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.
The Director of Child Development provides executive leadership, strategic planning, and administrative oversight for all child development services within the Early Head Start and Head Start programs. The Director is responsible for ensuring the implementation of high-quality educational programming that promotes school readiness, child outcomes, curriculum fidelity, teacher effectiveness, and continuous quality improvement. The Director supervises Child Development Managers, Home-Based Services, Education Coaches, and education staff while ensuring compliance with the Head Start Program Performance Standards, New Jersey Child Care Licensing Regulations, the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework (ELOF), and all applicable federal, state, and local regulations. The Director collaborates with all program departments to ensure integrated services that support the healthy development and school readiness of every child.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Provide executive leadership and oversight for all Child Development services throughout the Early Head Start and Head Start programs. Supervise, coach, and evaluate Child Development Managers and other assigned staff. Ensure the implementation of developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned with the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework (ELOF). Monitor classroom quality through regular observations, coaching, classroom assessments, and data analysis. Ensure fidelity of curriculum implementation across all classrooms and program options. Develop annual School Readiness Goals and monitor child outcome data to evaluate program effectiveness. Analyze child assessment data to identify trends and develop improvement strategies that increase child outcomes. Ensure classroom environments meet Head Start Performance Standards, New Jersey Licensing Regulations, and Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS) expectations. Oversee the implementation of CLASS observations, curriculum fidelity monitoring, coaching plans, and teacher professional development. Collaborate with management to analyze education performance data, monitoring results, and corrective action plans. Develop and implement professional development plans for education staff based on performance data and coaching needs. Collaborate with the Director of Mental Health & Disabilities Services to ensure inclusive educational practices and appropriate classroom supports for children with disabilities and behavioral needs. Collaborate with management to ensure health, nutrition, safety, and wellness services are integrated into classroom programming. Collaborate with the Director of Family Partnership to promote family engagement and school readiness activities. Oversee the Home-Based Program and ensure compliance with all Head Start Performance Standards related to home visits, socializations, and individualized services. Ensure lesson plans, child assessments, screenings, and documentation are completed accurately and within required timelines. Monitor education budgets and recommend resource allocations to support quality programming. Participate in community partnerships that strengthen school readiness and successful transitions to kindergarten. Prepare reports and presentations for the Chief Executive Officer, Board of Directors, Policy Council, funding agencies, and federal monitoring teams. Participate in federal reviews, state licensing inspections, self-assessments, community assessments, strategic planning, and continuous quality improvement initiatives. Develop and implement policies and procedures that strengthen educational quality and operational effectiveness. Promote a positive organizational culture through leadership, collaboration, innovation, and accountability. Maintain confidentiality of all child, family, and staff information. Attend professional development, conferences, trainings, and meetings as required. Perform other duties as assigned by the Chief Executive Officer.
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Educational Leadership, or a closely related field, with significant leadership experience. Master's degree preferred. Minimum of five years of progressively responsible leadership experience in Head Start, Early Head Start, or an early childhood education program. Minimum of three years of supervisory experience managing education staff and multiple program sites. Demonstrated knowledge of the Head Start Program Performance Standards, Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework (ELOF), New Jersey Child Care Licensing Regulations, CLASS, curriculum implementation, child assessment systems, and school readiness requirements. Experience with curriculum implementation, coaching systems, professional development, and continuous quality improvement. Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and team-building skills. Experience analyzing child outcome data and using data to drive program improvement. Proficiency with ChildPlus, Microsoft Office Suite, and other early childhood data management systems. Valid New Jersey driver's license with daily access to an insured vehicle. Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred. Disclaimer This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Quality Care Services reserves the right to modify this job description at any time to meet organizational and programmatic needs.
Pay:
$70,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year
Benefits:
401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Professional development assistance Retirement plan Vision insurance Application Question(s): Are you willing to undergo background and drug screenings?
Education:
Bachelor's (Required)
Experience:
Early childhood education: 5 years (Required) Ability to
