Early Head Start/Head Start Center Director – Key Responsibilities
- Provide overall leadership and daily management of an Early Head Start/Head Start center serving children ages birth to five and their families.
- Ensure compliance with all Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS), state licensing regulations, agency policies, and health and safety requirements.
- Supervise, coach, and evaluate teaching and support staff to promote high-quality early childhood education and professional growth.
- Foster a positive, respectful, and inclusive learning environment that supports school readiness and child development.
- Monitor classroom quality and implement continuous improvement strategies to enhance program performance.
- Maintain accurate records, documentation, and reports required by federal, state, and agency regulations.
- Partner with families to encourage engagement, strengthen family partnerships, and support children's educational success.
- Collaborate with Health, Disabilities, Family Services, Nutrition, and Mental Health staff to ensure comprehensive services are provided.
- Ensure classrooms meet health, safety, sanitation, and emergency preparedness standards at all times.
- Coordinate enrollment, attendance, and recruitment activities to maintain funded enrollment and maximize attendance.
- Manage center operations, including staffing, scheduling, facility needs, inventory, and program resources.
- Conduct regular classroom observations and provide constructive feedback to improve instructional practices.
- Support implementation of developmentally appropriate curriculum, ongoing child assessment, and individualized learning plans.
- Promote a culture of teamwork, professionalism, accountability, and continuous quality improvement.
- Build positive relationships with community partners, local schools, and service providers.
- Participate in agency meetings, trainings, monitoring reviews, and professional development activities.
- Respond effectively to parent concerns, staff issues, and operational challenges while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.
- Ensure timely reporting of incidents, suspected child abuse or neglect, and licensing or compliance concerns in accordance with agency policy and applicable regulations.
- Assist with preparing for federal monitoring reviews, audits, and licensing inspections.
- Model ethical leadership and uphold the mission and values of the agency.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
- Minimum of three years of supervisory experience in an Early Head Start, Head Start, or licensed early childhood education program.
- Thorough knowledge of Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS), child development principles, and early childhood best practices.
- Strong leadership, communication, conflict resolution, and organizational skills.
- Experience supervising multidisciplinary teams and promoting employee engagement.
- Ability to analyze data to improve child outcomes, attendance, and program performance.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic child data management systems.
- Ability to successfully pass all required criminal background checks and meet state licensing requirements.
- Current CPR and First Aid certification (or ability to obtain upon hire).
- Valid North Carolina driver's license.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $42,478.00 - $45,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Vision insurance
Education:
Ability to Commute:
- Rocky Mount, NC 27804 (Required)
Work Location: In person
