Center Manager

Reports to:  Director of Early Childhood Services

Department:  Early Childhood Services                 

Classification: Full-time

Status:  Exempt

POSITION SUMMARY:

Facilitate effective service to Early Childhood partners, families, and children.  Promote excellence in daily program operations that support the provision of quality services for children and families and a learning environment where all staff can thrive. The Program Manager ensures all mandates and standards are met by assisting in overall program operations to ensure the program follows Head Start Program Performance Standards, The Head Start Act, Kansas Licensing Requirements and SEK-CAP Policies and Procedures. Assist with the fiscal and programmatic aspects of the program. This position directly supervises others. This may include participation in the recruitment/selection process for new hires, employee training, onboarding, conducting performance coaching/evaluation, and delegation of duties and conflict resolution. Provides supervision, leadership, guidance and monitoring for the Site Managers, Site Directors, and Substitute Teaching staff. Promotes an environment of teamwork and cooperation which supports a program working in excellence.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Provides supervision, leadership, guidance and monitoring of the Center Directors or Managers of the center-based services and assigned Substitute Teaching staff to support compliance in all service areas.
2. Participate on Head Start Management Team representing supervisees and keeps Management Team abreast of activities, goals, ongoing monitoring, plans, challenges and needs related center-based services.
3. Support the work of center-base to ensure operation of the program option complies with all HS Program Performance Standards, Head Start Act, and Kansas Licensing.
4. Supervise daily program operations to ensure Head Start 0-5 goals and objectives are implemented successfully and that the Head Start philosophy continues to thrive.
5. Provide regular supervision and support of staff through recognized practices such as reflective supervision, coaching, training and performance appraisal systems.
6. Develops and maintains up to date resources including training opportunities for trainees and staff use.
7. Assure program goals and objectives are implemented that support Head Start Program Performance Standards.
8. Serves as an advocate for Head Start by serving on various community organizations and committees.
9. Ensure coordination of programming through positive relationships with area service providers.
10. Ensure development and maintenance of resources including training opportunities.
11. Attend team meetings with other agencies as requested.
12. Attend State administrative meetings as requested.
13. Attend Policy Council and subcommittee meetings as assigned or requested.
14. Attend management team meetings.
15. Provide data analysis of quality and impact of program.
16. Continue quality improvement through the quality assurance process and on-going monitoring.
17. Assist with the Annual Program Information Report (PIR).
18. Assist with Annual Program Self-Assessment and Community Assessment.
19. Identify programmatic barriers that prohibit optimal development of parents as their childs teacher and aid in the development of strategies to remove those barriers.
20. Ensure ongoing recruitment of eligible families.
21. Promote positive public relations.
22. Approve purchase orders and payroll.
23. Recommend the hiring of educational staff.
24. Assist with grant development and budgets.
25. Travel within and out of agency area for training/meetings.
26. Be familiar with theories and principles of child development and early childhood education services.
27. Committed to the concept of helping children and families to become self-sufficient.
28. Ability to work unconventional hours.
29. Knowledge and understanding of Head Start Program Performance Standards, and state and federal regulations relevant to the Head Start Program 0-5.
30. Punctual and dependable in meeting work schedules.
31. Effective supervisory skills that promotes a positive and productive environment for staff.
32. Ability to work unconventional business hours.
33. Utilize Positive Behavior Support (PBS) strategies to prevent and defuse disruptive behavior.
34. Comply with Head Start Performance Standards.
35. Respect and support cultural differences and diverse family structures.
36. Demonstrate good work habits such as arriving on time and adhering to appropriate break times.
37. Attend mandatory In-Service trainings and staff meetings.
38. Report any suspected abuse or neglect to appropriate authority.
39. Advocate for Head Start in the community.
40. Maintain and assure confidentiality and privacy of SEK-CAP customers.
41. Uphold and promote the core values and mission statement of SEK-CAP.
42. Support management decisions both in actions and words.
43. Other duties as assigned. 

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

Essential:

1. Basic computer skills on IBM compatible P.C. systems and software.
2. Basic operation skills of general office equipment such as photocopiers, faxes, and phone systems.
3. Superior interpersonal skills. Ability to get along with diverse personalities; tactful, mature, and flexible.
4. Ability to meet and deal tactfully with the general public and to communicate effectively and clearly both orally and in writing.
5. Resourceful and well organized.
6. Ability to establish and maintain positive, effective working relationships with co-workers, community partners, and customers.
7. Ability to learn and adapt.

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood or related field
2. Five to seven years of experience working in Early Childhood Education
3. Five years of supervisory experience
4. Possess current, valid drivers license and be insurable by the organizations motor vehicle insurance carrier
5. Submit to and pass standard criminal history check
6. Submit to and pass standard drug screen test
7. Obtain First Aid and CPR certification
8. Successfully complete a physical exam and TB skin test before beginning employment

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