Satellite Assistant Head Start Director

Community Action Agency of Oklahoma City & OK/CN Counties, Inc.; Oklahoma City (OK); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Satellite Assistant Head Start Director supports the Satellite Head Start Director as a partner and problem-solver, working together to meet goals and strengthen program quality. This role fosters collaboration and respect, ensuring a supportive environment for children, families, and staff.

The position leads with integrity, accountability, and high expectations, overseeing staff orientation, development, and evaluation while encouraging curiosity and continuous learning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field.
• Six (6) years of paid experience in a preschool classroom setting.
• Experience in early childhood environments aligning with state/funding standards.
• Ability to lead staff and perform high-level administrative duties.
• Work well with diverse cultures and inclusive environments.
• Meet state and funding requirements including fingerprinting and background checks.
• Possess Oklahoma driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for the educational program by supervising teaching staff in planning, scheduling, and classroom activities.
• Promote teamwork, communicate effectively, and ensure respect always.
• Encourage staff to act as problem solvers and innovators responsive to student needs.
• Train staff in screenings and assessments and promote teaching excellence.
• Establish systems to coordinate content areas and deliver services to families.
• Maintain accurate financial and program records and ensure compliance with reports.
• Maintain a safe, welcoming environment and recruit volunteers.
• Be proficient with technology including ChildPlus, Microsoft 365, and Online LAP.
• Occasional travel to off-site locations as required.

Skills

Staff supervision

Communication

Cultural competency

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field

Tools

ChildPlus

Microsoft 365

Online LAP

Job description

JOB SUMMARY:

The Satellite Assistant Head Start Director supports the Satellite Head Start Director as a partner and problem-solver, working together to meet goals and strengthen program quality. This role fosters a culture of teamwork, collaboration, and respect, ensuring a supportive and inclusive environment for children, families, and staff.

The position leads with integrity, accountability, and high expectations, overseeing staff orientation, development, and evaluation while encouraging curiosity, open communication, and continuous learning.

Ensures full compliance with Agency, State (DHS), and federal ACF Head Start Guidelines and Regulations. Designs and implements developmentally appropriate activities that meet the educational and emotional needs of enrolled children, while building strong connections with families and the community.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Educational Leadership & Innovation:

• Provide leadership and direction for the educational program by supervising teaching staff in planning, scheduling, and classroom activities.
• Promote a culture of teamwork, communicate effectively, and ensure respect always.
• Encourage staff to act as problem solvers and innovators who are adaptable and responsive to the needs of our students.
• Demonstrate curriculum expertise and train staff in screenings and assessments, encouraging questions, and excellence in teaching practices.

Family Engagement & Partnerships:

• Establish and maintain systems that ensure all content areas are coordinated and services are delivered effectively.
• Foster connections and offer support for all families, valuing all perspectives with no judgment.
• Provide training and technical assistance to parent groups, acting as allies and builders of community.
• Listen to and empower families, ensuring they feel welcome and heard as partners in their child’s development.

Operational Integrity & Accountability:

• Maintain accurate financial and program records with a steadfast commitment to honesty, accountability, and being responsible.
• Oversee inventory and supplies with consistency, ensuring high expectations are met in all service operations.
• Maintain all required files and policy manuals with integrity, ensuring documentation is fair and compliant.
• Ensure timely and accurate submission of all reports, exceeding expectations through reliability and execution of change when necessary.

Center Culture & Community:

• Maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming environment that reflects respect for all individuals and pride in the learning space.
• Recruit and support volunteers, recognizing their contributions as vital builders of connections.
• Conduct staff meetings and trainings that emphasize fairness, consistency, and leadership development.

Technology:

• Must be proficient in technology, both software and hardware. This includes utilizing ChildPlus, Microsoft 365, and Online LAP.

Other:

• Performs other Head Start/Early Head Start duties required to accomplish the Head Start/Early Head Start mission.
• This position requires frequent travel to off‑site locations.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is performed with children aged 4-5 only; most of the children are between the ages of four and five. Activities are performed in all areas of the building; the site director must be mobile. Assistant Directors are not assigned to classrooms or kitchen duties; however, performance in the absence of staff will be necessary. Must be mobile and agile to perform required tasks such as lifting up to forty‑five (45) pounds, reaching above the head and below the knee, or positioning the body as to be on the child’s level and floor level. Must be able to bend, stop, kneel, crouch, and able to run or walk hurriedly for a child’s safety.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field.
• Six (6) years of paid experience specifically within a pre‑school classroom setting.
• Proven experience in early childhood environments that align with state and funding source standards.
• Possess the skill to lead staff and perform high-level administrative duties.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse cultures and inclusive environments.
• Ability to maintain work environment standards and potentially utilize program‑specific software.
• Must meet all state and funding source requirements, including mandatory fingerprinting and background checks.
• Possession of a valid Oklahoma State driver’s license and consistent access to reliable transportation.
• No physical restrictions that would preclude actively working with and supervising pre‑school‑aged children.
• Ability to meet and maintain required work environment safety and health standards.

QUALIFICATIONS DESIRED:

• Post‑graduate courses in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
• Experience in supervision of a pre‑school or day care facility.

SUPERVISION:

Reports to: Satellite Head Start Director.

Supervises: Assigned Center Staff.

Coordinates with: Head Start Support Staff, other CAA components, county resources, and various agencies.