Head Start Site Director

Site Director

The Site Director is responsible for overall administration of center based site(s) with multiple classrooms according to the Head Start Performance Standards, Head Start & Early Learning Programs Department of Early Education and Care regulations, MA Department of Education, and National Association for the Education of Young Children criterion (if applicable). The Site Director maintains licensing and accreditation at the site(s).

With support from the Education Manager and program specialists, the Site Director provides reflective supervision, technical assistance and mentoring to the education staff at site(s). The Site Director works collaboratively with the Family Advocate and education team to meet child and family goals, including School Readiness goals and to implement the Brazelton Touchpoints Approach with staff and families. The Site Director ensures the facility of the site(s) complies with health and safety guidelines.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Obtain and maintain CPR and Emergency Pediatric First Aid certification according to EEC regulations.
• Display cultural competence and be sensitive to the needs of families with lower incomes.
• Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of typical and atypical development of children 0-5.
• Demonstrate excellent analytical, oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrate proficiency in computer programs: especially Word, Excel and the Internet.
• Conduct developmental and behavioral screenings within 45 days of each child's enrollment, and ongoing annual behavioral screenings. Record developmental and behavioral screening results in data system and the child's family file.
• In coordination with the Disabilities Specialist and children's families, make special education referrals as needed. Document referrals in the electronic and paper family files.
• Provide monthly observation, support, guidance, and reflective supervision to supervises.
• Support Lead Teachers in supervision of their Teachers and Teacher Assistants, and guidance for substitutes and volunteers. Provide leadership through on-site work within the classrooms, including coordination of coverage for educator breaks, and reasonable release time for administrative and planning time.
• Work with parents, community members and education teams to plan, formulate and implement goals and curriculum for the classrooms, including individualized School Readiness goals for all children. Ensure that Kindergarten and Preschool Transition systems are implemented.
• Collaborate with the Family Advocate to provide integrated education and family services including: systems for effective communication within the team; the writing of child and family updates on data system; and the coordination and planning of parent meetings.
• Oversee identification of building maintenance issues for site(s) through electronic maintenance request system.
• Ensure completion of the Daily and Monthly Safety Checks.
• Demonstrate ability to work independently and effectively in a fast-paced and collaborative environment.
• Attend all appropriate program workshops and meetings.
• Adhere to agency confidentiality policies
• Maintain good in-house relationships with other staff members.

Requirements:

Essential

Qualifications:

• Massachusetts Department of Early Education & Care Director I Certified (14-79 child capacity site) or Director II Certified (80+ child capacity site)
• Minimum of a Baccalaureate Degree in Early Childhood Education or closely related field
• Minimum of two years' experience in appropriate early childhood settings
• At least one year working with children with special needs and/or children experiencing adversity
• At least one year of supervisory experience

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment described below 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. The employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, talk, use a keyboard and climb stairs. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.

Must be able to engage in activities that include bending, floor activities, and lifting young children 6 weeks to 5 years of age. The employee must have the ability to drive a personal vehicle and program vehicles, as needed. The noise level in the classroom is lively. The work environment is primarily an indoor classroom environment, with daily exposure to outdoor weather.

Employment is contingent upon the following: a satisfactory Background Record Check (BRC), required by Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) and its licensed programs, which includes Criminal Offender Record information (CORI), Department of Children and Families (DCF) background check, Sex Offender Registry information (SORI) checks, fingerprint-based national and state criminal history database checks, National Sex Offender Registry…