Assistant Program Director - Early Childhood Education (Head Start/Early Head Start Program)

Department: Early Childhood Development

Reports To: ECE Program Director

FLSA Status: Exempt

Primary Function: Responsible for the overall leadership, direction and management of a team consisting of Early Head Start/Head Start Center Managers and content managers. Oversee the operation of three early education center sites including licensing and associated certification requirements. Develop strategies and systems to ensure quality service delivery, compliance and progress toward school readiness and program goals are in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards and EEC regulations.

Key Roles (Essential Job Responsibilities):

• Operations and Monitoring: Supervision of Center Managers including staffing and day-to-day operations. Monitor and evaluate center management practices for effectiveness. Oversee the daily operations ensuring smooth and efficient service delivery. Conduct data analysis for programs to develop and implement a comprehensive, two generational approach to service delivery with families. Review program outcome data to ensure quality services for children and progress toward school readiness goals. Develop and implement action plans and systems to ensure ongoing program quality and improvement. Monitor systems to ensure that programs are clean, well maintained and have sufficient education supplies to support and enhance classroom learning. Oversee when an employee is working off site and ensure that all assigned tasks are completed and staff complete a detailed work log. Ensure the integration of family engagement strategies and support are implemented into the operation systems of the early education programs and program services delivery. Support the annual self-assessment, community needs assessment and program reviews.
• Compliance and Reporting Requirements: Responsible for ensuring Early Education Centers are up-to-date and comply with all federal head start regulations, state and local licensing and association certification requirements including the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC), CPPI, NAEYC and CQIP. Oversee and monitor assessments, PIR, Demographics, and monitoring of the child data system.
• Staff Supervision and Professional Development: Hire and supervise Center Managers and Home-Based Manager. Coach Managers to develop systems, policies and procedures to ensure compliance with program regulations. Facilitate ongoing professional development, professional growth and support for program staff. Conduct regular site visits to monitor program quality, classroom environments and staff performance.
• Administrative Activities: Engage in community outreach. Attend community meetings. Attend and participate in program management meetings. Perform other duties as assigned.
• Enhance 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. Participate in professional development for personal growth.
• Senior Staff Reporting Responsibility for Head Start, Early Head Start and Child Care Programs: Reporting to DCF or EEC - Following the internal investigation of a serious incident, if the Director of Early Childhood Development or the specifically designated person determines that an act of institutional child abuse or neglect has occurred, the ECD Director or the specifically designated person will immediately file a 51A with DCF and will immediately notify LEO's licensor at EEC. Reporting to Office of Head Start - Any significant incidents affecting the health and safety of program participants, circumstances affecting the financial viability of the program, breaches of personally identifiable information, or program involvement in legal proceedings, or any matter for which notification or a report to a state or local authorities is required by law.

Skills / Knowledge Required:

• Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Early Education or related field.
• Four Years supervisory experience and with two years in human services or related field.
• Strong written and verbal skills.
• Strong time management skills.
• Must be willing and able to work flexible hours and hours outside the regular work day.
• Strong computer skills.
• Must meet Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (DEEC) Director II qualifications; and Knowledge of DEEC regulations, the Head Start Performance Standards as well as the Head Start Act (OHS regulations).

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee regularly is required to stand, walk, sit, use hand to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must be able to lift up to 50lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.