Center Director

Center Director

The Center Director is responsible for the daily operations, supervision, and administration of a Head Start and Early Head Start center. This position ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. The role includes supervision and professional development of staff, fostering supportive relationships with families, and serving as the site leader and liaison for all center-level activities, communications, and partnerships.

All Generation Ed Employees:
Reliability/Dependability, Problem Solving, Customer Service, Teamwork and Collaboration, Integrity, Effective Communication, Initiative and Growth, Quality and Timeliness of work. Role Specific:
Regulatory Compliance, Quality of Programs, Administration, Center Operations Leadership, Performance Management and Accountability, Team Development, Leadership, Cost Consciousness.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

On-Site Leadership & Operations:
Must be physically present during program hours to support children, families, staff, and visitors. Ensure daily staffing coverage and compliance with staff-child ratio requirements. Oversee classroom operations, including implementation of developmentally appropriate curriculum and assessment. Conduct monthly classroom observations (one video and one in-person) to monitor quality, interactions, routines, and supervision. Participate in CLASS observations and quality monitoring. Monitor and maintain facilities, equipment, and safety standards;

submit and follow up on maintenance work orders within required time frames. Ensure center passes licensing, sanitation, and compliance inspections.

Staff Supervision & Professional Development:
Supervise, evaluate, and support all paid and volunteer staff at the center. Conduct and update staff Professional Development Plans. Provide quarterly reflective supervision with all direct reports to support morale, professional growth, and trust. Conduct annual performance evaluations. Monitor and maintain staff time, attendance, and training requirements. Conduct new and returning staff orientation.

Compliance & Communication:
Ensure compliance with Head Start, NC DCDEE, NAEYC, and NCPK program standards, as well as all licensing requirements. Maintain confidentiality of child, family, staff, and agency records. Maintain accurate, timely reporting and data entry into designated systems. Upload licensing and regulatory visit summaries into Child Plus. Conduct regular staff meetings and impromptu check-ins as needed. Check and respond to voicemails and emails daily using professional communication standards.

Immediately report all incidents involving children, staff, or families, including those requiring medical attention.

Safety & Emergency Preparedness:
Ensure active supervision of children indoors and outdoors at all times. Conduct classroom and playground sweeps daily during transition, and complete all necessary paperwork associated with transition procedures. Conduct and document monthly and quarterly safety drills (fire, tornado, lockdown, shelter-in-place). Ensure all child and staff files are accurate, current, and compliant with state and Head Start regulations. Enforce health, safety, and emergency preparedness practices at all times.

Immediately report suspected child abuse or neglect in accordance with agency procedures.

Family & Community Engagement:
Collaborate with Family Advocates to plan parent committee meetings, special family events, and policy council elections. Conduct parent orientation for new enrollees. Support attendance initiatives and develop improvement plans for children with chronic absenteeism. Ensure collection of monthly in-kind contributions. Build partnerships with community agencies and resources to support center goals and family needs. Recruitment, Enrollment, and Attendance (ERSEA):
Support recruitment and intake processes for new families. Ensure timely enrollment, orientation, and attendance monitoring. Partner with ERSEA Manager and Family Advocates to achieve and maintain funded enrollment.

Essential

Qualifications:

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field (Master's degree preferred). Level 3 administration credential. 3 years' experience (preferred) in early childhood program administration or leadership, preferably in Head Start/Early Head Start. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards, NC DCDEE licensing, and NAEYC…