Education Manager

Every Child Deserves a Head Start

Education Manager

Greater Bergen Community Action’s (GBCA) Head Start Preschool program is a rewarding place for experienced educators who seek to grow their careers while making a difference. Our mission is to provide a quality, comprehensive educational program that prepares children and their families for kindergarten and life beyond. With its origins in the War on Poverty, Head Start is one of the longest-running federally funded programs. The Head Start model has been praised and emulated throughout the country. 

At GBCA, our Head Start Preschool program collaborates with local school districts.  Our compensation package is highly competitive.  We offer a supportive work environment that recognizes the value of every employee, and our focus is continually on staff wellness.  

As an experienced educator, we welcome you to work in our Head Start preschool program. Come make a difference. Learn what it is like to teach children and reach families the Head Start way. 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or related discipline with a CE in Pre-school through 3^rd Grade.
• Preferred: Master’s degree in ECE with NJ Master Teacher certification
• Communicates clearly and effectively.
• Must demonstrate English proficiency - both oral and written
• Multi-lingual a plus
• Demonstrates good computer skills and ability to integrate technology into the classroom and accurately enter information into agency data management systems. 
• Ability to physically care for the needs of the children in the classroom. This includes sitting, standing, bending, and lifting to fifty (50) pounds. 
• May work outdoors with children during part of the day during each season.
• Ability to work effectively with children and families
• Ability and willingness to work as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to work with children and families of diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Energetic and positive attitude with a passion for teaching
• Driver’s license and own transportation for local travel as needed.

Responsibilities include:

• Learn and adhere to the philosophy and mandates of Head Start and Early Head Start as outlined in the Performance Standards, licensing requirements, and the Policies and Procedures of Greater Bergen Community Action (GBCA).
• Assist the Associate Director of Education with planning and designing programs and systems to accommodate current needs and future expansion.
• Ensure children receive individual attention and supervise children by using your eyes and ears.
• Serve as a resource to staff and parents in implementing the Head Start/Early Head Start Performance Standards and other policies related to the Education Content Area and early childhood education and development.
• Communicate with staff to share information, build skills, oversee performance, and resolve problems.
• Collaborate with Head Start Leadership to ensure that services are integrated into one comprehensive program.
• Serve as an advocate for quality programs for children and families.
• Work with the Associate Director of Education in the annual review and, if necessary, revise and update the Early Childhood Development and Health Service Content Plan.
• When necessary, plans for and participates in-home visits, parent/teacher conferences, and back-to-school events.  These activities will be scheduled during the day and evening.
• Assist in providing orientation to all new education personnel and substitute personnel.
• Demonstrate a commitment to and understanding of the School Readiness Plan and the Education Content Plan by serving as a resource to staff.
• At the direction of the Associate Director, assists with providing education/curriculum training.
• Assist staff in designing and/or using a learning environment that supports the curriculum.
• Assist staff in selecting the equipment and materials for developmental activities.
• Review schedules and help the staff balance activities in the classroom.
• Support staff in developing positive discipline skills to promote self-regulation and a positive self-image of each child.
• Ensure that staff observe and record children’s behaviors and activities daily, using this information to individualize the child’s education plan.
• Review weekly plans of the classroom staff to ensure that they reflect an understanding of the curriculum, individualization, and coordination with other components.
• Encourage parent involvement and explain classroom curriculum when needed.  
• Reinforce adherence to policies and procedures and Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS).
• Assist with the review and maintenance of education records. 
• Assist with regularly scheduled education staff meetings.
• Provide individualized supervision to assigned staff and assess the need for training.
• Conduct regular observation of staff performance and provide written feedback.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with management, clients, representatives of community organizations, and other staff members.