich the lives of those in our community.

What It's Like to Work Here:

Working at CAPBM means being part of a collaborative team driven by a passion for making a difference. Our supportive, inclusive environment fosters professional growth and personal fulfillment. Employees are empowered to contribute their ideas and expertise to strengthen our programs and enhance the lives of individuals and families we serve. We value commitment, innovation, and adaptability, making every day an opportunity to create impactful solutions and meaningful connections within our community.

A Day in the Life as a Head Start Education Manager:

As the Head Start Education manager, you'll play an essential role in providing all aspects of a quality child development program with emphasis on the cognitive, social and emotional development of infants and toddlers. The Manager is responsible for supporting the agency's mission through the oversight of Head Start Preschool Teachers and how they provide early childhood education services to infants and toddlers and their families. Your day will involve:

• Completing regular observations of all Head Start Preschool classrooms and provide feedback and support to teachers
• Working with the Head Start Center-Based Education Specialist in ensuring that HSPPS and NH Childcare Licensing requirements are being met.
• Engaging in and modeling adult-child interactions that are responsive, supportive, and respectful of children's needs, development, and play interests.
• Complete all necessary administrative responsibilities such as reporting on development bench marks for children, completing screening tools, documenting curriculum plans.
• Supports HS Preschool teachers throughout the onboarding, orientation, and professional development by facilitating ongoing supervision and contributing to training opportunities.

Each day is an opportunity to inspire curiosity, foster creativity, and build a foundation for lifelong success iin the lives of children and their families.

Requirements

Qualifications to Be a Head Start Education Manager:

To excel in this role, you'll need:

• Education: Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field; infant/toddler coursework preferred
• Experience: three years early childhood education teaching experience; 2 years of supervisory or management level experience in related field preferred
• Skills: Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills. Knowledge of community, county, state and federal policies regarding Head Start and Childcare Licensing preferred. Skills in program development, implementation, operation, evaluation, and fiscal management preferred
• Characteristics: Attention to detail, confidentiality, problem-solving skills, and a commitment to fostering a positive workplace and early childhood classroom experience. Must be 21 years of age.
• Technical: successful completion of criminal record check, CPR/First Aid certification

A valid driver's license and reliable transportation may be required for occasional travel between program locations.

Community Program Belknap-Merrimack Counties, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.