Center Director (39528)

About the role

Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) envisions a world where children are safe, families are strong, and communities are vibrant. LSF is looking for a talented Center Director who wants to make an impact in the lives of others.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates and oversees the daily activities of a Head Start/Early Head Start Center to ensure that center complies with federal performance standards and local licensing/health/fire inspection requirements, implementing ongoing monitoring to ensure compliance with all regulatory bodies.
• Affirms educational needs of education staff and develops and implements individual education plans that comply with federal performance standards.
• Conducts classroom observations on education staff and measures education staff performance on the Teacher/Teacher Assistant Success Rubric classroom Active Supervision.
• Conducts Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) observations on teacher – child interactions.
• Maintains CLASS scores as required by Head Start Policies and Procedures.
• Prepares for and achieves National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Accreditation.
• Provides oversight to ensure teaching staff have completed Teaching Strategies GOLD assessments and observations as outlined in the Education calendar.
• Conducts classroom Environmental Rating Screenings as outlined in the Education calendar.
• Provides coaching and feedback to education staff on classroom management, emotional support, classroom organization, and instructional support.
• Schedules, assigns and reviews the work of Center staff.
• Ensures all staff records are maintained in compliance with county licensing and Head Start requirements including required staff credentials.
• Supervises assigned staff.
• Ensures staff scheduling for classroom coverage and maintenance of proper child/staff ratios; prepares performance appraisals in a timely manner; takes appropriate corrective action in accordance with LSF Personnel Policies & Procedures and HS Performance Standards.
• Reviews and approves as per the payroll schedule staff timecards and time off requests for accuracy and as per LSF Policies and Procedures.
• Selects new staff for vacant positions, preparing and routing for appropriate approval the completed Hiring Manager Checklist and required documentation as per Head Start HR Policies and Procedures.
• Maintains oversight of food service and supplies for adequate inventory.
• Ensures staff properly document meals served for reimbursement through the USDA Food Program and other programs.
• Maintains oversight of meal and snack periods, restroom activities, and playground activities to ensure a safe environment for young children.
• Documents children's progress and completes all required screening and assessment forms and reports in accordance with federal requirements.
• Reviews reports concerning incidents of ringworm, head lice or bruises on children and reports to appropriate Healthcare Specialist and Childcare Licensing if needed.
• Reports suspected child abuse and neglect to designated state agency and local county Child Care Licensing.
• Completes and submits appropriate reports and reviews Health Observations and Reports of Concern referrals submitted by Head Start/Early Head Start Teachers.
• Plans volunteer activities for parents and community volunteers.
• Attends and participates in workshops and other meetings to acquire and disseminate information to Head Start/Early Head Start staff.
• Plans, coordinates and oversees field trips for assigned children.
• Orders supplies and equipment to ensure classrooms meet Head Start requirements to be used by special needs children in the classroom.
• Maintains inventory of Program assets according to Policies and Procedures.
• Oversees the maintenance of the Center and submits requests for repairs to facilities in order to ensure a safe environment for young children and staff.
• Inspects classrooms and grounds to ensure the safety, orderliness, sanitation and cleanliness of facilities.
• Reviews and forwards accident and incident reports.
• Discusses plans and coordinates concerns regarding the child and family with Head Start/Early Head Start staff.
• May perform First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
• Maintains strict confidentiality with respect to Head Start/Early Head Start children, families and staff in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Attends all workshops and meetings as deemed necessary by the supervisor.
• Attends all required staff and parent meetings and activities; seeks collaboration with associations and community professional organizations.

Requirements

• A baccalaureate or advanced degree in Early Childhood Education; or a baccalaureate or advanced degree in any subject, and coursework equivalent to a major relating to Early Childhood Education with experience teaching preschool-aged children.
• Completion of State Childcare Training required including Certificate of Completion of an approved 10-hour Developmentally Appropriate Practices for Preschoolers or Infant/Toddler Course; and proof of successful completion of the following courses: 6 hours Child Growth and Development; 6 hours Behavioral Observation & Screening; 8 hours Health, Safety & Nutrition; 4 hours Identifying and Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect; and 6 hours Child Care Facility Rules and Regulations, or a 30-hour Introductory Child Care Training Course.
• Completion of State of Florida Child Care and Education Program Director Credential; and possession of a valid Driver License.
• Must be 21 years of age.
• Three years of experience in teaching pre-school or kindergarten age plus two years of supervisory experience required. Some experience in financial management and budgeting preferred. Previous Head Start/Early Head Start experience preferred. Bilingual preferred: English/Spanish or English and other languages present in the local area.

Qualifications

• Considerable knowledge of supervising Education staff.
• Considerable knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices for early childhood.
• Considerable knowledge of behavior modification theories and practices relating to early childhood development.
• Considerable knowledge of current educational techniques and practices relating to early childhood development.
• Skill in coordinating and selecting appropriate activities for young children and their parents.
• Skill in making presentations to groups.
• Ability to plan, organize and conduct early childhood education programs.
• Ability to oversee the work of subordinate staff.
• Ability to assume a seated position on the floor, or a bent or keeled position for extended periods of time.
• Ability to collect, organize and evaluate data and develop logical conclusions.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to prepare and maintain work related reports and files.
• Ability to handle confidential information.
• Ability to use a computer and related software.
• Ability to follow established procedures.
• Ability to administer CPR and First Aid.
• Ability to implement safety procedures.
• Ability to work effectively with others.
• Ability to provide physical assistance in the transportation of special needs children.
• Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.

Benefits

LSF offers 60 programs across the state of Florida serving a wide range of populations in need. Mission Driven staff members become part of the LSF community while transforming the lives of those in need. Our staff additionally find growth opportunities as they explore areas of interest within the organization. Amazing benefits package including: Medical, Dental and Vision Telehealth (24/7 online access to Doctors) Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Employer paid life insurance (1X salary) 13 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday Generous PTO policy (starting at 16 working days a year) Note: Head Start employees paid time off and holiday schedule may differ 403(b) Retirement plan with 3% discretionary employer match OR 3% student loan repayment reimbursement Tuition reimbursement

Pay

Compensation is commensurate with experience.

Schedule

Full-time position.