Education Coordinator

ECE Center Coordinator (Assistant Director)

Position Type: Full-Time | Exempt
Reports To: Director of Early Childhood Education
Location: St. Louis, Missouri

Established in 1859, Guardian Angel Settlement Association (GASA) exists to serve under-resourced neighbors throughout the St. Louis community by helping individuals and families improve their quality of life and achieve economic independence.

Guardian Angel provides a broad range of holistic services, including:

• Early Head Start and Head Start early childhood education
• Housing stability support
• Senior services
• Self-sufficiency workshops
• Clothing closet
• Community resource navigation and partnerships

Each year, these programs provide stability, opportunity, and hope to more than 4,000 underserved community members.

Under the direction of the Director of Early Childhood Education, the ECE Center Coordinator (Assistant Director) provides leadership, oversight, and operational management for the Early Childhood Education program. This position is responsible for supporting overall center operations, ensuring high-quality educational programming, supervising staff, maintaining regulatory compliance, and promoting a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for children and families.

The ECE Center Coordinator (Assistant Director) serves as a key member of the leadership team and assists with day-to-day program administration, staff supervision, family engagement, curriculum oversight, and continuous quality improvement initiatives. This role requires strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills, as well as the ability to effectively manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.

This is a full-time exempt leadership position with flexible scheduling based on program needs, including occasional evenings and weekends.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or closely related field required (Master’s Degree preferred)
• Education must meet State licensing requirements, accreditation standards, and Head Start Performance Standards
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in early childhood education
• Minimum of two (2) years of supervisory or management experience, preferably in a childcare or Head Start setting
• Strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations, families, staff, and community partners
• Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards preferred or willingness to obtain knowledge
• Proficiency with data systems, assessments, and Microsoft Office applications
• Reliable transportation required for travel between St. Louis City program sites
• Valid driver’s license and proof of automobile insurance required

• Assist the Director of Early Childhood Education with daily center operations and program administration
• Supervise, support, coach, and evaluate teaching staff and support personnel
• Participate in staff recruitment, interviewing, onboarding, scheduling, and retention efforts
• Assist with maintaining appropriate staffing ratios and classroom coverage
• Promote a positive, collaborative, and professional work culture
• Support conflict resolution and effective communication among staff and families
• Ensure compliance with State licensing regulations, accreditation standards, Head Start Performance Standards, and agency policies
• Monitor classrooms and program operations to ensure health, safety, and quality standards are consistently maintained
• Immediately identify, report, and assist in correcting areas of noncompliance
• Maintain accurate records, reports, and documentation required by regulatory agencies and funding sources
• Assist in emergency preparedness planning and implementation
• Support agency outreach activities, enrollment efforts, fundraising events, and community engagement initiatives

• Serve as an instructional leader and resource in child development and developmentally appropriate practices
• Support teachers in implementing curriculum, lesson planning, classroom…