Program Manager - School Readiness

Southwest Human Development, Incorporated.; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid time off

401(k) employer contribution

Job summary

Southwest Human Development is Arizona’s largest nonprofit dedicated to early childhood development. We seek a School Readiness Program Manager to oversee service delivery across district sites, supervise CDMs, ensure safety, and support staff, families, and children. A strong background in ECE and leadership is essential.

The role involves coaching CDMs, monitoring curriculum fidelity, and driving continuous improvement with a focus on community impact and program excellence.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of supervisory experience in early childhood education
• Knowledge of developmentally appropriate practice (DAP)
• Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards
• Spanish language ability preferred
• Certification in First Aid/CPR and related safety trainings may be required

Responsibilities

• Provide daily oversight of service delivery across district sites to ensure high-quality operations
• Supervise and coach CDMs through feedback and leadership development
• Monitor safety, curriculum fidelity, and teaching quality per program standards
• Address concerns from staff, families, and children promptly and professionally
• Conduct weekly site visits and analyze data to identify trends and issues
• Lead monthly reviews of district-wide performance and child development progress
• Organize professional development for CDMs based on performance reviews
• Conduct comprehensive annual evaluations of service delivery and CDMs
• Collaborate with leadership to develop long-term strategic plans and cross-team communication

Skills

Leadership

Spanish preferred

Safety standards knowledge

Education

BA/BS or MA in ECE or related field

Masters preferred

Job description

Make a difference from day one
Southwest Human Development is Arizona’s largest nonprofit dedicated to early childhood development. The first five years of life are the most critical in a child’s development. At Southwest Human Development, our services improve lives and help families by supporting young children and their caregivers during this important time.

Make a difference from day one
Southwest Human Development is Arizona’s largest nonprofit dedicated to early childhood development. The first five years of life are the most critical in a child’s development. At Southwest Human Development, our services improve lives and help families by supporting young children and their caregivers during this important time.

Your skills, experience, and passion are needed at one of the nation’s largest nonprofits dedicated to early childhood development. Join our team and experience a long-term career which brings joy and satisfaction in knowing you make a difference. We offer over 40 programs and services to more than 140,000 children.

Why candidates love working here

• Contribute to meaningful work that helps children and families build strong foundations for the future.
• Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, generous paid time off, and 401(k) employer contribution every paycheck.
• Build your future with access to learning, development, and career advancement opportunities.
• Be part of a collaborative, purpose-driven culture where your work truly matters.
• Join a Great Place to Work Certified organization, with a culture shaped by employee feedback and built on trust, support, and collaboration.

Job title: School Readiness Program Manager

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced School Readiness Program Manager to oversee and enhance service delivery across our district sites. This role involves supervising Child Development Managers (CDMs), ensuring compliance with safety standards, curriculum fidelity, and teaching quality, and proactively addressing concerns from staff, families, and children. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, a background in Early Childhood Education, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

In This Role You Will:

• Provide daily oversight of service delivery across district sites to ensure smooth, efficient, and high-quality operations.
• Supervise and coach Child Development Managers (CDMs) through consistent feedback, leadership development, and reflective supervision.
• Monitor and enforce safety compliance, curriculum fidelity, and teaching quality in alignment with program standards.
• Serve as a key problem-solver, addressing concerns promptly and professionally from staff, families, and children.
• Conduct weekly site visits and analyze operational data to identify service delivery trends and address systemic issues.
• Facilitate weekly one-on-one coaching sessions with CDMs to evaluate performance, discuss progress, and support growth.
• Lead monthly reviews of district-wide performance, operational data, and child development progress to identify areas for improvement.
• Organize and deliver professional development opportunities for CDMs based on monthly performance reviews and goals.
• Conduct comprehensive annual evaluations of service delivery, curriculum implementation, and CDM performance.
• Collaborate with leadership to develop long-term strategic plans, set organizational goals, and enhance communication across teams.

What It Takes:

• BA/BS or MA, is preferred, in Early Childhood Education (ECE), Social Work, Family Studies, or related field of Education with an emphasis in ECE.
• Minimum 2 years of supervisory experience in ECE programming.
• Knowledge of early childhood developmentally appropriate practice (DAP).
• The equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted.
• Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards.
• Ability to speak, write, and read Spanish preferred.
• Certification in First Aid/CPR, Food Handler’s Card, and Fingerprint Clearance Card required.
• Functional knowledge of Arizona Childcare Licensing Requirements.
• Ability to speak, write, and read Spanish preferred

Southwest Human Development is committed to creating a safe, healthy, and supportive environment for our employees and the communities we serve.

Learn More About Working With Us

Our core values reflect our commitment to children, families, caregivers, and the communities we serve. They guide how we work, how we support one another, and how we grow as a team. Learn more about our values and benefits here.

Experience

Required

• 2 year(s): Supervisory experience in early childhood education
• 1 year(s): Knowledge of early childhood developmentally appropriate practice
• Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards
  

Preferred

• Ability to speak, write, and read in Spanish preferred

Education

Required

• Bachelors or better in Early Childhood Education or related field

Preferred

• Masters or better in Early Childhood Education or related field

Licenses & Certifications

Required

• Auto Ins Certificate
• DCS APS CBC Online Check
• CCEI Online Training TEA
• CPR and First Aid Cert
• DES Criminal Affidavit
• DHS Criminal Affidavit
• Driver License
• Food Handler's Card
• Fingerprint Card Level 1
• FPC DPS Verification
  

Preferred

• CLASS Obs Cert Infant
• CLASS Obs Cert Tod PK

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.