Early Childhood Site Supervisor

POSITION SUMMARY

The Early Childhood Site Supervisor serves as both an operational and cultural leader, ensuring the effective implementation of Head Start and/or Early Head Start programs that promote equity, inclusion, and excellence in early learning. Positioned as a mid-level administrative leader, the Site Supervisor operates at the vital intersection between management and frontline staff, translating policies and procedures into daily practice, ensuring compliance, and fostering coordinated service delivery across program components.

This role oversees all site-level program operations, integrating educational, health, nutrition, family engagement, and community partnership components to provide holistic, high-quality support to children and families. Reporting directly to the Education Manager, the Site Supervisor monitors for compliance, follows up on concerns, and ensures that program expectations are consistently and effectively implemented at the site level.

As a culture setter and people leader, the Site Supervisor models professionalism, empathy, and collaboration while cultivating a positive, inclusive, and mission-driven workplace. They provide direct supervision, coaching, and evaluation for classroom and/or home visiting staff, support individualized professional growth, and promote reflective, culturally responsive practice. The Site Supervisor also leads staff and volunteer screening, interviewing, hiring, and onboarding processes to ensure alignment with program standards and values.

Operationally, the Site Supervisor manages the daily functions of the site, including facilities oversight, health and safety compliance, documentation accuracy, and coordination of resources. They maintain readiness for licensing and program monitoring, completing licensing renewal processes under the oversight of the Education Manager. Through data tracking, observation, and feedback, the Site Supervisor identifies trends, guides continuous improvement, and ensures that every operational detail aligns with program goals and regulatory requirements.

Externally, the Site Supervisor serves as a liaison and advocate, building and maintaining strong relationships with families, community partners, and collaborative agencies. These partnerships are essential in supporting comprehensive, wraparound services that enhance family engagement, child development, and school readiness.

In all aspects of their work, the Site Supervisor functions as a strategic integrator of people, processes, and culture, balancing operational excellence, compliance, and human connection to ensure that every child and family receives high-quality, equitable, and coordinated support.

JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Oversight and Integration

• Oversees all site-level operations for Head Start and/or Early Head Start classrooms to ensure full implementation of program policies, procedures, and performance standards.
• In collaboration and partnership with component area managers, integrates educational, health, nutrition, and family engagement services to provide comprehensive, coordinated support for children and families.
• Monitors classroom and site activities to ensure alignment with the organization’s mission, vision, and goals and adherence to Head Start Program Performance Standards, state licensing requirements, and agency procedures.
• Reviews classroom operations, schedules, and curriculum implementation to assess quality and identify areas for improvement; collaborates with management staff to develop and implement corrective action or quality improvement plans.
• Ensures attendance is accurately recorded and monitored; partners with the Family Services team to follow up on absences, document reasons, and address patterns of unexcused absences.
• Participates and collaborates as an active member of the agency’s Leadership Team, contributing to site planning, coordination, and problem-solving across program components.
• Ensures lesson plans, assessments, and child portfolios are completed, reviewed, and posted in alignment with program expectations; provides feedback and follow-up support as needed.
• Facilitates on-site services provided by mental health and inclusion specialists; ensures classroom staff actively support service delivery and documentation requirements.
• Maintains CLASS reliability and conducts CLASS observations as assigned.

Staff Supervision, Development, and Culture Setting

• Provides direct supervision to approximately 12–15 classroom staff, including teachers, assistant teachers, and classroom aides, ensuring appropriate ratios, scheduling, and classroom coverage.
• Conducts regular performance observations and evaluations in collaboration with the Education Manager, providing coaching, feedback, and performance improvement support.
• Holds monthly one-on-one meetings with each staff member to review performance, discuss goals, address challenges, provide professional guidance, monitor professional development hours to ensure compliance with state licensing requirements, and develop individualized professional development plans to address areas for growth and support ongoing competency and career advancement.
• Promotes a positive, inclusive, and mission-driven workplace culture that reflects the organization’s values of equity, respect, and continuous learning.
• Ensures staff attendance at all required professional development opportunities, tracks completion of training hours, and follows up with staff to schedule make-up sessions as needed.
• Screens, interviews, and recommends candidates for hire; leads new hire onboarding and orientation under the direction of the Education Manager.
• Under the supervision and guidance of the Education Manager, oversees volunteer onboarding, scheduling, and tracking; serves as the direct contact for daily volunteer engagement, ensuring positive experiences and adherence to program expectations.

Supervision & Team Development

• Provides consistent supervision, coaching, and mentorship to staff, fostering professional growth, skill development, and accountability.
• Sets clear goals and expectations and manages performance in alignment with organizational policies.
• Maintains open and timely communication with staff through regular 1:1 check-ins, feedback, and team meetings.
• Promotes a positive, inclusive, and collaborative team culture that supports engagement, retention, and employee well-being.
• Ensures staff have the necessary tools, resources, and training to succeed in their roles.
• Addresses team conflicts and support staff in resolving challenges constructively.
• Supports effective onboarding of new hires.
• Ensures accurate timecard reporting and attendance tracking.

Facility and Resource Management

• Ensure that maintenance, cleanliness, and the organization of the physical facility are a safe and developmentally appropriate environment for children and staff.
• Report needed facility repairs, maintenance requests, and janitorial service needs to the Facilities Manager in a timely fashion.
• Manages site inventory, including janitorial, office, health, and classroom supplies; uses assigned purchasing card responsibly and maintains accurate and timely records in Financial Edge Blackbaud.
• Ensures meal counts are accurately recorded and submitted daily to the Health and Nutrition Services Manager in accordance with USDA, CACFP, and program requirements.
• Ensures classrooms and common areas are well-equipped, inclusive, and reflective of children’s cultures, languages, and learning needs.

Family and Community Engagement

• Builds and sustains positive relationships with families, serving as a resource and support when concerns arise.
• Collaborates with Family Advocates and other staff to promote strong home-school connections and encourage family participation in program activities.
• Represents the site at family events and community activities as appropriate, promoting the program’s mission and values.
• Supports effective communication between staff, families, and community partners to ensure continuity and quality of services.

Leadership, Collaboration, and Advocacy

• Serves as a key member of the agency’s leadership structure, ensuring effective two-way communication between the management team and frontline staff.
• Promotes a collaborative and solution-oriented work culture that values open communication, shared accountability, and continuous quality improvement.
• Uses data, observation, and feedback to identify trends and inform planning discussions with the Education Manager and management team.
• Demonstrates advocacy for children and families through equitable practices, inclusive leadership, and adherence to trauma-informed approaches.
• Supports organizational initiatives, projects, and cross-functional teams to advance program excellence and community impact.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position directly oversees all classroom staff, including Teachers, Assistant Teachers, and Classroom Aides. Additionally, they provide indirect supervision and support to site staff related to facility oversight.

REQUIRED SKILLS, ABILITIES, COMPETENCIES AND QUALIFICATIONS

Required Qualifications:

Leadership and Management

• Demonstrated ability to provide operational and cultural leadership at a mid-level administrative site role, ensuring effective program implementation and alignment with organizational goals.
• Strong leadership skills to guide, support, and motivate classroom staff and volunteers, fostering accountability, collaboration, and a culture of excellence.
• Ability to set and maintain positive site culture, modeling inclusive, respectful, and equitable practices for staff, families, and community partners.
• Proven skill in coordinating across multiple program components (education, health, nutrition, family engagement, mental health, and inclusion) to ensure integrated and consistent service delivery.

Early Childhood Education Knowledge

• Solid understanding of early childhood development principles and best practices for children from birth through age five.
• Knowledge of developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive approaches in classroom and site-level practices.
• Understanding of curriculum implementation standards, school readiness goals, and assessment protocols; ability to monitor and provide feedback to staff to ensure fidelity to curriculum and developmental outcomes.

Staff Supervision and Development

• Experience providing direct supervision to teaching staff, including performance observation, feedback, and coaching.
• Ability to conduct monthly 1:1 meetings with staff to discuss goals, performance, and professional growth.
• Skill in monitoring staff professional development attendance, ensuring required training completion, scheduling make-ups, and maintaining accurate records.
• Ability to manage volunteers on-site, providing daily guidance, tracking hours, and ensuring adherence to program expectations.

Facility and Operations Management

• Ability to oversee site operations to ensure a safe, organized, and developmentally appropriate environment for children and staff.
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations, facility maintenance practices, and emergency preparedness procedures; skill in implementing and monitoring adherence.
• Competence in managing site resources, including janitorial, office, classroom, and health supplies, and in responsibly using agency purchasing tools within set budget limits.
• Ability to track and submit daily meal counts in alignment with USDA, CACFP, and program guidelines.
• Skill in leading site-level operational meetings to coordinate facility maintenance, resource needs, and operational priorities.

Program Compliance and Regulatory Knowledge

• Thorough understanding of Head Start Program Performance Standards, state licensing regulations, and agency policies governing early childhood programs.
• Ability to ensure site compliance through careful monitoring, documentation, and reporting, including licensing renewals, monitoring visits, and audit follow-ups.
• Skill in identifying non-compliance issues or risks and working collaboratively with management to implement corrective action plans.

Community Engagement and Advocacy

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to cultivate positive relationships with families, volunteers, and community partners.
• Ability to advocate for children and families within the program and in partnership with community organizations, supporting access to holistic services and resources.
• Skill in representing the site at family engagement events and select community meetings to promote program participation and support family engagement.

Analytical and Organizational Competencies

• Ability to manage multiple operational priorities, track program and staff performance data, and follow up to ensure accountability.
• Skill in reviewing reports, analyzing trends, and identifying areas for improvement in program implementation, compliance, or staff performance.
• Capacity to coordinate across disciplines, ensuring that all components of the program function cohesively to meet children and families’ needs.

Technical Skills:

• Intermediate Proficiency of Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, Power Point and Publisher
• Intermediate Proficiency of Outlook Mail, Calendar, and One Drive

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of Child Plus
• Knowledge of research-based child development assessment tools
• Direct experience working with parents

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or Child Development, or a related field with at least 30 quarter/20 semester college credits in ECE, Child Development, Elementary Education, or Special Education
• 4 years of experience teaching children under 5 as a lead teacher in a formal early childhood education setting.
• STEP 10 or higher on the Oregon Registry or possess an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 1 year of supervisory experience

Preferred:

• Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or Child Development, or a related field
• Previous Head Start experience
• 2 years of supervisory experience

REQUIRED CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, CREDENTIALS AND/OR REGISTRATIONS

• CBR
• ORO Step
• First Aid/CPR Certification

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical requirements outlined below must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee is required to:

• Communicate information clearly so others understand and exchange accurate information.
• Observe details at close range.
• Remain in a stationary position.
• Operate a computer and other office machinery, such as copy machine and printer.
• Walk, stoop, kneel, crouch.
• Move items weighing up to 50 pounds.

ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moderate to high noise levels typical of a classroom environment