Director of Preschool Instruction

Director of Preschool Instruction Natrona, Converse, Goshen, Platte, Campbell, or Laramie County, Wyoming "This institution is an equal opportunity provider"

Director of Preschool Instruction Job Summary:

This role is responsible for leading and integrating all instructional systems for Head Start classrooms, including education, curriculum, child assessment, disabilities, and mental health supports. This role ensures that all preschool classrooms deliver high-quality, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate learning experiences aligned with Head Start Performance Standards and all other applicable regulatory authorities. This position co-leads program-wide implementation of evidence-based instructional and social-emotional frameworks, including the Pyramid Model, and ensures effective teacher-child interactions through CLASS-informed coaching and monitoring systems. As a member of Wyoming Child and Family's Program Design and Management (PDM) team, this position strengthens the agency's CORE—Compliance, Oversight, Relationships, and Execution. CORE Responsibilities All duties will comply with all rules, regulations, and practices of the agency and its regulating authorities. WCFD standards, DFS licensing, NAEYC guidelines, Wyoming Division of Disabilities regulations, and WCFD policies. All employees will adhere to the mission, vision, values, policies, and procedures of WCFD. Ensures compliance with Head Start Performance Standards related to education, school readiness, disabilities, and mental health Oversees implementation of curriculum, assessment systems, and individualized learning plans (IEPs/IFSP transitions as applicable) Ensures compliance with IDEA and Head Start requirements Oversees mental health consultation and staff support systems Ensures implementation of developmental screening for all enrolled children within required timelines and in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards Ensures systems are in place for timely follow-up, referral, and coordination of services when concerns are identified Ensures screening results are used to inform instruction, referrals, and individualized supports Ensures classrooms meet all requirements and supports teachers in implementing inclusive, responsive classroom practices and services for all children, including those with disabilities Ensures curriculum and instructional systems are implemented with fidelity across all classrooms Maintains documentation and monitoring systems to demonstrate compliance and child outcomes Monitors child outcome data, classroom quality data, and inclusion practices to guide improvement Embeds compliance into systems to ensure proactive, consistent implementation across centers while supporting community-specific needs Identifies and addresses gaps in instructional quality, inclusion, and child outcomes Provides leadership and supervision of all preschool instructional staff and systems This role is responsible for supervising education/coaching staff, mental health staff integrated under instruction, and instructional support specialists Oversees selection, implementation, and monitoring of curriculum Establishes expectations for curriculum implementation, classroom quality, and teaching practices Oversees coaching, professional development, and CLASS monitoring and implementation to meet outlined expectations to improve teacher-child interactions Supports Center Directors/Education Specialists in integrating instructional expectations into overall center operations Co-leads program-wide implementation and continuous improvement of the Pyramid Model to ensure fidelity of Pyramid Model practices across all preschool classrooms to support social-emotional development and positive behavior supports Oversees implementation and consistency of all practices across all centers by promoting a culture of coaching, continuous improvement, and shared accountability by ensuring training is aligned with compliance requirements and operational needs Builds strong partnerships with Center Directors/Education Specialists, teachers, and support staff Ensures staff receive training aligned with classroom expectations Collaborates across PDM to ensure integrated service delivery and full integration of instructional systems with all Head Start service areas Contributes to program-wide planning, design, monitoring, reporting, and continuous improvement efforts Represents the program in positive community partnerships and professional collaborations as appropriate by building and maintains partnerships with local school districts and community early childhood programs to support successful child and family transitions Assists in hiring and supervision of education staff Participates in child and family outreach and recruitment efforts Ensure ability to perform job functions safely, with or without reasonable accommodations Perform additional tasks assigned by the Board or its designee.

Required Skills/Abilities:

Strong knowledge of Head Start education and coaching requirements Deep knowledge of early childhood education and development (ages 3-5) Strong understanding of Head Start Performance Standards Experience with inclusive practices, disabilities services, and mental health integration Coaching, supervision, and leadership experience Ability to translate regulatory requirements into operational systems Experience with supervision and system-level leadership Data analysis, decision making, and problem-solving skills Strong communication and relationship-building skills Ability to work across disciplines and support integrated services Demonstrated ability to lead at a component level across multiple program areas Strong supervisory and leadership skills, including experience with supervision Effective communication skills with diverse stakeholders Reliable,anized, and detail oriented Must be able to work with families and children birth through age 5. Must be able to work in a flexible daily routine and change as required. Must possess proper stress management techniques.

Education and Experience:

Education (required): Bachelor's degree required in Early Childhood Education or related filed with coursework equivalent to a major in Early Childhood Education. Education (preferred): Preferred Master's degree in Early Childhood Education, Curriculum & Instruction, or related field Experience (required): Minimum 5 years of experience in preschool education, curriculum implementation, and classroom-based instruction. Experience (preferred): 1-3 years of supervisory or program management experience including program operations, compliance, and systems improvement in education Experience (preferred): Experience with child outcomes data, coaching systems and CLASS tools WCFD will only accept college degrees from accredited institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Physical Requirements:

Reasonable accommodations can be made for persons with disabilities. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Ability to read technical materials for extended periods of time. Ability to sit, stand, or walk for long periods without fatigue or discomfort. Must be able to travel to various sites, meetings, and training sessions, both in-state and out-of-state. Must be willing to drive safely in a variety of weather conditions. Capable of hearing and processing both in-person and telephone conversations. Must be able to work in a variety of temperatures, including hot and cold weather. Ability to work in air-conditioned buildings and under fluorescent lighting. Must be able to climb stairs, stoop, kneel, crouch and/or reach, to retrieve materials and supplies from ground level to a height of at least 5 ft. Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds. Must be able to assist children in emergency situations and provide first aid when needed. Ability to travel across a multi-county region; work in homes, community settings, and office environments; maintain flexible scheduling to meet availability needs.