Preschool Center Manager - Head Start Program (NEW BUILDING AND GREAT PAY/BENEFITS)

LEO Inc; Lynn (MA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

LEO Inc in Massachusetts is seeking a Center Director to oversee a Head Start program, ensuring high-quality operations and adherence to policy. The role requires expertise in early childhood education, bilingual education, and regulatory standards.

Responsibilities include supervising staff, conducting evaluations, developing professional development plans, maintaining confidential records, and coordinating family engagement and community outreach to support school readiness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field preferred.
• Must meet Massachusetts DEEC Director II qualifications.
• Three years' experience supervising and managing an Early Childhood program.
• Knowledge of DEEC regulations, Head Start Performance Standards, and OHS regulations.
• Positive work ethic.
• Strong time management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Hire, mentor and coach center staff; conduct bi-monthly and annual evaluations.
• Ensure Head Teachers complete all required record-keeping documentation.
• Train staff to raise CLASS, ITERS/ECERS, and QRIS scores.
• Conduct ongoing observations of teachers and provide feedback.
• Meet with Lead Teacher 2x monthly for supervision discussions and PDPs.
• Develop PDPs for each teacher based on needs.
• Assist Lead Teacher with Head Start–specific evaluations.
• Ensure staff comply with policies and confidentiality.
• Maintain safety as a priority and arrange for ongoing staff trainings.
• When remote work is available, ensure tasks are completed and logs kept.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Plan and facilitate staff and parent meetings.
• Coordinate field trips (Head Start Only).
• Maintain center inventory and orders of supplies.
• Analyze child assessments to set individualized school readiness goals.
• Provide frequent feedback to administration, center staff, and families.

Skills

Staff Supervision

Program Management

Observations & Evaluations

Staff Training

Professional Development Plans

Confidentiality

Safety & Compliance

Bilingual Education

Verbal & Written Communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field

Job description

PRIMARY FUNCTION

Responsible for implementing program policies and procedures, providing a high quality program, and for the overall operation of the entire center. Have knowledge and experience in the philosophy and practices of Head Start (or comparable child development programs), early childhood education, developmentally appropriate practice, and bilingual education;

KEY ROLES (Essential Job Responsibilities):

Staff Supervision and Professional Development:

• Hire, mentor and coach center staff and work in a team setting; prepare and conduct bi-monthly and annual evaluations; approve timesheets, leave and reimbursement requests.
• Ensures that Head Teachers complete all required record keeping documentation.
• Train/work with teaching staff on an ongoing basis to raise the scores of the following tools: Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS), Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale (ITERS) or(ECERS) and Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS).
• Conducts ongoing observations of all teachers; looking at curriculum content, presentation, relationships, classroom rapport, procedures, CLASS domains, etc.
• Meets with each Lead Teacher 2x each month for documented supervision meetings where the following topics will be covered: review of classroom observations, policies and procedures, teamwork, Professional Development Plans (PDPs), CLASS, ITERS or ECERS, QRIS, and Ounce Scale or Work Sampling.
• Creates PDPs for each teacher based on individual educational and professional needs and observations.
• Assists the Lead Teacher in completion of Assistant Teacher evaluations (Head Start Only).
• Ensures center staff are compliant with program policies and are working together to hold necessary case management and documenting appropriately.
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with agency policy and legal requirements.
• Ensures safety is a priority in performing all job responsibilities.
• Works with Managers and Trainers to arrange for provision of on-going staff training to meet the minimum requirement from EEC, as well as mandatory trainings (i.e. CPR, First aid, 51A, etc.).

• When remote work is available, ensures all assigned tasks are completed and staff complete a detailed work log.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Compliance and Reporting Requirements:

• Ensure compliance with OHS and EEC regulations, Emergency Management Plan, as well as compliance with USDA and city and state regulations.
• Assures accurate, complete, and confidential maintenance of employee files to meet all DEEC and OHS regulations.
• Ability to work flexible schedule.
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively and to make frequent significant decisions to assure the health and safety of children and families.
• Ability to work independently, and in a team environment prioritizing and determining workload.
• Ensure that service delivery is performed according to LEO's mission statement.
• Ensures appropriate staff to child ratios and will act as a teacher in the classroom in emergency situations.
• Prepare and submit requests for maintenance of the building/classrooms based on observation and Site Safety Checklist (completed weekly by classroom teachers)

Administrative activities:

• Works with center staff regarding classroom management and program planning for individual children
• Plans and coordinates field trips (Head Start Only).
• Works with center staff to maintain center inventory and orders materials and supplies as needed
• Plan and facilitate center staff meetings and parent meetings.
• Ensure confidentiality of children's records.
• Analyze and aggregate outcomes of all children's assessments to establish individualized plans and school readiness goals.
• Provide written frequent feedback both written and verbal to Administration staff, center staff, and families.

Enhance personal and professional growth:

• Attend all trainings required by Head Start Performance Standards as well as EEC Regulations.
• Attend trainings, conferences and workshops as assigned and approved by immediate supervisor.
• Identify other educational opportunities that enhance overall Center/Head Start knowledge.

Family Engagement/Community Outreach:

• Work with the teaching staff and family service workers to encourage parent involvement in all components of the program.
• Work cooperatively with Family Engagement Specialist in all areas of Family Engagement.
• Develop relationships with outside agencies to provide additional services.
• Participates in community boards, councils, advisory groups etc. representing the agency.

Skills / Knowledge Required

• Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field preferred; and
• Must meet Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (DEEC) Director II qualifications; and
• Three years' experience providing direct supervision and program management specializing in Early Childhood Education
• Knowledge of DEEC regulations, the Head Start Performance Standards as well as the Head Start Act (OHS regulations
• Positive work ethic.
• Strong time management skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills