First Steps Head Start/Early Head Start Center Director

SUMMARY

Our mission is to ensure that all children start school healthy and ready to reach their highest potential. As Center Director, you will have the opportunity every day to make a true difference in our students’ lives – to encourage joy and creativity, and to ensure they learn important skills through play and hands-on activities.

The Center Director will manage the daily operations of the LCFS Head Start/EHS Programs and will supervise center staff in accordance with South Carolina Department of Social Services (SC-DSS), Office of Head Start, and LCFS policies and guidelines. S/he will maintain, always, a safe environment with high quality early childhood education and childcare standards based on developmentally appropriate practices. The ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to build relationships with families, staff, and community members, and create a dynamic environment where play and learning go together to ensure every child in our program starts preschool and kindergarten healthy and ready to learn.

Essential Job Responsibilities – Performance Indicators

Curriculum and Program Development

• Work closely with classroom staff to create and monitor learning plans or programs that meet state and federal requirements, Office of Head Start/EHS, and parent’s expectations; adhere to policies of LCSD for programs located at those sites.

Personnel Management

• Interview, hire and train center staff in conjunction with the HS/EHS Director and the Executive Director, ensuring all background and fingerprint checks are conducted.
• Supervise all Center staff, including substitute staff, using reflective supervision practices.
• Ensure staff access to necessary technology, workspace and supplies to fulfill their responsibilities.
• Monitor required training and professional development of all childcare staff, including certification renewals.
• Complete annual performance evaluations of all Center staff, including professional development goals.

Administrative, Fiscal, and Facilities Management

• Meet annual enrollment goals.
• Oversee daily Center operations, ensuring that the Center operates safely and in accordance with organizational and state licensing standards at all times.
• Ensure compliance with all SC-DSS standards, including annual fire, health, and other safety inspections, and ensure uninterrupted Center licensing with SC-DSS.
• Complete and submit timely all required staff, program, and data reports, including HS/EHS, CACFP, ABC Quality, all South Carolina First Steps, and reports for LCSD if applicable.
• Maintain Center files according to HS/EHS, ABC Quality, SC-DSS requirements and First Steps policies.

Parent and Community Relations

• Communicate openly, consistently, and effectively with parents / guardians, providing training, assistance, and support as needed.
• Cultivate and maintain collaborative relationships with community organizations and leaders.
• Participate in community outreach events.
• Represent LCFS in a professional, courteous, and positive manner always.
• Deal sensitively, respectfully, and fairly with persons from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Professional Growth and Development

• Identify and pursue professional development opportunities to increase overall job knowledge and skills.
• Maintain knowledge of current best practices for child development programs.
• Develop expertise in TS Gold, ChildPlus, Ready Rosie software, and other database systems.

Overall Expectations

• Commitment to Lancaster County First Steps mission, values, and policies.
• Fulfill role as mandated reporter as specified in LCFS Child Abuse and Neglect Policy.
• Maintain client confidentiality according to organizational policies, professional standards, and program requirements.
• Follow and enforce organizational policies, program standards, and supervisory directives.
• Attending agency staff meetings as necessary and required.
• Perform all other duties as may be assigned from time to time.

Qualifications, Skills, and Abilities

Required

• Bachelor’s degree with a concentration in Child Development or Early Childhood
• Experience with Head Start Programs and Performance Standards
• At least three years’ classroom experience with young children (birth-PreK).
• Outstanding customer service skills, strong organizational skills, and the ability to multi-task and manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Thorough understanding of South Carolina childcare guidelines and state licensing requirements.
• Demonstrated staff management experience.
• Moderate computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office and database systems.

Preferred

• Master’s degree in early childhood education or related area.
• Experience successfully managing a childcare facility.
• Budget development and financial accountability experience.
• Bi-lingual (Spanish) conversational skills.

Other Requirements

• Satisfactory professional references, criminal history background checks (including sex offender / SLED), and fingerprinting.
• Negative TB test and physical
• Must be physically able to lift a minimum of 40 pounds and work indoors or outdoors.
• Must be able to assume postures in low levels to allow physical and visual contact with children.
• Must be able to see and hear well enough to keep children safe and engage in physical activity with children.
• Occasional sitting and working at computer keyboard and desk.

Benefits

• SC State Health/Dental/Vision Insurance through PEBA
• SC State Retirement
• Life insurance
• Paid Vacation/Sick Leave
• Paid Holidays
• Small Bonuses

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $43,600.00 - $65,500.00 per year

Benefits:

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

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $43,600 - $65,500