Education Manager

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Education Manager is an integral part of the Early Care and Education Management Team. Under the supervision of the Early Care and Director, and in accordance with related Head Start Performance Standards and other regulatory agencies, the Education Manager is responsible for supporting all activities related to preschool classroom services.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development or related field - Master’s Degree preferred.
• Minimum three years’ experience as a Lead Teacher in a child-centered preschool classroom.
• Minimum two years’ administrative experience and/or three years’ supervising teaching staff.
• 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.
• Demonstrate ability to build supportive relationships.
• Experience working in the field of early childhood education with a working knowledge of child care licensing and Head Start Performance Standards preferred.
• Must be CLASS reliable within six months of employment.
• 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.
• Collaborate with the Site Supervisors to ensure the smooth running of centers and classrooms
• Support and monitor the implementation of all curricula and related child development services in center-based Head Start and Child Care options and ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards and Child Care Licensing regulations and alignment with the Early Learning Outcomes Framework (ELOF)
• Oversee preschool classrooms which include directly supervising teachers. Supervision may include monthly observation, reflective supervision, and review of lesson plans, child assessment data, etc. The Education Manager will maintain supervision documentation.
• Prepare annual evaluation of Lead Teacher and collaborate to develop a professional development plan. The Education Manager and the teacher will revisit the professional development plan periodically throughout the year during supervision.
• Oversee timely completion and quality of work presented in documents, paperwork and reports including lesson plans, screenings, individual child education plans and ongoing assessments.
• Ensure high-quality, accurate data is entered into TSG and Child Plus.
• Collect and analyze data to ensure continuous quality improvement.
• Monitor compliance with home-visiting and parent teacher conferencing requirements.
• Work with families to initiate the referral process for children with concerns for developmental delays. Make appropriate referrals for special education services to LEAs, ensure mandated timelines are met, support families to advocate for their child’s needs, attend meetings when possible, ensure the identified goals and objectives are carried over into the classroom.
• Conduct ongoing monitoring and evaluation of program services including reports on child assessment data and CLASS observations.  Review and analyze child outcome data for use in program planning, progress towards School Readiness goals, teacher conferencing and reporting to the Policy Council and Governing Board.
• Ensure full integration and implementation to fidelity of Creative Curriculum and Teaching Strategies Gold Assessment System.
• Coordinate and assist centers in purchasing and procuring classroom equipment and supplies.
• Participate in the 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 LEAs to ensure that the Program's School Readiness Goals align with receiving schools' expectations for children entering kindergarten; that enrolled children transition successfully into kindergarten; and that the program is provided feedback on past children's performance in kindergarten.
• Participate in the annual program self-assessment process.
• Schedule and implement facilitated discussion groups with the education staff on pertinent topics.
• Implement annual parent classroom substitute training program in collaboration with the Family & Community Engagement Manager.
• Participate in regular planning meetings with the Early Care and Education Director and Management Team.
• Maintain a library of 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.
• Identify the training needs of the education staff and develop / implement an annual education training calendar.
• Assist in completing funding applications that support improved classroom related services.
• Participate in the interviewing and selection of education staff.
• Prepare monthly written report for Director.
• Participate in the annual PIR.
• Review and revise forms, program operating plan, policies and procedures and Parent Handbook 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.
• Other duties / special projects as may be assigned.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong commitment to maintaining confidentiality
• 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 strong role model for 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.
• Physical strength/endurance/mobility to perform in a standard daily required work routine (i.e. walking, sitting, lifting, and driving to various sites as required).

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

• Supervises all Lead Teachers

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS

• 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 on a daily basis.
• Supports others in their efforts to be productive, 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.
• Practices honest, respectful and direct communication as well as active listening.