A Preschool or Childcare Director manages and directs programs for very young children. Supervises child care workers and pre-school teachers. Proposes policies, program fees and budgets for approval by a program board or administrative agency or implements policies of a national organization. Meets with parents and staff to discuss the development, learning and behavior of children in the program or center. Orders supplies and monitors maintenance and cleaning at a facility. Ensures that the program or center meets state and federal guidelines.
Leadership That Happens Where It Matters Most The strongest early childhood leaders do more than manage schedules, review documentation, and oversee operations. They build relationships. They notice when a teacher needs encouragement. They step into a classroom, model effective practices, solve problems alongside their team, and help create an environment where both children and educators can thrive. At Human Services, Inc., the Center Manager is not a distant observer. You will be part of the daily rhythm of the center, moving between classrooms, connecting with staff and families, supporting teachers, celebrating progress, and stepping in wherever your leadership is needed most. Your office may be part of the center, but your leadership should be felt in every classroom. While this position includes important administrative and compliance responsibilities, it is not designed to be performed primarily from behind a desk. The Center Manager is expected to be an active member of the classroom teams by regularly observing, coaching, modeling, encouraging, problem-solving, and providing classroom coverage when needed. If you are an energetic leader who enjoys being on the move, supporting others, building relationships, and inspiring a team, this may be the opportunity for you. Did You Know? Head Start Preschool and Early Head Start serve children and families during some of the most critical years of brain development Children in Head Start programs develop stronger social-emotional skills and greater school readiness Head Start supports entire families through education, health services, family engagement, and community connections Early childhood educators and leaders can have a lasting impact on the direction of a child's life Every day in a Head Start center is an opportunity to help a child, strengthen a family, and build a stronger community At Human Services, Inc., you are not simply taking a job, you are becoming part of a mission. About the Opportunity Human Services, Inc. is seeking a compassionate, energetic, and hands-on Center Manager to lead the daily operations of a Head Start Preschool and Early Head Start center. In this role, you will have the opportunity to use your early childhood knowledge, leadership skills, and creativity to help educators grow, strengthen classroom quality, engage families, and create nurturing learning environments for young children. You will lead by being present. Some moments may involve reviewing program data or completing required documentation. Others may involve coaching a teacher, helping a classroom through a challenging transition, welcoming a family, covering a staff break, or stepping into a classroom when additional support is needed. Every part of the role contributes to the same goal: ensuring children, families, and employees feel supported and have the opportunity to succeed. What Your Leadership Will Look Like As the Center Manager, you will have the opportunity to: Build a positive center culture where employees feel supported, valued, and inspired Develop meaningful relationships with children, families, employees, and community partners Spend time in classrooms observing, encouraging, coaching, and working alongside teaching teams Help teachers build confidence and strengthen their classroom practices through feedback, modeling, and professional development Recognize when a classroom or employee needs additional support and step in to help Provide direct classroom coverage when needed for breaks, absences, vacancies, meetings, training, or other staffing needs Participate in classroom routines, activities, transitions, meals, and active supervision Promote positive social-emotional practices, including Conscious Discipline Turn program goals and child-outcome data into meaningful improvements within the classroom Ensure children experience safe, nurturing, consistent, and high-quality care Lead the center through challenges with flexibility, encouragement, and a solutions-focused mindset Celebrate the successes of children and staff while helping the team continue to grow Additional Responsibilities Oversee the daily operations of the Head Start center Coordinate staffing and classroom coverage to maintain required staff-to-child ratios Ensure compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards, state licensing requirements, and agency policies Monitor classroom quality, child outcomes, documentation, and program data Assist with interviewing, hiring, onboarding, training, and developing center staff Support family engagement and maintain positive communication with families Maintain safe environments and ensure active supervision at all times Collaborate with program leadership and community partners Complete required administrative, compliance, and reporting responsibilities This Role May Be a Great Fit for
You If:
You believe the best leaders work alongside their teams You feel energized by interacting with people and being part of the action You enjoy moving throughout your workday rather than remaining at a desk You naturally look for opportunities to encourage, coach, and support others You are comfortable shifting between leadership, classroom support, problem-solving, and administrative responsibilities You can remain calm and flexible when schedules or staffing needs change You want to stay connected to children and classrooms while developing your leadership skills You are willing to step in wherever needed to help your center and team succeed You want your work to have a meaningful and lasting impact on children and families What You Bring Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field, including at least 12 credit hours in Early Childhood Education (required) Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field (preferred) Experience in early childhood education, social services, or a related field Leadership or supervisory experience Strong communication, coaching, organization, and problem-solving skills The ability to build positive relationships with employees, children, families, and community partners A willingness to be an active, visible, and hands-on member of the center and its classroom teams Additional Requirements Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and automobile insurance Ability to travel locally between centers as needed Ability to pass all required background checks and drug screening Ability to obtain and maintain CPR and First Aid certification Ability to perform the essential physical functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, including active classroom participation and lifting up to 50 pounds Schedule Full-time, exempt position Monday through Friday Extended hours may be required based on center and program needs Why You'll Love This Role Make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families Help educators recognize and reach their full potential Remain actively connected to the classrooms and children you support Build a center culture rooted in teamwork, encouragement, and growth Develop your own leadership skills while inspiring others Join a mission-driven organization committed to strengthening communities About Human Services, Inc. Our mission is bridging gaps to stability through coaching, education, and partnerships. We are committed to supporting children, families, and communities through compassionate, high-quality services. As a Center Manager, you will play an important role in bringing that mission to life every day. Apply Today If you are ready to bring your energy, experience, and leadership into the heart of a Head Start center, and you want to inspire others while working alongside them, we would love to hear from you.
Pay:
$50,336.00 - $54,641.60 per year
Benefits:
401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Flexible schedule Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Professional development assistance Tuition reimbursement