SUMMARY OF PRIMARY FUNCTION
The Center Manager leads, manages, and coordinates the development of program options for the local service area, which may include Region V, XII, and Early Head Start programs as well as Childcare/Early Childhood collaborations, to assure quality services for children and families which comply with Head Start Performance Standards, state regulations and Tri-Valley policies. The Center Manager assures integrated services from all local teams and/or agencies as well as support services. The Center Manager is Tri-Valley’s legal representative for all center activities and services, which are funded through the corporation. The Center Manager ensures that all center staff are adequately supervised. The Center Manager helps recruit potential parents by providing information about the various program services and benefits offered to enrolled children and families.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Leadership
1. Provides vision for the center, which includes meeting family needs and exceeding performance standards and other regulations, while providing an optimal work environment.
2. Coordinates planning and evaluation to facilitate progress toward the vision.
3. Develops problem-solving strategies for the operation and improvement of center programs.
4. Develops and approves local policies/procedures when needed and which do not conflict with program or Tri-Valley policies/procedures.
5. Represents the Head Start center in the community and with other agencies.
6. Supports local parent ownership, particularly through consultation with the center parent committee.
7. Ensures that a comprehensive assessment is completed yearly.
8. Incorporates results of community assessment into center planning.
9. Develops dual/multi-program plan for transitions regarding program operations, i.e.: Region V, XII, and Early Head Start.
10. Reports program concerns and areas of weakness to supervisor. Proposes potential remedies and collaborates with supervisor to resolve them.
Community Assessment and Relations
1. Ensures that up-to-date community assessments are maintained for the overall region and local communities of eligible clients. This includes determining and documenting the characteristics, needs, and resources of communities when and where services are not currently offered and assisting existing service locations in doing the same.
2. Interviews potential clients to determine eligibility and/or obtain information that will assist in planning services to meet their needs.
3. Initiates and maintains contacts with community employers, organizations, and groups to promote understanding of the Head Start program, which includes obtaining information that will assist in planning services and advocating for clients in order to meet their needs.
4. Develops and documents partnerships with service agencies and other Head Start grantees to enhance services during and after the operation of local service locations.
5. Cooperates with local communities to improve program design at existing locations and establishes new locations and service models that best meet the needs of eligible populations.
6. Works with the Program Design Manager and Area Manager to develop program options to meet parent/community needs.
Fiscal
1. Develops center budgets with the involvement of parents, center staff, and administrative staff.
2. Manages center fund systems effectively, utilizing the budget as a management tool.
3. Oversees purchasing and procurement for the Center and assures an accurate, current and secure center inventory.
4. Assures that fiscal procedures follow Tri-Valley guidelines and that forms/reports are completed and submitted in an accurate and timely manner.
Personnel
1. Assures systems for recruitment, hiring and retention of all center personnel, which plan for staff and parent involvement.
2. Assures that performance appraisals are completed on each staff member with input from other appropriate sources.
3. Designates lead staff members with general responsibility for disabilities, parent involvement, transportation, and other areas as needed, specifying expectations and outcomes.
4. Coordinates job assignments, orientation, and ongoing training for center personnel needs.
5. Coordinates work schedules (breaks, lunch, planning) and staffing needs.
6. Coordinates the classroom staffing patterns, planning, and break schedules with the assistance of the Curriculum Coordinator and the Education Services Specialist.
7. Promotes positive staff relations and mediates conflicts.
8. Assures that personnel paperwork is completed in an accurate and timely manner.
9. Assures all required training is completed and verified.
Operations
1. Assures that facilities for program operation and storage meet the program’s needs.
2. Assists with food service program so children’s needs and program regulations are met.
3. Assures that transportation services staff (Region XII) guaranteed child safety and meet program regulations.
4. Arranges for custodial services which meet child and program needs.
5. Assures that suspected child abuse/neglect reports are confidential and comply with legal and agency procedures.
6. Assists the Disability Services Specialist and local agencies to assure referrals and follow-through for unmet needs identified.
7. Assures the effective transition for children and families coming into and leaving the Head Start program.
8. Ensures requested reports, files, and other documentation is provided as requested.
Safety
1. Have or obtain within 90 days of hire a First Aid and CPR Certification as well as maintain the certification during employment.
Communication/Training
1. Assures day-to-day communication and cooperation among all personnel.
2. Directs and plans for integrated services by involving all staff in maintaining up-to-date knowledge about service delivery.
3. Develops procedures for assuring program and family communication, which include Staffing and Coordinated Approach Meetings.
4. Coordinates integrated activities and services such as registration, parent meetings, food service, transportation, etc.
5. Coordinates center communication to ensure that parents are informed and involved in program policies and activities.
6. Coordinates with partner programs such as Title 1 Migrant Education and other agencies.
7. Assures the program maintains files and records on provided services as directed.
8. Ensures the coordination of families and children needing special services due to special needs.
9. Determines, conducts and/or coordinates training and technical assistance for staff and parents.
10. Ensures training materials are readily available to staff as needed.
11. Maintains current staff training records.
12. Coordinates effective communication with any non-Head Start programs/personnel sharing the facility.
13. Assist teaching staff in finding solutions when problems arise by defining the problem and selecting strategies for remedying the situation.
Resource Development
1. Identifies and utilizes appropriate resources to enhance the quality of program service for families.
2. Develops knowledge regarding the communities served by the program.
Monitoring and Evaluation
1. Observes, monitors, reviews, and documents center compliance with State, Federal, and program requirements and progress towards program goals including classroom environment, curriculum, safety, education, disability services, health, and education issues.
2. Identifies short-term and long-term staff training needs, including recommendations for professional development to improve qualifications and job performance.
3. Ensures and monitors that up-to-date and accurate inventories are maintained.
4. Assures classroom child education files and records are accurate and up to date in Child Plus.
5. Provides training and technical assistance through regular visits to classrooms to assure compliance with federal, state, and program requirements/goals and responds to the needs of each child and his/her family in a timely, respectful and supportive manner.
6. Assures that classroom staff recognizes the primary role of the parent/guardian and involves parents/guardians and families in services provided for their children.
7. Monitors the effective implementation of curriculum and assessment with fidelity, as well as classroom management and teacher/child interactions aligned with CLASS and Head Start Program Performance Standards.
Supervision and Leadership
1. Ensures quality services are provided by their staff; provides comprehensive training on duties, responsibilities, and expectations of each position; offering continued support, guidance, and resources as needed to be successful.
2. Monitors staff performance, providing positive and negative feedback in a timely manner. Conducts annual performance appraisals, supports staff in defining and meeting goals and professional development needs.
3. Addresses performance concerns promptly, holding staff accountable for their actions. Offers constructive feedback, clear expectations, and necessary support to promote a positive outcome. Seeks assistance from management and the Human Resources Director as needed to ensure staff are given sufficient support in meeting the expectations of their position.
4. Communicates and enforces the expectation of a professional and positive work environment, treating everyone with respect.
5. Leads by example, energizes and encourages staff to commit to excellence; empowering them to succeed, and making each day a positive experience for themselves and others.
6. Provides solid, unified, encouraging leadership for staff in times of challenge or change; displaying support and confidence, adapting priorities and focus as needed.
7. Effectively plans short and long-term goals for success, both personally, and for the workgroup.
8. Effectively manages multiple projects, commitments, and the work produced by staff; ensuring deadlines are met and the quality of work meets expectations.
9. Ensures a safe, uplifting, and productive work environment is provided to staff.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
1. Associate degree or 2 years equivalent experience in early childhood education, public or community health, social work, management, or another field directly related to the responsibilities of the position.
2. One-year experience supervising two or more staff.
3. One-year experience working in a leadership or management position.
4. Excellent communication skills, verbal and written.
5. Comfortable working with computers, willing and able to learn program-specific systems as needed for the position.
6. Proof of valid driver’s license and current/adequate vehicle insurance coverage
Tri-Valley is a non-profit community action agency. We believe in the value of all human beings. It is that belief that drives our efforts to identify needs, seek resources and provide opportunities for people to thrive.
Our work is committed to strengthening our communities so that its citizens have better places to live, work, worship and enjoy.
The mission of Tri-Valley Opportunity Council, Inc. is to provide opportunities to improve the quality of life for people and communities.
If you are an applicant with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact Human Resources at 218-281-0536 or
[email protected].
Application Deadline: 1-week Until 8/7/2026 INTERNAL ONLY
Employee Type: Reg. 12-Month
Hours per Week: 40
Shift Schedule: M-F 7:30am-4:00pm
Service Area Coverage: Crookston, MN
Benefits: 401K/Roth, PTO Accrual, Paid Holidays, ESST, and Employer Paid Life/LTD, Optional benefits such as Health, Dental, Vision, HSA, FSA, Aflac/Colonial Life and Short-Term Disability
If any questions about the position, please contact: Carla Juntunen,
[email protected]