SUMMARY:
The Lead Teacher I Center Manager serves as both the instructional leader and operational manager of the Child Development Center. This position is responsible for providing high-quality preschool classroom experience while overseeing daily center operations, staff supervision, regulatory compliance, family engagement, and program implementation in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards (HSPPS), North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education (OCOEE) licensing regulations, CACFP requirements, sanitation standards, and agency policies.
The Lead Teacher/Center Manager promotes school readiness through developmentally appropriate teaching practices, ensures a safe and nurturing learning environment, supports staff development, and builds strong partnerships with families and community stakeholders. This position may be reassigned to various centers as deemed necessary for program operations.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Program Leadership and Administration
- Manage daily center operations and ensure compliance with Head Start, OCOEE, CACFP, sanitation, and agency requirements.
- Supervise and evaluate assigned staff; coordinate staffing, schedules, and classroom coverage.
- Maintain required records, reports, licensing documentation, enrollment data, and compliance files.
- Lead staff meetings and participate in program planning, monitoring, and continuous quality improvement
activities.
- Support recruitment, onboarding, training, and professional development efforts.
- Monitor staff performance, attendance, certifications, required documents, and timecards.
- Ensure that all classroom volunteers and therapists are aware of and follow program guidelines.
- Maintain accurate documentation of volunteer hours and non-federal share (in-kind).
Instructional Leadership and Classroom Management
- Plan and implement developmentally appropriate learning experiences aligned with school readiness goals
and NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development.
- Ensure curriculum implementation with fidelity and use assessment data to individualize instruction.
- Create and maintain a positive, inclusive classroom environment that supports children's cognitive, social emotional, language, and physical development.
- Support accommodation for children with disabilities, special needs, and Dual Language Learners.
- Maintain active supervision, appropriate staff-to-child ratios, and positive behavior support practices.
Child Assessment and School Readiness
- Conduct and monitor developmental screenings, assessments, and ongoing child progress monitoring.
- Utilize Teaching Strategies GOLD and other approved tools to document progress and guide instruction.
- Participate in multidisciplinary meetings, referrals, transition planning, and family support processes.
- Analyze child outcome data and implement strategies to support school readiness goals.
Health, Safety, and Compliance
- Ensure compliance with all health, safety, sanitation, and licensing requirements.
- Conduct routine monitoring of classrooms, playgrounds, and center facilities.
- Ensure completion of daily health checks, emergency drills, required postings, and incident reporting.
- Collaborate with health, nutrition, and family services staff to support children's overall well-being.
- Submit timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual reports.
- Report all child health and safety incidents immediately to the Senior Director and/or Chief Program Officer, Child Development.
- Maintain confidentiality of records.
- Ensure staff are implementing active supervision, documenting the count of children on the appropriate form.
Family and Community Engagement
- Build positive partnerships with families and support family engagement activities.
- Conduct parent conferences and home visits as required.
- Collaborate with Family Advocates and community partners to address family needs and maintain enrollment.
- Promote parent participation in center activities and program governance opportunities.
Professional Conduct and Development
- Model professionalism, ethical conduct, teamwork, and positive communication.
- Perform other duties as assigned to support program operations.
- Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all interactions and situations.
- Report suspected child abuse and neglect in accordance with agency policy and applicable laws.
- Participate in required professional development, training, conferences, and continuing education activities.
- Adhere to the agency's Code of Conduct, Active Supervision Policy and all safety procedures.
- Demonstrate strong written, verbal, organizational, and technology skills.
Qualifications:
Education
Bachelor's degree in early childhood education or related field
Experience
- Minimum three years of experience in a licensed early childhood education setting
- Minimum one year of supervisory or leadership experience
Expected Hours of Work
- Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Flexibility required for occasional extended hours, meetings, or travel.
Knowledge and Skills
- Strong leadership and staff development skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and early learning management software (e.g., ChildPlus, TeachingStrategies)
- Ability to manage stressful situations with professionalism
- Good time management skills, organizational and problem solving skills
Certification/Licenses
- NC Early Childhood Administration Level Ill Certificate
- CPR and First Aid Certification (must maintain current status)
- Completion of DCDEE's required health and safety training modules
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds
- Ability to sit on the floor and engage in play-based learning
- Ability to hear and respond to children in a noisy environment
- Visual acuity to monitor safety and behavior
Additional Expectations:
- Report suspected child abuse or neglect in accordance with mandated reporter laws.
- Maintain professionalism and a growth mindset.
- Support the mission of the Head Start program and agency in promoting equity and opportunity for all
children and families.
Work Environment:
- Classroom, outdoor playground, and occasional off-site field trips or family engagement events
- Exposure to cleaning supplies and bodily fluids (must follow PPE and safety protocols).
Equal Employment Opportunity
Family Services, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals without regard to race,
color, religion, creed, national origin, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected
status under applicable law.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Applicants and employees who are or become disabled must be able to perform the essential duties and
responsibilities of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Family Services, Inc. will provide
reasonable accommodation in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.
Job Responsibilities Disclaimer
The statements above reflect the general duties, responsibilities, and competencies considered necessary to
perform the essential functions of this position and should not be considered a detailed description of all work
requirements. Family Services, Inc. reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities at any time, with or without notice, based on organizational needs.
