Early Head Start/Head Start Center Director - Key Responsibilities Provide overall leadership and daily management of an Early Head Start/Head Start center serving children ages birth to five and their families. Ensure compliance with all Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS), state licensing regulations, agency policies, and health and safety requirements. Supervise, coach, and evaluate teaching and support staff to promote high-quality early childhood education and professional growth. Foster a positive, respectful, and inclusive learning environment that supports school readiness and child development. Monitor classroom quality and implement continuous improvement strategies to enhance program performance. Maintain accurate records, documentation, and reports required by federal, state, and agency regulations. Partner with families to encourage engagement, strengthen family partnerships, and support children's educational success. Collaborate with Health, Disabilities, Family Services, Nutrition, and Mental Health staff to ensure comprehensive services are provided. Ensure classrooms meet health, safety, sanitation, and emergency preparedness standards at all times. Coordinate enrollment, attendance, and recruitment activities to maintain funded enrollment and maximize attendance. Manage center operations, including staffing, scheduling, facility needs, inventory, and program resources. Conduct regular classroom observations and provide constructive feedback to improve instructional practices. Support implementation of developmentally appropriate curriculum, ongoing child assessment, and individualized learning plans. Promote a culture of teamwork, professionalism, accountability, and continuous quality improvement. Build positive relationships with community partners, local schools, and service providers. Participate in agency meetings, trainings, monitoring reviews, and professional development activities. Respond effectively to parent concerns, staff issues, and operational challenges while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism. Ensure timely reporting of incidents, suspected child abuse or neglect, and licensing or compliance concerns in accordance with agency policy and applicable regulations. Assist with preparing for federal monitoring reviews, audits, and licensing inspections. Model ethical leadership and uphold the mission and values of the agency. Preferred Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, or a related field (Master's degree preferred). Minimum of three years of supervisory experience in an Early Head Start, Head Start, or licensed early childhood education program. Thorough knowledge of Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS), child development principles, and early childhood best practices. Strong leadership, communication, conflict resolution, and organizational skills. Experience supervising multidisciplinary teams and promoting employee engagement. Ability to analyze data to improve child outcomes, attendance, and program performance. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic child data management systems. Ability to successfully pass all required criminal background checks and meet state licensing requirements. Current CPR and First Aid certification (or ability to obtain upon hire). Valid North Carolina driver's license.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$40,448.72 - $42,479.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Flexible spending account Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Professional development assistance Vision insurance

Education:

Master's (Preferred) Ability to

Commute:

Rocky Mount, NC 27804 (Required)

Work Location:

In person