Education Manager/Coach (Site Manager)

Company Overview

Heartland Head Start is dedicated to enriching the lives of children and families who meet federal income and eligibility guidelines in multiple communities. We provide a comprehensive child and family development program designed to support women receiving prenatal care, children from birth to five years old, and their families, fostering growth, learning, and well-being.

The Education Manager/Coach provides leadership, supervision, and instructional coaching to ensure high‑quality early childhood education services across assigned sites. This position blends operational oversight, staff supervision, and research‑based coaching to strengthen teaching practices, support curriculum fidelity, and ensure compliance with all Head Start, DCFS, and agency standards.

The Education Manager/Coach is a leader in a community of learners, fostering reflective practice, professional growth, and positive outcomes for children and families.

We are seeking for a person for our Bloomington location and a person for our Pontiac location.

Essential Functions

Supervision & Leadership

• Supervise, train, evaluate, and support center staff.
• Maintain staffing levels, ensure ratios, and coordinate substitutes as needed.
• Conduct monthly staff meetings and ongoing check‑ins.
• Promote a positive, professional, and collaborative work environment.
• Address performance concerns following agency guidelines.

Instructional Coaching

• Provide individualized and group coaching using reflective, relationship‑based practices.
• Conduct classroom observations and provide supportive, actionable feedback.
• Model effective teaching strategies and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Support staff in goal setting, lesson planning, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure coaching is aligned with CLASS, Creative Curriculum, HSELOF, and Teaching Strategies GOLD.

Curriculum, Assessment & Child Outcomes

• Ensure curriculum fidelity and support teachers in planning meaningful learning experiences.
• Monitor lesson plans, portfolios, individualization forms, and child outcome data.
• Coordinate screenings, assessments, and developmental reviews with Education and Disabilities staff.
• Analyze and report child outcome data for staff, families, governing bodies, and community partners.

Center Operations & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, DCFS licensing, and agency policies.
• Implement Active Supervision procedures and ensure child safety at all times.
• Monitor daily operations of classrooms and facilities; report issues promptly.
• Maintain accurate site files, risk management plans, and required documentation.
• Oversee petty cash and monthly reconciliation.

Family & Community Engagement

• Ensure home visits and parent/teacher conferences are completed per program requirements.
• Support staff in communicating effectively with families.
• Participate in registration, orientation, and Parent Child Connection (PCC) events.
• Promote culturally responsive and inclusive practices.

Professional Development

• Provide training to new and current staff.
• Identify professional development needs and support staff growth.
• Stay current on early childhood research, coaching practices, and compliance requirements.
• Participate in site visits, work groups, and system improvement planning.

Documentation & Reporting

• Complete all reports, paperwork, and data submissions accurately and on time.
• Monitor and analyze data related to child outcomes, compliance, and program goals.
• Maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.

Qualifications & Job Requirements

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field.
• Illinois Gateways Director Credential (or obtained within 1 year).
• Minimum 21 credit hours in ECE/Child Development (birth–6), including coursework in exceptional learners and administration/leadership.
• Supervisory experience in an early childhood setting.
• Strong knowledge of early learning domains and curriculum frameworks.
• Skills in coaching, leadership, conflict resolution, and communication.
• Proficiency with computers and educational software.
• CPR/First Aid certification (within 60 days).
• Food Service Sanitation license (within 6 months).
• Valid Illinois driver’s license, insurance, and reliable transportation.
• Must pass DCFS background check.

Preferred

• Experience with Head Start/Early Head Start.
• Experience providing instructional coaching.
• Bilingual skills.

Other Functions

• Participate in annual Self‑Assessment, Program Plans, and Quality Improvement Plan.
• Support orientation and training of new staff.
• Participate in at least one local early childhood organization.
• Seek non‑federal match (NFM) opportunities.
• Perform other duties as needed for smooth program operations.

Environment

• Work occurs in classrooms, offices, and home‑based settings.
• Must be able to sit, stand, bend, lift up to 40 lbs, and engage with children at their level.
• Requires ability to navigate stairs, use hands/fingers, and maintain visual focus.

Performance Standards

Success includes:

• Positive attendance and punctuality.
• Professional appearance and communication.
• Collaboration with staff and families.
• Timely completion of tasks and documentation.
• Participation in community and program events.
• Maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.
• Active participation in training and development.

Pay: From $24.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $24