Division Director of Early Education and Care

Job Summary

The Division Director of Early Education and Care provides strategic leadership, oversight, and administrative management for all early education programs within the organization. This role ensures compliance with state and federal regulations, drives program quality, and fosters environments that promote school readiness, family engagement, and child well‑being. The director interprets and implements Head Start Performance Standards, DEEC regulations, funding source requirements, and policies.

In partnership with the management team, the director drives program excellence across all early learning initiatives.

• Provide strategic direction, oversight, and leadership for all Early Learning Programs, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and long‑term growth.
• Lead division wide planning, budgeting, and resource allocation to ensure high‑quality service delivery.
• Develop and implement innovative strategies that promote school readiness, child development, and family engagement. Develop, implement, and ensure compliance with policies, procedures, and regulations aligned with federal and state laws.
• Lead program planning in collaboration with staff, Policy Council, and Board.
• Ensure mandatory reporting of child abuse and neglect in accordance with legal requirements.
• Maintain regular and effective communication with the Board and Policy Council.
• Build and maintain partnerships with community organizations.
• Represent the program in external meetings, coalitions, and community forums.
• Maintain membership and participation with the Mass Head Start Association.

• Oversee program budgets, grants, contracts, and financial compliance, ensuring responsible stewardship of resources.
• Support the development of policies, procedures, and systems that improve efficiency and accountability.
• Ensure effective communication across the division and with organizational leadership.

• Oversee the design, implementation, and evaluation of early education programs, ensuring they meet or exceed quality standards.
• Monitor program performance using data‑driven systems, continuous quality improvement practices, and evidence‑based models.
• Ensure environments support children’s cognitive, social‑emotional, and physical development.
• Oversee a management system that ensures Quality Mentoring;
  Teaching and Learning practices which support professional development for achieving positive teacher outcomes.
• Conduct Community Needs Assessments to inform program design and services.
• Guide strategic planning efforts and ongoing program evaluation.
• Build and maintain partnerships with community organizations.

• Ensure full compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including licensing, health and safety standards, and applicable early education policies.
• Oversee internal audits, monitoring visits, and corrective action plans to address findings and mitigate risk.
• Maintain detailed documentation and reporting for all regulatory and funding entities.

• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate program managers, coordinators, and other key staff within the division.
• Lead workforce planning, recruitment, and professional development initiatives and plans to maintain a highly skilled early childhood team.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and inclusive workplace culture.
• Provides oversight for the Child Development Coaches, including design, implementation, and training.
• Lead and supervise staff within the Early Learning Division to ensure high‑quality education and comprehensive services for children and families.
• Ensure open communication with parents and families, promoting empowerment by connecting them with resources that address their needs and concerns.

• Attend and participate in trainings, conferences, and other professional development activities.
• Remain current on Head Start policies, procedures, and evidence‑based best practices to support program excellence.