Center Director

 GenerationEd

Job title 

Center Director

Program

Head Start/Early Head Start

Reports to 

Center Operations Director 

FLSA Status

Exempt

Last Revision

March 2026

General Description 

The Center Director is responsible for the daily operations, supervision, and administration of a Head Start and Early Head Start center. This position ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. The role includes supervision and professional development of staff, fostering supportive relationships with families, and serving as the site leader and liaison for all center-level activities, communications, and partnerships.

Required Competencies 

All GenerationEd Employees

• Reliability/Dependability

• Problem Solving

• Customer Service

• Teamwork 

and Collaboration

• Integrity


• Effective Communication

• Initiative and Growth

• Quality and Timeliness of work

Role Specific

• Regulatory Compliance


• Quality of Programs


• Administration


• Center Operations Leadership 

Leadership

• Performance 

Management and Accountability

• Team Development

• Leadership

• Cost Consciousness 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

On-Site Leadership & Operations

• Must be physically present during program hours to support children, families, staff, and visitors.


• Ensure daily staffing coverage and compliance with staff-child ratio requirements.


• Oversee classroom operations, including implementation of developmentally appropriate curriculum and assessment.


• Conduct monthly classroom observations (one video and one in-person) to monitor quality, interactions, routines, and supervision.


• Participate in CLASS observations and quality monitoring.


• Monitor and maintain facilities, equipment, and safety standards; submit and follow up on maintenance work orders within required timeframes.


• Ensure center passes licensing, sanitation, and compliance inspections.

Staff Supervision & Professional Development

• Supervise, evaluate, and support all paid and volunteer staff at the center.


• Conduct and update staff Professional Development Plans.


• Provide quarterly reflective supervision with all direct reports to support morale, professional growth, and trust.


• Conduct annual performance evaluations.


• Monitor and maintain staff time, attendance, and training requirements.


• Conduct new and returning staff orientation.

Compliance & Communication

• Ensure compliance with Head Start, NC DCDEE, NAEYC, and NCPK program standards, as well as all licensing requirements.


• Maintain confidentiality of child, family, staff, and agency records.


• Maintain accurate, timely reporting and data entry into designated systems.


• Upload licensing and regulatory visit summaries into Child Plus.


• Conduct regular staff meetings and impromptu check-ins as needed.


• Check and respond to voicemails and emails daily using professional communication standards.


• Immediately report all incidents involving children, staff, or families, including those requiring medical attention.

Safety & Emergency Preparedness

• Ensure active supervision of children indoors and outdoors at all times.


• Conduct classroom and playground sweeps daily during transition, and complete all necessary paperwork associated with transition procedures. 


• Conduct and document monthly and quarterly safety drills (fire, tornado, lockdown, shelter-in-place).


• Ensure all child and staff files are accurate, current, and compliant with state and Head Start regulations.


• Enforce health, safety, and emergency preparedness practices at all times.


• Immediately report suspected child abuse or neglect in accordance with agency procedures.

Family & Community Engagement

• Collaborate with Family Advocates to plan parent committee meetings, special family events, and policy council elections.


• Conduct parent orientation for new enrollees.


• Support attendance initiatives and develop improvement plans for children with chronic absenteeism.


• Ensure collection of monthly in-kind contributions.


• Build partnerships with community agencies and resources to support center goals and family needs.

Recruitment, Enrollment, and Attendance (ERSEA)

• Support recruitment and intake processes for new families.


• Ensure timely enrollment, orientation, and attendance monitoring.


• Partner with ERSEA Manager and Family Advocates to achieve and maintain funded enrollment.

Essential Qualifications 

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).


• Level 3 administration credential 


• 3 years’ experience (preferred) in early childhood program administration or leadership, preferably in Head Start/Early Head Start.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards, NC DCDEE licensing, and NAEYC accreditation requirements.


• Strong supervisory and leadership skills with experience in staff evaluation, professional development, and reflective supervision.


• Excellent organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills.


• Ability to communicate effectively with staff, families, community partners, and regulatory agencies.


• Proficiency with computer systems, databases (e.g., Child Plus), and Microsoft Office Suite.


• Commitment to confidentiality, equity, inclusion, and active supervision practices.


• CPR/First Aid certification (or ability to obtain within 90 days).


• Ability to pass state and federal background checks and meet all health/safety requirements for licensing.

Physical, Mental and /or Visual Demands

• Must be able to sit and stand for extended periods of time throughout the day. 


• Must be able to lift up to 35 lbs. 


• Must be able to bend and stoop. 


• Must be able to walk extended periods throughout the day to ensure proper monitoring. 


• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time.    


• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.  


• Specific vision abilities required by the job include close, distance, color, peripheral depth and the ability to adjust focus.    

GenerationEd is committed to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals, including those with disabilities in accordance with ADA. 

Acknowledgement 

This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed by the individual assigned to this position and should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It does not state or imply that these are the only duties and responsibilities assigned to the position. The employee may be required to perform other job-related duties. All requirements are subject to change and to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with a disability.