Program Director I

Position Summary

The Early Childhood Program Director Program Director is responsible for creating a supportive and accountable environment for children, families, staff, and partners. The position has a key focus on ensuring children and families receive the guidance and support they need to prepare them for success in school and life, maintaining compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards, Article 47 regulations and site-specific funding regulations. Additionally, the Early Childhood Program Director focuses on fostering strong relationships within the community and supporting the overall success of the program. The Early Childhood Program Director reports directly to the VP for Early Childhood and the Assigned Regional Program Director.

Essential Duties

Strategic Oversight

• Understand and promote the organization’s Mission, Vision, and Core Values to ensure alignment with organizational policies and procedures.
• Provide leadership and supervision across all areas of the program to support staff (i.e., Education Director, Family Advocates, Maintenance, and Food Service), children, families, and partners.
• Work with parents on the Center Policy Committee to design and implement high-quality programming that best meets families’ needs and interests.
• Set and communicate the program’s goals to ensure it aligns with the agency’s vision, goals, and strategic direction to ensure alignment with program operations.
• Oversee the development and execution of strategic initiatives and projects to drive program growth and improvement.
• Ensure effective governance practices by collaborating with the Central EC Leadership Team and other key stakeholders.
  
  

Continuous Quality Improvement

• Support the Education Director with promoting high-quality teaching and learning, as well as family supports across the program.
• Maintain program compliance with the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Article 47, the Head Start Performance Standards, and all site-specific funding regulations.
• Implement regular program evaluations and assessments to identify areas for improvement and ensure adherence to quality standards.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging feedback from staff, families, and stakeholders.
• Develop and implement improvement plans based on evaluation findings to enhance program effectiveness and outcomes.
  
  

Program Design and Management

• Maintain the fiscal health of the program, including overseeing the ERSEA system and managing the site’s budget.
• Provide administrative oversight and ongoing monitoring using COPA and TSG web-based systems to maintain standards and improve outcomes.
• Support staff with adhering to the Early Childhood program Policies and Procedures to ensure efficient operations and compliance with all regulations.
• Coordinate with the Central EC Leadership Team to align program design with strategic goals and community needs.
• Oversee resource allocation and procurement to support program activities and ensure optimal use of funds.
  
  

Data Analysis and Reporting

• Provide comprehensive data analysis and reporting using COPA and TSG web-based systems to maintain standards and enhance program outcomes through informed decision-making.
• Analyze program data to identify trends, strengths, and areas for improvement, and develop action plans based on findings.
• Prepare and present regular reports on program performance, outcomes, and compliance to stakeholders, including the Central EC Leadership Team and funding agencies.
• Utilize data to track progress towards goals and objectives, ensuring alignment with organizational standards and regulatory requirements.
  
  

Communication and Partnerships

• Share highlights of families, children, staff, and community partners to celebrate successes and foster a sense of community.
• Educate and engage our online social media community by collaborating with the EC Instagram committee to share program updates and highlights.
• Develop and maintain effective communication channels with staff, families, and community partners to ensure transparency and collaboration.
• Represent the program at external meetings, conferences, and events to build partnerships and promote the program's mission and achievements.
  
  

Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate with parents on the Center Policy Committee to design and deliver high-quality programming that aligns with families’ needs and interests.
• Engage families in program activities and decision-making processes to ensure their voices are heard and valued.
• In collaboration with the Central Team, foster strong relationships with community partners, local organizations, and other stakeholders to support program goals and initiatives.
• Organize and participate in community events and meetings to promote the program and build a network of support.
• Recruit new families for our program through tabling, advertising in the school community, and hosting recruitment events
  
  

Training and Capacity Building

• Commitment to professional development for themselves and their staff.
• Facilitate regular training sessions and workshops for staff to ensure the implementation of best practices in early childhood education.
• Mentor and coach staff to develop their skills and competencies in working with young children and families.
• Develop and implement individualized professional development plans for staff based on performance evaluations and identified needs.
• Encourage and support staff in pursuing additional certifications and higher education opportunities related to early childhood education.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree required, Master’s preferred. Degree(s) should be in Early Childhood Education, Social Work or a related field such as Sociology or Psychology
• A minimum of three years of experience with supervision, management or coaching
• A minimum of two years of experience working with infants, toddlers, preschoolers and or children with Special Needs (Birth to Second Grade preferred)
  
  

Key Competencies

• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred
• Strong administrative skills are required
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent computer skills, particularly in COPA and Teaching Strategies Gold data management systems and Excel.
• Strong analytic skills
• Excellent organizational and time management skills (ability to meet deadlines)
• Commitment to professional development for themselves and their staff
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Must abide by privacy laws, including HIPAA, etc.
  
  

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

It is the policy of Children's Aid to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment and not to discriminate on any basis, including race, creed, color, national origin, ethnicity, alienage or citizenship status, gender/sex (including pregnancy), disability, religion, source of income, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, familial status, caregiver status, military status, marital or partnership status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual violence or stalking, predisposing genetic characteristics, arrest or conviction record, credit history, unemployment status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

Children’s Aid will conduct a prompt and thorough investigation of all allegations of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation, or any violation of the Equal Employment Opportunity Policy in a confidential manner and will take appropriate corrective action, if and where warranted. Children’s Aid prohibits retaliation against employees who provide information about, complain about, or assist in the investigation of any complaint of discrimination or violation of the Equal Employment Opportunity Policy.

The incumbent is expected to work a schedule, whether in-person or hybrid, as determined by the department's needs to facilitate effective collaboration with the team. This flexibility is essential for maintaining seamless communication, fostering teamwork, and ensuring the smooth operation of the department's processes. The position's requirements are subject to periodic review and adjustment based on organizational needs and changes in work dynamics.