Head Start Program Director Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary

Under the direction and guidance of the Program Manager of Child Services, the Education Supervisor is responsible for supervision and oversight of the day-to-day operations of Head Start centers. The Education Supervisor communicates with families and community representatives; supervises, monitors and trains all center staff; monitors compliance in all aspects of Head Start Performance Standards, State of Michigan Standards of Quality, and Child Care Licensing Regulations. The Education Supervisor will serve as the program administrator on the child care license of the center they are assigned to.

The Education Supervisor I supervises up to 6 classrooms, Education Supervisor II supervises more than 6 classrooms.

Depending on the assigned work location, this position may work between 44 and 52 weeks per year. The position is full time during all scheduled working periods.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development or related field.

Knowledge and experience in developmentally appropriate practice, interactions and early childhood environments.

Must have or complete a minimum of two (2) semester hours or 3 CEUs in childcare administration within six (6) months of hire in accordance with the Michigan Licensing Rules for Child Care Centers

Must have or complete within one (1) year of hire; Intro to Creative Curriculum; Pyramid Model Training

Two to five years of related and progressively more responsible experience in classroom teaching. Supervisory experience in the area of Early Childhood is preferred.

Must have strong supervisory, leadership and communication skills; experience in conflict resolution.

*Requirements are based on the Head Start Program Performance Standards and the Michigan Licensing Rules for Child Care Centers and are subject to change

Position Duties/Responsibilities

Manage day-to-day operations of assigned center(s), ensuring smooth workflow and alignment with agency goals

Establish and maintain a positive, healthy, and safe work and learning environment

Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, including Head Start Performance Standards and Michigan Child Care Licensing requirements

Monitor implementation of education services, school readiness goals, and the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework (ELOF)

Participate in program planning, goal setting, and continuous quality improvement efforts

Represent the program positively within the community, coordinate efforts with community and Head Start classrooms (field trips, foster grandparent program, intern/practicum students, substitutes[subhub], volunteers)

Provide direct supervision to Teachers, Assistant Teachers, Classroom Assistants, Clerical Staff, Building Aides as assigned

Conduct interviews for the education department with coordination from the Program Manager of Child Services and HR Generalist

Implement and support a structured 90-day onboarding plan for new classroom staff in collaboration with HR Generalist and PD Manager

Complete annual staff evaluations and 90-day staff evaluations within required timelines

Ensure staff compliance with internal policies and procedures. Work closely with the program manager, head start program director, HR generalist, and HR director to prepare and issue corrective action plans and separations of employment when appropriate.

Provide classroom observations, monitoring of curriculum implementation, and active supervision. Create support plans and follow up as needed

Participate in personal and professional development activities, including staff meetings, conferences, and training opportunities as identified and approved by the Program Manager to stay up to date on best practices.

Ensure effective and timely communication between staff and management

Maintain and monitor all required documentation, including staff files and licensing requirements, child records, training calendars and attendance, time sheets and sign-in sheets, in-kind documentation, inventory and supply records

Monitor facility conditions and submit work orders for repairs and maintenance

Ensure compliance with all health and safety regulations including monitoring active supervision practices and classroom safety, implementing and documenting emergency preparedness procedures and drills, documenting all incidents (child, staff, or facility-related) and reporting as required, and monitoring and addressing support plans related to health, safety, and active supervision

Build and maintain responsive, respectful relationships with children and families

Work closely with transportation department to ensure proper staffing of bus monitors, family communication, field trips, late pick-ups/drops offs, bus scheduling, classroom coverage when appropriate, food preparation and pick up as assigned.

Coordinate with health and nutrition department for child health care plans, follow up on nutrition monitoring support plans, health supply orders, child allergies, nutrition experiences, CACFP compliance, and communicable disease reporting and follow up.

Support and participate in family engagement activities (e.g., Family Fun Nights, Parent Committees)

Collaborate with PFCE and ERSEA staff to support enrollment, transitions, and family needs

Coordinate with Disabilities Services Coordinators (DSC), Mental Health Specialists (MHS), and Local ISDs and community agencies including support referrals, evaluations, and service coordination for children and families, participate in integrated service meetings and case staffing, coordinate mental health consultations and classroom observations as needed, support implementation of Pyramid Model and Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS)

Maintain inventory, monitor center budgets, expenditures, and financial records including ensuring timely processing of accounts payable and receivable

Ensure adequate staffing for daily operations and special events, adjust schedules and coordinate substitutes as needed

Schedule, facilitate, and document team meetings and child-focused meetings

Provide regular updates and reports to the Program Manager

Maintain required certifications and professional credentials

Frequent travel between multiple sites may be required

Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

Commitment to teamwork, continuous improvement, and high-quality early childhood education

Duties/Responsibilities of all Head Start Staff

Follow all Head Start Performance Standards, Michigan Child Care Licensing Regulations, and all other federal, state, and local regulations.

Adhere to CACS Personnel Policies and Procedures and Mission Statement.

Communicate clearly and accurately when writing and speaking. Maintain professional confidentiality.

Share information with the administrative team, supervisor, and/or support staff regarding areas of success and/or concern.

Participate in meetings to provide input regarding special and to assist in developing plans to meet those needs.

Attend all required meetings, conferences, training, etc.

Participate in Program Quality Assurance and Self-Assessment efforts.

Work openly and cooperatively in a team effort approach. Work at any site with any staff. Contribute ideas and efforts towards common goals. Help build and maintain a positive attitude, trust, and team spirit.

Personal appearance must be neat and appropriate.

Physical Requirements

Properly stoop, bend, lift, climb stairs, and expend moderate physical exertion.

Always interact with children in an appropriate and safe manner.

Follow universal safety precautions.