Early Childhood Director

POSITION SUMMARY:

Directs activities of the Partnership related to operation of the early childhood education projects. Provides leadership to staff and volunteers in furthering the mission and vision of the Partnership and in preparing children for their next educational setting.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Organizes and develops Head Start budgets and grant applications with the Accounting Services Department in coordination with the Planning and Project Development Department prior to submission to the Executive Director, Policy Council and Governing Board.
2. Direct the Early Childhood Services Programs (Head Start 0-5) in compliance with all applicable state and federal laws, rules, regulations, guidelines, and performance standards.
3. Responsible for maintaining communication with funding sources and delivering accurate and timely reports on department activities to assigned specialists.
4. Participate in Kansas Head Start Association activities.
5. Direct and coordinate the purchasing of equipment and supplies for the program and maintain inventory records as required.
6. Direct and supervise transportation and vehicle maintenance activities in coordination with the Transportation Services Director.
7. Oversee the activities of the Facilities Maintenance Manager, ensuring that all Head Start facilities are quality, safe environments for children and families.
8. Establish and monitor a self-evaluation system to assure quality program operational capacity.
9. Monitor and approve all programmatic expenditures including payroll.
10. Direct and coordinate the activities of the Policy Council and supporting committees to ensure compliance with Program Governance standards. Act as liaison with the Head Start Policy Council Chairperson in shared governance activities with the Partnership Governing Board.
11. Direct and supervise the Assistant Director, Accounting Service Director, and Administration Support Staff.
12. Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the Partnerships policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
13. Ability to work unconventional business hours.
14. Utilize Positive Behavior Support (PBS) strategies to prevent and defuse disruptive behavior.
15. Comply with Head Start Performance Standards.
16. Respect and support cultural differences and diverse family structures.
17. Demonstrate good work habits such as arriving on time and adhering to appropriate break times.
18. Attend mandatory In-Service trainings and staff meetings.
19. Report any suspected abuse or neglect to appropriate authority.
20. Advocate for Head Start in the community.
21. Maintain and assure confidentiality and privacy of SEK-CAP customers.
22. Uphold and promote the core values and mission statement of SEK-CAP.
23. Support management decisions both in actions and words.
24. 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.

Desired:

1. Demonstrated leadership with emphasis in assisting disadvantaged citizens.
2. Strong interest in community capacity building around the issues of poverty with history of accomplishment in community service.

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Bachelors Degree in Business Management or other related field or equivalent Head Start experience.
2. Possess a current, valid drivers license and be insurable by the organizations motor vehicle insurance carrier.
3. Submit to and pass standard criminal history check.
4. Submit to and pass a standard drug screen test.
5. Successfully complete a physical exam and TB screening prior to employment and every three years thereafter.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Use hands to finger, handle, or feel.
2. Reach with hands and arms.
3. Sit or occasionally stand; walk and stoop, kneel, or crouch.
4. Regularly lift and/or move up to ten pounds.
5. Required vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
6. Occasional exposure to wet and/or humid conditions.
7. Outside weather conditions.
8. Extreme cold and extreme heat.
9. Noise level is usually quiet to moderate.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

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