Primary Purpose:

Ensure implementation of education, disabilities, and mental wellness services in compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards, special education laws and regulations, and other pertinent federal, state, and local guidelines. Coordinate an effective delivery system of professional development and learning opportunities for teaching staff.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

• Master’s degree from an accredited university in Education Administration, Early Childhood Education, Child Development or a related field

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Content area expertise with specialized knowledge in early childhood theory and the practical application of child development practices
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to interact with diverse populations
• Strong critical thinking and decision-making skills
• Ability to identify and solve problems
• Proficiency with a variety of software applications, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, Publisher, and Access

Experience:

• Minimum of five years classroom teaching experience of young children three to five years of age
• Minimum of three years experience in special education practices for preschool aged children, including developing and delivering developmentally appropriate curriculum to children with special needs
• Minimum of two years experience in a management role in an educational institution, non-profit organization, or related entity

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

• Provide leadership to the Head Start staff, foster teamwork, and encourage active involvement in implementing the HCDE Head Start mission, vision and values.
• Assist the Senior Director of Head Start in the overall administration of the Head Start program, with particular responsibility for the education, mental health and disabilities components.
• Serve as a member of the Head Start management team, overseeing the planning, implementation and monitoring of Head Start at all levels.
• Monitor center-based invoices, budgets, grants, plans and prepare reports as required.
• Ensure the implementation of effective teaching practices through the development of systems for training, mentoring, coaching, and monitoring of classroom instruction.
• Implement an ongoing child assessment plan that supports school readiness and provides data for decision-making about curriculum and instruction.
• In partnership with content areas, ensure a process for all children to receive comprehensive health screenings, which includes health, hearing, vision, developmental, social/emotional, nutrition, height/weight, and dental.
• Participate in outreach and recruitment activities that systematically ensure that Head Start centers achieve and maintain full enrollment, including the 10% disabilities requirement.
• Ensure disabilities services provide a full range of inclusive experiences and services to meet the needs of children with disabilities and their families.
• Develop and implement program practices responsive to the indentified behavioral and mental health concerns of children.
• Develop, maintain, and participate in the Education and Special Services Advisory Committee.
• Develop and update, on an annual basis, the agency's Disabilities, Education and Mental Wellness Services plan in conformance with the Head Start Program Performance Standards.
• Attend and participate in monthly Head Start Policy Council meetings and other meetings/trainings as required.
• Maintain the confidentiality of information.
• Perform other duties as assigned.