Center Director - Childcare/Head Start

Position Summary

The Center Director provides leadership and oversight for all operations within the Head Start/Early Head Start or Childcare Center. This role ensures compliance with federal Head Start Program Performance Standards, state licensing regulations, and organizational policies while fostering a high-quality learning environment for children and strong engagement with families. This position is full-time, exempt from overtime and is considered on call to meet operational needs. This position will cover two centers and will be required to travel within our service area.

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership

• Oversee daily operations of the center, including classrooms, staff, and facilities.
• Ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, state licensing requirements, and organizational policies.
• Implement program goals aligned with the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework (ELOF) and Virginia’s Early Learning and Development Standards (ELDS) that inform age-appropriate learning environments, milestones, and adaptations for birth through five, guiding early childhood educators and caregivers.
• Demonstrate management, instructional, and interpersonal skills to effectively guide the program, support staff, drive engagement, and ensure child and family outcomes.

Staff Supervision & Development

• Recruit, train, and evaluate teaching and support staff.
• Provide coaching and professional development opportunities on an ongoing basis.
• Foster a positive, collaborative work environment.
• Conduct monthly meetings with individual staff utilizing reflective supervision strategies, conduct classroom observations and provide feedback using practice-based coaching.
• Ensure staff meet the qualifications for the positions they hold and obtain/maintain required credentials on an ongoing basis.

Family & Community Engagement

• Promote family involvement through events, home visits, timely communication, parent education, and family committees.
• Build partnerships with local agencies and community organizations that support school readiness and drive outcomes for children and families.
• Support families in accessing resources for health, education, and social services.

Fiscal & Administrative Management

• Monitor budgets, expenditures, and grant compliance.
• Maintain accurate records and prepare required reports.
• Ensure timely enrollment, meal counts, and attendance tracking.
• Create work schedules that meet organizational needs, maintain child-to-staff ratio, and ensure staff working in each classroom meet credentials.
• Demonstrate strong decision-making skills that align with standards and agency policies.

Health & Safety

• Maintain a safe and healthy environment for children and staff.
• Oversee compliance with nutrition, health screenings, and emergency procedures.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, child development, or related field (master’s degree preferred).

Experience: Minimum 3 years in early childhood education with supervisory experience.

Skills: Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills; ability to manage multiple priorities. Must be able to demonstrate proficient computer skills.

Other: CPR/First Aid; Medication Administration Training (MAT); able to lift 50 pounds; able to squat and bend; acceptable background check clearance; pass a drug screening; maintain a valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record; initial health examination and tuberculosis screening.

Preferred Competencies

• Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards and state licensing regulations.
• Experience with family engagement and community partnerships.
• Familiarity with data-driven decision-making and continuous quality improvement.

Pay: $21.74 - $25.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• Early Childhood Education: 3 years (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $22 - $25