Center Director (Mesquite)

ABSTRACT OF THE POSITION:

Under the general supervision of the Education Manager, the Center Director oversees the daily operations of infant and toddler classrooms within Early Head Start center-based locations. The Center Director provides direction, guidance, and support to teachers assigned to the center; monitors child attendance; organizes and conducts parent education and parent participation activities; complies with Early Head Start regulations, local licensing, health, safety, and all other applicable state, local and federal requirements and guidelines.

RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES (including but not limited to):

• Provides guidance, modeling, and support to teachers, and ensures that all screenings occur in a timely manner.
• Monitors and supervises activities within the center to ensure a safe and healthy environment.
• Assists with enrollment policies and procedures, and maintains accurate attendance records.
• Prepares and submits requisitions for supplies and materials and maintains an inventory of center equipment.
• Maintains accurate records and analyzes data for evaluating, planning, and improving services.
• Maintains regular communication with parents and families.
• Plans and conducts transition activities, attend meetings, and carries out emergency and safety procedures.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Working environment: childcare center, office, and client home settings
• Physical abilities required: lifting up to 50 pounds, dexterity for office equipment, walking, standing, sitting, kneeling, reaching, stooping, crouching, and sitting on floor or preschool chairs
• Visual and auditory abilities required: reading, seeing, hearing, speaking for face-to-face, virtual, and telephone communication
• Driving ability required for work off-site as needed
• Tolerance to exposure to communicable diseases and moderate to loud noise levels
• Travel may be required within and out of the county, including overnight travel for conferences, meetings, and other duties
• Ability to maintain concentrated attention to detail for long periods of time
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Qualifications

Education & Work Experience

• Must have a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Must have a minimum of a CDA Infant/Toddler Credential with 12 units of Early Childhood Education (ECE).
• Must have a minimum of 3 months of supervised field experience.

Preferred

• An Associate's Degree (or higher) in Early Childhood Education (ECE) with 12 units of ECE is preferred (not required).
• Alternative degrees can be considered with ECE experience.
• At least (1) year of experience managing 4 or more people in a childcare environment is desired (not required).
• Bilingual (English-Spanish) speaking and writing skills are helpful.

Skills & Abilities

• Must be at least 21 years old, have held a driver's license for at least 3 years, and maintain a valid driver's license throughout employment.
• Clear communication skills (verbal and written) in English are required.
• Must display strong time management skills, attention to detail, and be organized to meet client and program needs.
• Patience, tact, and professionalism are essential when interacting with children, families, staff, and supervisors.
• Must be flexible with schedule to fulfill job functions and program responsibilities.
• Knowledge of child growth and development, appropriate practices, and adherence to Head Start and Early Head Start Performance Standards are mandatory.
• Other requirements include acquiring CPR/First Aid training, Live Scan Fingerprinting, negative TB results, physical, and passing drug/alcohol testing.

Benefits

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Supplementary Benefits
• Employer Paid Life Insurance
• Employer Paid Short-term and Long-term Disability
• PTO with Accrual Starting at Hire
• 401(k) with a match
• COVID Paid Sick Leave
• 10 Paid Holidays
• Hardship Assistance Fund
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Wellness Programs