Early Childhood Education Director (Head Start)

Duties

1. Oversight of Head Start and Early Head Start Budgets

• Assist in budget development and allocation of funds as it relates to Early Head Start/Head Start, this includes long term goals for large program purchases and facility updates/renovations.
• Prepare and submit Early Head Start/Head Start Grants with participation from the Board of Directors, Policy Council, and Fiscal Department.
• Direct and coordinate the purchasing of equipment and supplies for the program and maintain inventory records as required.
• Research and develop grant proposals for program improvement and expansion of early childhood development and associated programs.
• Maintain compliance with the Head Start Performance Standards as it relates to Fiscal matters.
• Monitor and approve all programmatic expenditures including payroll.
• Assure that all contracts and agreements are reviewed annually, updates and

revisions occurring as necessary.

2. Maintain compliance with all applicable state and federal laws, rules, regulations, guidelines, and performance standards.

• Supervise program operations and monitor program compliance.
• Develop and recommend program policies and procedures to conform to federal regulation and eligibility criteria.
• Review program audit reports and resolve negative findings or poor performance. Coordinates implementation of corrective action and monitor progress.
• Maintain compliance with the Head Start Performance Standards and licensing requirements.

3. Direct Head Start and Early Head Start services and programs.

• Lead Early Head Start/Head Start Self-Assessment and complete Annual EHS/HS Report.
• Lead in Early Head Start/Head Start routine systematic planning to develop goals/objectives based on the program data and the Annual Head Start Self-Assessment.
• Understand and support Community Action, Inc. governance, as it applies in relation to the Parent Committee, Policy Council, the Board of Directors, and ECO committee. Actively recruit members, as needed, to follow the Head Start Performance Standards and Head Start Act.
• Prepare and submit the Early Head Start/Head Start Strategic Plan with participation from the Board of Directors, Policy Council, ECO Committee, and Leadership Team.
• Prepare and submit timely reports for funders, committees, and other entities as needed.
• Coordinate T/TA Training Needs with Head Start Region VII.
• Active participation in agency-level and Head Start community assessments and completion of programmatically required community assessments.
• Facilitate effective communication externally and internally across departments to support program coordination and problem-solving.
• Maintain communication with Head Start Region VII office, Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KS Licensing), Kansas Department for Children and Families, Kansas State Fire Marshall and any other funding entity as needed.
• Attend Kansas Head Start Association meetings.
• Support and adhere to the Community Action, Inc Code of Conduct.
• Maintain confidentiality of all agency information.
• Report any suspected child/adult abuse or neglect to appropriate authority.
• Supervise Administrative staff within the Early Childhood Division.
• Identify training needs and ensure trainings are completed and tracked.
• Direct and supervise the ECO Office Assistant and Administration Support Staff.
• Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
• Provide educational and instructional leadership to ensure the delivery of high-quality, developmentally appropriate early childhood education services across all Head Start and Early Head Start classrooms.
• Guide curriculum implementation, support continuous improvement of teaching practices, and ensure compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards and early learning frameworks.
• Collaborate with education staff to foster a culture of excellence and ongoing learning in classroom instruction, child outcomes, and school readiness

7. Perform other duties that may be assigned by the supervisor and/or the supervisor’s designee, including, but not limited to:

• Act as a key member of the agency’s core leadership team, including participation in agency-wide planning, organizing, directing, evaluating, and setting a positive example for all staff.
• Participate in agency events and special activities.

Qualifications

• A minimum of five years’ professional experience in a management-level position in a federally funded Head Start and/or Early Head Start program is required. Successful experience in grant writing, direct supervision, and budget management is preferred. Previous experience as a Head Start program Director also preferred.
• Must demonstrate a strong background in educational leadership, curriculum development, and instructional supervision within early childhood education settings. Experience in coaching or mentoring teaching staff and ensuring program compliance with federal and state early learning standards is strongly preferred.
• Minimum five years of responsible supervisory/management including experience working with boards and advisory committees.
• Within 6 years of holding the position title, unless exempted from this requirement by the Executive Director, the ECO Director is expected to successfully achieve designation as a Certified Community Action Professional.
• Experience with the Child Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) preferred

Required

• Successfully complete and pass a physical exam, TB skin test and drug screen before beginning employment.
• Submit to and pass criminal background/history check in compliance with State of Kansas Child Care Licensing.
• Obtain First Aid and CPR certification and keep current, attend training in child abuse and neglect, blood borne pathogens upon hire.
• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field required; Master’s degree preferred.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $64,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Application Question(s):

• Do you have experience as a Head Start Director?

Ability to Commute:

• Topeka, KS 66605 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Topeka, KS 66605: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person