Director of Early Childhood Education and Head Start

The Director of Early Childhood Education and Head Start position will begin on July 1, 2026. This is a full year, full-time, exempt position that offers competitive wages and full benefits. Office is located at the DIISD Administration Building in Kingsford, Michigan, and serves Dickinson and Iron Counties. The deadline for initial consideration is Sunday, April 12, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. CDT.

Title:

Director of Early Childhood Education and Head Start Report To:

Superintendent Length of Contract:

Full Time Employment Status:

Non-Union, Exempt Qualifications:

A Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Special Education, Human Services or related field. (Masters Degree preferred) Valid Michigan School Administrator's Certificate or ability to obtain. A minimum of two years of successful experience in administration and coordination of Head Start Performance Standards and/or similar Early Childhood, Health or Social Services. Successful working knowledge and experience in program administration including budget development and management, staff development and evaluation, and working knowledge of all component areas and their corresponding administration requirements. A working knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards, Great Start Readiness Standards of Quality, Michigan Licensing and Michigan Child and Adult Care Food Program. A demonstrated sensitivity to staff, families, children and the community-at-large. Successful collaboration experience with other community agencies and resources. Ability to work effectively with staff, parents and families and the community. Ability to communicate and function with various professional and community groups. Driving may be necessary for this position which would require a valid driver's license.

General Description:

Serves as administrative director of the department with responsibilities for all grant writing, program function and practice. Plans, organizes and operates the Department in accordance with State and Federal Standards and Board of Education Policy and Regulations. Provides leadership and consultation in planning, supervision of staff and program operation. Promotes good public relations by neat appearance of self and proper attitude.

Essential Functions:

Comply with all applicable policies, procedures, rules & regulations. Be responsible for chief administrative responsibilities for all programs within the Department of Early Childhood Education, including functions of the Head Start Director. Responsibility for the oversight and completion of

Head Start:

Grant Applications & required program and financial reports to the Head Start Regional Office. Responsibility for the oversight and completion of all other assignments by the Superintendent including grant applications and required program and financial reports. Supervise and evaluate all staff as assigned by the Superintendent. Coordinate across all components of all programs to comply with the Head Start Performance Standards, the Standard of Quality and parameters of State mandates. Coordination of program services within the Department and between the Department and other Departments of the DIISD. Oversee implementation of the High/Scope, Partners for a Healthy Baby and Parents as Teachers Curricula and ensure developmentally appropriate practice in the classroom, and the parent focused homebased options. Serve as a community liaison for the Department through active participation with outside agencies and community organizations. Provide leadership, direction and actively participate in staff meetings and staff & parent in service and trainings. Develop and implement program budgets and maintain periodic, regular review and evaluation with the DIISD Business Office. Maintain effective lines of communication and management with the DIISD Board of Education and represent the Department at monthly Board of Education meetings. Serve as a resource for and maintain effective lines of communication and management with the Policy Council and represent the Department at monthly Policy Council meetings. Participate in ongoing professional development, both formal and informal, for enhancement of individual abilities, skills and knowledge required for maximum job performance. Maintain and assist in the recruitment of children and serve as ERSEA Coordinator. Ensure that staff work in team partnerships for the benefit of enrolled children and families in accordance with ISD Policy, program standards and practice. Must have regular and reliable attendance.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

Serve as a positive role model for DIISD constituents demonstrating how to be a responsible citizen and productive member of society. Adhere to the DIISD Code of Ethics. Ability to carry out other associated duties as assigned by administration.

Additional Working Conditions:

Occasional exposure to blood, bodily fluid and tissue. With reimbursement, may be required to use personal vehicle to perform job related functions.