Head Start Education and Disability Manager

Head Start Education and Disability Manager

The Head Start Education & Disabilities Manager is primarily responsible for providing leadership, coordination and oversight in the planning and implementation of a comprehensive child development program that meets all Head Start Program Performance Standards and program requirements. This position promotes the use of developmentally appropriate practices, child development principles, and effective adult learning strategies while recognizing and supporting parents and families as the primary educators of their children.

The Education & Disabilities Manager works collaboratively with Head Start staff, families, community partners and local education agencies to implement curriculum, teaching strategies, and inclusive practices that support school readiness, individualized learning and the cultural and language heritage of enrolled children and families.

Strong staff and child relationship skills are required. Must be able to work effectively with a variety or personalities and individuals in a professional manner. This position requires the ability to interact with parents, children, families and tribal employees with tact, courtesy, respect, objectivity, professionalism and maturity.

Disabilities Services

• Collaborates with teaching staff to monitor and support developmental screenings, assessments and individualized learning needs of children.
• In coordination with the Health Services Coordinator, facilities referrals for children with suspected or identified special needs to Nooksack Tribal Health, SEAS, local school districts and other community agencies for additional screening, evaluation and support services.
• Ensures Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) and Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals are incorporated into individualized lessons plans and classroom activities to support each child's developmental progress.
• Establishes and maintains collaborative relationships with community partners, service providers, and professional agencies to ensure coordinated and timely delivery of services for children and families.
• Monitors and maintains appropriate records for each child. with emphasis on developmental progress, participation in educational activities, and progress toward individualized goals identified by staff and families.
• Maintains accurate, organized, and confidential documentation of assessments, screenings, referrals, meetings, family interactions, and service coordination activities in accordance with program policies and confidentiality requirements.

Staff Development Training:

• Completes and submits the Program Information Report (Pl R). required reports, and other documentation to the Head Start Director in accordance with program timelines and reporting requirements.
• Provides direct supervision, coaching, mentoring and performance feedback to Lead Teachers and education staff to support quality classroom instruction, professional growth, and compliance with program standards.

Family Support:

• Develops and implements strategies that support parents and families as the primary educators of their children and encourages meaningful family involvement in program activities, curriculum planning, and decision-making processes.
• Builds and maintains positive, respectful, and collaborative relationships with children, families, staff, and community partners to promote a supportive and team-oriented environment.
• Conducts required family home visits, parent-teacher conferences, and ongoing family communication in accordance with Head Start Program Performance Standards and individual family needs.
• Collaborates with families, teaching staff, and local school district programs to support successful transitions into and out of Head Start services and kindergarten programs.

Administration:

• Oversees the daily administration and coordination of the Education and Disabilities service area in compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards, tribal policies and program procedures.
• Maintains accurate and organized program records, documentation, monitoring files, and confidential child/family information related to education and disability…