USD #489 Early Childhood Connections Director of Early Childhood Services

General function:

Responsible for ensuring a quality Early Childhood program.

Typical duties and responsibilities:

Ensures program wide compliance with the Head Start Performance Standards and State and Federal regulations.

• Develops and ensures implementation of the Head Start program plan and goals in accord with program vision.
• Works closely with the Leadership Team in supporting implementation of goals in the field.
• Leads staff in the development of policies and procedures which ensure compliance with the Performance Standards.
• Establishes and confirms methods for involving parents, staff, and community in the annual Self-Assessment.
• Serves as the chief liaison with Head Start regional federal officials.

Develops the annual grant application and program budget.

• Works jointly with Policy Council Budget Committee, grantee financial staff, and Connections staff to develop the annual budgets.
• Builds understanding with Policy Council and staff regarding financial issues, need for adjustments and how to contribute to the budget development process.
• Reviews program expenditures monthly, making adjustments and revisions as needed to stay within the established budget.
• Ensures that HS staff meets qualification requirements within required timelines.

Supports excellence through the implementation of staff and program development plans.

• Develops staffing patterns, which allow staff to carry out job responsibilities and in turn meet Performance Standards and Program goals.
• Communicates expectations clearly and holds staff accountable for meeting program expectations.
• Conducts performance evaluations annually for staff who report to the Director.
• Ensures that staff development plans meet individual and program needs.

Plays an active role in developing and participating in a variety of partnerships with families, community agencies, and childcare providers.

• Develops relationship of trust with the Policy Council, which supports their participation in governing the program.
• Acts as a liaison to the USD #489 school board providing information and input as requested.
• Identifies opportunities for and insures implementation of collaboration with community services, businesses, and childcare providers.
• Assures that all contracts and agreements are reviewed annually, and updates/revises as needed.

Develops and/or supports additional funding streams for early childhood services.

• Completes State Pre-k application for funding. Complies with assurances, monitors expenditures, and completes necessary reports.
• Completes Early Childhood Block Grant application (ECBG). Supports data collection in Daisy. Monitors expenditures and completes necessary reports.
• Completes Bright Futures monthly reports and requirements.

Promotes and respects the Code of Ethical Conduct as set forth by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

• Always maintain a professional manner and appearance.
• Insures confidentiality.
• Participates in the development and implementation of a professional development plan.
• Adheres to a mandatory reporting policy for child abuse and neglect.

Scope of position:

Reports to the Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning.  Provides support to Connections staff.  Receives limited supervision.  Develops guidelines to achieve results mandated by Head Start Performance Standards, Federal and State Guidelines, and USD 489.  Requires the ability to interpret appropriate guidelines and procedures.  Work assessment is primarily based on goal achievement and client satisfaction.  Position includes conflict resolutions and problem solving with staff. Position has direct financial responsibility for development and oversight.  Daily contacts include all levels of Head Start staff, school district employees, volunteers, families, children, and the community.

Knowledge, skills, and technical ability:

Must have a BS in Early Childhood, Early Childhood Special Education, or Related Field.  Masters Degree with Building Leadership License or willingness to obtain. Two years experience preferred. 

Must pass prior to starting position:

1.       Tuberculosis skin test (TB)

2.       Background Checks (Fingerprinting)

3.       Physical Exam

Willing to certify:

         Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

         First Aid

Requires:

1.       Proficient communication skills including oral, written and small group facilitation for coaching, teaching and public relation activities.

2.       Flexible schedule to include evening and weekend work.

3.       Interpersonal skills to effectively lead and motivate staff, families, and volunteers. 

4.       Creativity, flexibility, conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.

5.       Advanced organizational skills to deal with multiple issues.

6.       Ability to work as a team player.

7.       Valid Drivers License and reliable means of transportation.

Working Conditions:

Spends approximately 60% of the time in the office, planning, budgeting, and processing paperwork; 10% working cooperatively with community agencies, implementing public information strategies, and developing collaborative agreements. 30% coaching and mentoring staff.  Driving from center to center, out of office meetings and moderate out of town / state travel.  Normal work week Monday through Friday 8-5 with occasional evening and weekend work. Physical requirements include lifts a minimum of 20 lbs., sits at a workstation for 3 to 4 hours at a time; manual dexterity required for constant computer input; and deals with constant stressful situations.

Benefits Information

Salary Information

Employer Information

 

Hays School District has about 3,000 students that are enrolled in a high school, middle school, four elementary schools, and an alternative school. The staff of Unified School District No. 489 are recognized throughout Kansas and across the nation as leaders in educational excellence.

Hays Public Schools enjoy tremendous support from the community. Through this support, USD 489 is able to offer programs like all-day, kindergarten, the smallest class sizes in the state for districts our size, and a longer school year. An extensive special education program serves children with special needs. Early childhood programs serve children and their families in a three-county area from before-birth to age six. Technology, throughout the district, is used to supplement and strengthen the instructional program. The most noticeable aspect of our technology is in our ratio of students to computers. At Hays High and the middle schools it is 1:1; and 2:1 in the elementary schools.

While doing an excellent job on the test score race, the staff continues to seek to develop the creativity, curiosity, and problem solving skills of students as well. The challenges of the future are best dealt with by applying creativity and foresight to a solid foundation. We are equipped at USD 489.

To learn more about our schools, visit our website at www.usd489.com