Educational Leader

Apply now Job no: 509741
Position type: Full-Time 12-Month
Department: 012102 - Human Sciences
- Early Childhood
Location: Hancock County
Categories: Professional, Head Start Positions
Position Open Date: Sep 8 2025

The position will serve as the educational lead for one center in the Head Start program.

Mississippi State University-Extension is committed to programs that directly impact young children and their families. MSU-Extension has established itself as Mississippi’s premier infrastructural support of high-quality early childhood education.

Anticipated Appointment Date: October 2025.

• Ensure full implementation of all aspects of the MSU-Extension early learning system, policies/procedures and tools, with the goal of supporting all children to achieve School Readiness Goals.
• Onboard, supervise, and support all teaching staff (lead teachers, assistant teachers, and floaters).
• Provide ongoing coaching to teaching staff to support effective practices in CLASS, Teaching Strategies Gold, curriculum, and child assessment.
• Work with families and support services; act as a positive ambassador for the MSU-Extension Early/Head Start program.
• Maintain program confidentiality at all times.
• Serve as education lead for the center, overseeing implementation of all aspects of education services and providing teachers with supervision, training, coaching and monitoring.
• Support the effective implementation of the education content area, including relevant policies and procedures.
• Collaborate with teachers to implement program curriculum that meets MSU-Extension standards in compliance with Head Start standards and best practices.
• Assist the Assistant Director of Education with oversight and approval of weekly lesson plans, including individualization and required elements.
• Ensure teachers integrate goals from Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for children with disabilities, in consultation with the Assistant Director of Education, Local Education Agency/School District, and other support services.
• Work with the Center Operations Coordinator to ensure completion of required child screenings and assessments, including 45 and 90-day requirements for new children and quarterly progress assessments for all children.
• Participate in team meetings, home visits, and community events as needed.
• Provide coaching and support for quality improvement and professional growth through regular observation and feedback.
• Support Family Advocates to implement family services, including Shine On, Families curriculum.
• Engage parents in developing the program’s curriculum and approach to child development and education through regular meetings with Policy Council members and others.
• Model strong, positive relationships with families.
• Collaborate with the Center Operations Coordinator to supervise staff, complete HR activities, and ensure compliance with policies and annual performance evaluations.
• Lead regular team meetings to ensure effective communication and service coordination.
• Ensure families receive a monthly newsletter.
• Participate in Head Start/Early Head Start community activities, including staff trainings and meetings, some evening activities.
• Collaborate with the Center Operations Coordinator to implement MSU-Extension recordkeeping and reporting systems for child and family files, timekeeping, and supplies.
• Review weekly MBI and monthly MBI+ reports and address concerns promptly.
• Review quarterly MBO reports and address concerns promptly.
• Review quarterly and annual child outcomes data and oversee teacher planning to support developmental gains.
• Participate in annual program self-assessment and implement required monitoring systems.
• Serve on the leadership team and participate in annual and quarterly planning to set and monitor program goals.
• Support organizational change efforts and help others manage change effectively.
• Attend parent committees, Policy Council and board meetings as needed.
• Maintain confidentiality and ensure safety and quality in all processes; comply with applicable policies and procedures.
• All other duties as assigned.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Early…