Education Manager

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Education Manager (Birth to 3, Center-based) is an integral part of the Early Care and Education Management Team. Under the supervision of the Early Care and Education Drector and in accordance with related Head Start and Early Head Start Performance Standards and other regulatory agencies, the Education Manager is responsible for overseeing and supporting all educational and curricular activities related to Infant/Toddler Center-Based programming.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development or related field. Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Social Services or related field preferred.
• Minimum five (5) years’ experience as a Lead Teacher in a child-centered classroom or in a program serving young children, i.e. infants / toddlers and/or preschool age children.
• Minimum three (3) years’ administrative experience, specifically in supervising staff and managing complex projects.
• Minimum three (3) years’ training and technical assistance experience; this experience should include the provision of training and technical assistance and mentoring / coaching staff; and experience analyzing and redesigning systems for early education programs to support continuous quality improvement.
• Significant background in the use of data collection systems that track measurable outcomes.
• Experience working in the field of early childhood education with a working knowledge of childcare licensing and Head Start Performance Standards preferred.
• Must be Pyramid Infant Toddler Observation Scale (TPITOS) reliable within six months of employment.
• Demonstrated relationship building experience.
• Advanced computer literacy including Excel, Word, and Outlook. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES  

• Provide support and guidance to teachers to ensure that they are creating high-quality learning environments where children can learn, grow and thrive.
• Encourage teachers to develop strong relationships with children and their families to provide the context in which children can develop and learn.
• Oversee all Infant/Toddler Education classrooms which include monthly observations, review of classroom documentation, and conferencing.
• Collect and analyze data to continuously improve quality programming.
• Support and monitor the implementation of selected curricula, and all related child development services in Early Head Start programming, that ensures compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, Child Care Licensing regulations and NAEYC standards.
• Conduct and document monthly supervisions, annual evaluations and professional development plans of supervised staff.
• Ensure compliance with classroom parent-teacher conference requirements.
• Ensure full implementation to fidelity of Creative Curriculum, supplemental curricula, and the Pyramid Model Framework, as well as Teaching Strategies Gold Child Assessment System.
• Collaborate with Site Supervisors to ensure the smooth, daily running of centers.
• Conduct ongoing monitoring and evaluation of all Infant/Toddler Center-Based education services.
• Facilitate referrals to Early Supports and services and engage in every aspect of the referral process for children with suspected developmental delays. Track and document the process and ensure teachers are supporting the goals and objectives of children with IFSPs.
• Coordinate and assist centers in purchasing and procuring classroom equipment and supplies.
• Participate in the child selection and enrollment process.
• Represent and support the Head Start Program through collaboration with LEAs and other community agencies and professional organizations.
• Partner and collaborate with the Education Manager( Preschool, Center-based) to ensure the following:
  • The Program's School Readiness Goals align with receiving schools' expectations for children entering kindergarten.
  • Pre-school children transition successfully into kindergarten.
  • Collect and analyze data on past Head Start children's performance in kindergarten.
• Work closely with the Family Services Manager to support staff in using the Whole-Family approach.
• Participate in the selections and enrollment process.
• With support from the Program Nurse, ensure all Early Head Start health and nutrition mandates are met and data is accessible and accurate.
• Network to develop key community partnerships that support and enhance programming.
• Maintain a library of ECE education resources, such as articles, publications and videos for training and circulation purposes. 
• Provide training on child development and related topics to parent and community groups, as requested.
• Work with the Preschool Education Manager to identify the training needs of the educational staff and develop/implement an annual education training calendar; this includes direct presentation of some training.
• Support effective communication within teaching teams and between sites as well as mediate communication when necessary.
• Assist in completing annual HS/EHS grant application and other funding opportunities that support improved early education services.
• Oversee the interviewing and selection of education staff.
• Participate in the annual PIR.
• Participate in the annual program self-assessment.
• Participate in child file reviews, as scheduled.
• Review and revise forms, program operating plan, policies and procedures and Parent Handbook in collaboration with Managers and Supervisors/Coordinators at a minimum annually.
• Attend all meetings and/or conferences as assigned (community, state, regional, and national).
• Work with the management team on various program projects.
• Actively participate in monthly supervision with ECE Director
• Other duties / special projects as may be assigned.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

• Excellent communicator and collaborator
• Excellent organization and time management skills with ability to prioritize and manage workload and deadlines.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Ability to serve as a positive role model to support a strengths-based, growth mindset.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.
• Ability to perform administrative tasks (establishing objectives, organizing, and mobilizing staff to implement plans, planning ability, evaluation skills).
• Ability to collaborate with other social service professionals, agencies, and staff.
• Ability to work flexible hours and travel when necessary.
• Knowledge of and sensitivity to the unique challenges faced by families living in poverty.
• Knowledge of and ability to utilize community resources.
• Reliable source of transportation with 100/300 liability insurance coverage.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

• Be able to communicate effectively with staff, volunteers, and families on a regular basis.
• Good communication skills and ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate instructions.
• Ability to train and provide presentations to large and small groups.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Infant/Toddler Co-Lead Teachers

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS

• Works cooperatively with the Management Team to ensure full integration of programs.
• Respects confidentiality of information about agency staff, personnel issues, and other program operations.
• Strong commitment to maintaining confidentiality.
• Plan, assign, coordinate, organize and prioritize work.
• Models direct, positive, honest, and respectful behavior in every aspect of work with children, families, staff, and community members.
• Energetically engages people, issues, and work.
• Applies the highest ethical standards to themselves and others daily.
• Supports others in their efforts to be productive and effective and succeed in work and life.
• Actively participates in teambuilding, which includes sharing ideas and mutual support of team members.
• Consistently uses interpersonal skills that are appropriate for individual styles, personalities, cultures, the nature of the work, and the environment in which the work is being done.
• Practice honest, respectful, and direct communication as well as active listening.