ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:  To provide direct oversight of the total operation and management of the preschool and ensure a safe and nurturing environment for children and implement a developmentally appropriate curriculum as prescribed by DFSS and CPS.  Make the preschool a welcoming place for parents and family members.  Ensure that the preschool is connected with the community in appropriate ways. In addition, this position will be responsible for managing training and technical assistance to staff regarding educational objectives and disability services for program participants.  Develop curriculum, provide educational resources to staff and parents; and develop and implement systems and procedures for the delivery of quality services.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES: 

1.     Make certain children are provided a nurturing, stimulating, non-punitive and culturally sensitive environment that encourages language, self-expression, exploration, and creativity, cognitive, social emotional and physical development.  Carries out goals, policies and activities to meet and implement educational objectives and performance standards set by the Head Start Program.  Develops and implements education policies and procedures.

2.     Holds center and staff accountable for upholding the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct.  Models professional work ethics at all times. In addition, maintains confidentiality around issues concerning other staff members, children and families.

3.     Recruit, screen, interview, select, train and supervises all staff.  Coordinates staff assignments.  Oversees the maintenance of staff records as required by all licensing and funding agencies. Conduct performance evaluations for staff and recommend an annual professional development plan. 

4.     Ensures compliance with Head Start performance standards and quality programming through classroom observation and feedback, and review of education records and activity plans.

5.     Prepares and manages the budget with regard to funding streams, monthly reports, purchase requisitions and collection of fees.  Monitors expenditures to assure sound fiscal practices.  Oversees center purchasing and inventory.

6.     Ensures compliance with city, state and federal funding regulations, ensuring programs meet all applicable licensing, including background checks, program and accreditation standards.  Provides fiscal and program reports to external funding and regulatory agencies on a timely basis.  In addition, ensures adherence to licensing and funding requirements and standards in the following areas: health and safety, nutrition, staff files, qualifications and schedules, teacher-child ratios and children files.

7.     Recruits children of eligible families and maintains full enrollment of the child development center.  Oversees marketing efforts during key enrollment periods as well as maintains ongoing marketing efforts during the remainder of the year.

8.     Conducts timely performance evaluations of teaching staff in collaboration with other appropriate staff; guides teachers in development of individual goals for professional growth; and monitors their progress towards achieving these goals.  Facilitates staff professional development.  Ensures compliance with performance standards and quality.

9.     Supports and sustains positive morale of the staff.  Establishes and maintains a relationship of cooperation and respect with co-workers.

10.  Models positive behaviors and professional interactions with parents.  Establish and effectively utilize the Parent Policy committee.

11.  Ensures the center is safe, clean, and attractive and child and family ready at all times.  Coordinates and monitors janitorial and housekeeping services in accordance with health standards.

12.  Keep agency administrators informed of any formal parent or staff concerns, issues and/or complaints.

13.  Update and implement the annual education plan and the annual community needs assessment.

14.  As the team leader for the education and disabilities component, responsibilities include data entry and monitoring in COPA (Child Outcomes Planning and Assessment).

15.  Assesses program quality and makes recommendations for improvement or corrective actions to ensure compliance with performance standards and quality programming for children.  Monitors monthly Head Start education and disabilities component.

16.  Works with staff to ensure compliance in the disabilities services.  Supports staff in the coordination of disabilities services and the interdisciplinary team meeting that includes parents, site director, professional diagnosticians and teacher in order to develop individual education plans (IEP).

17.  Attends the Education Advisory Council meetings and other education related meetings through the Department of Family and Support Services and CPS.

18.  Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Direct Supervision:

Teachers

Family Services Coordinator 

Administrative Assistant

Indirect Supervision:

Custodial Services

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS: 

·         Master’s Degree in Child Development, Early Childhood Education plus 5 years’ experience as Director and/or administrator in a Head Start center.

·         Illinois Directors Credential “Level 2”.

·         Excellent organizational, administrative, and communication skills required.

·         Must be able to lead a team, supervise personnel, and manage all aspects of center activities, while maintaining positive interactions with the agency and funders.

·         Must demonstrate a strong knowledge and understanding of child development, developmentally appropriate practice, and how to incorporate these into the operation of a high-quality child development center.

·         Must have prior experience managing budgets, providing training to adults, and working with young children.

·         Must be able to work well within a culturally diverse environment with the ability to handle situations with tact and diplomacy.

·         Ability to operate computers and use software applications required.

This is a full-time exempt position

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER