The Associate Director of Center-Based Program Quality and Operations provides programmatic and administrative leadership to the Education, Compliance, and Quality Improvement departments to ensure alignment with the organization's mission, vision, and strategic plan. The Associate Director of Center-Based Program Quality and Operations works closely with the Associate Director of Compliance to ensure that center-based programs meet all quality program requirements per Federal Head Start Performance Standards, local and state contract requirements, and agency policies and procedures. This position is responsible for the co-development of systems and procedures to ensure that center-based programs meet all quality standards in collaboration with the Director of Early Childhood Education. In coordination with the Director of Early Childhood Programs and Associate Director of Compliance requirements per Federal Head Start Performance Standards, local and state contract requirements, and agency policies and procedures (PI/PFA/HS/EHS/EHS-CCP). Responsibilities include the ensuring execution of quality trauma-informed and culturally appropriate service delivery of directly operated center-based programs. This role congruently supports hiring/onboarding program staff, ensuring proper supervision, and professional development of center-based staff. Through strategic supervision, direction, and mentoring, the role effectively articulates and leads the development of high-quality program services, policies, procedures, and integration of mental health, family engagement, and civic engagement across center-based programs. This position serves the Gads Hill Center Leadership Team and works diligently to ensure that the program and activities offered across all program models are impactful and of the highest quality. The leadership role requires significant experience in child development/education, and a strong background in leadership, program planning, supervision, and management.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Works in alignment with the Site Managers and Education Manager components ensuring the consistent implementation of Creative Curriculum and Pre-K bilingual instruction in all classrooms.

• Supervises the directly operated Site Managers and is responsible for center-based programs.

• Works in alignment with the Family Support Manager to ensure center-based programs are providing quality family support as it relates to Federal Head Start Standards.

• Monitors recruitment and enrollment goals to ensure center-based programs are fully enrolled.

• Works in collaboration with the Director of Early Childhood to conduct a Community Needs Assessment every three years, as well as an update during the intervening years.

• Collaborates with the Director of Early Childhood to lead the annual program self-assessment.

• Works in collaboration with the Director of Early Childhood and Family Engagement Coordinator to facilitate and coordinate training for the Parent Policy Committee and address parent concerns and feedback.

• Attend meetings of the Parent Policy Committee.

• Ensures the day-to-day operations of early childhood programs are professionally and efficiently organized and administered.

• Directs, implements, and evaluates, programmatic plans and procedures adhering to EHS/HS federal requirements.

• Works in collaboration with the Director of Early Childhood to develop and facilitate program reports, remediation of non-compliance issues, self-evaluations, management plans, and staff development in a timely, effective, and accurate manner.

• Promotes the sharing of best practices across sites and programs and monitors implementation.

• Develop and create program initiatives that align with Gads Hill Center Pillars and Theory of Change and is effective within center-based programs.

• Fosters and cultivates a collaborative learning environment consisting of program leaders at all sites.

• Conducts performance evaluations and professional development plans for sites to ensure staff effectiveness.

• Works in collaboration with the education manager for education compliance throughout early childhood programs.

• Supervises and provides leadership to the managers and respective teams of the following programs: Center-Based, as well as assigned consultants.

• Assures transition practices are in place to assist families transitioning into Early Head Start, Early Head Start families transitioning into Head Start, and/or the next educational setting.

• Works with the Associate Director of Compliance to plan, review, and assess how education and disability services are integrated with health, mental health, dental health, nutrition, and family and community engagement.

• Represents Gads Hill Center at city, state, and national levels in policy matters about children 0-5 years and their families by participating on committees of interest outside of Gads Hill Center.

• Ensures the highest quality programming so that early childhood programs are recognized and a trusted leader in early learning across the city of Chicago.

• Displays strong ethical and professional behavior and standards when working with personnel and other agencies associated with the program.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree required in Early Childhood Education or related field; Master’s degree preferred.

• Must have at least three years of experience in leadership, program management, and supervision of similar positions.

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) bicultural preferred.

• Must have a valid Illinois driver’s license, car, and auto insurance.

• Ability to pass a criminal record and child abuse/neglect registry check.