Center Manager Early Head Start @Early Learning Center

Tennessee State University’s Center of Excellence for Learning Sciences invites applications for the position of Center Manager for the Early Head Start program at the Early Learning Center located on the university’s main campus.

About the role

The Center Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the TSU Early Head Start program, ensuring compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, Child Care Licensing regulations, and other federal and state requirements. This role supervises teaching staff, maintains high-quality educational programming, supports children and families, and ensures a safe, well-equipped learning environment.

Responsibilities

• Supervise classroom operations and ensure compliance with Head Start, licensing, and safety regulations.
• Manage staff schedules, assign duties, and oversee substitutes to maintain required staffing levels.
• Support and monitor teachers in lesson planning, child assessments, and implementation of the Creative Curriculum.
• Coordinate services for children with disabilities and ensure appropriate accommodations and referrals.
• Ensure developmental screenings, health and nutrition requirements, parent conferences, and home visits are completed on schedule.
• Oversee classroom and playground materials, order supplies, and support classroom setup.
• Maintain accurate records related to USDA meal programs, licensing, health screenings, and compliance documentation.
• Coordinate emergency preparedness activities, including evacuation drills, and maintain First Aid/Infant CPR certification.
• Submit purchase requests and maintenance work orders as needed.
• Support staff during DHS 3-Star Rating assessments.
• Serve as the primary contact for regulatory agencies, including DHS Child Care Licensing, the State Fire Marshal, and the County Environmentalist, ensuring all licensing standards and inspections are successfully maintained.

Overall, the Center Manager ensures the center operates efficiently, provides a high-quality early childhood education program, supports staff development, and maintains full compliance with all applicable regulations while promoting positive outcomes for children and families.

Requirements

• An associate degree in Early Childhood Education, management, or a closely related field is required. Baccalaureate degree in Early Childhood Education, management, or a closely related field preferred.
• Two (2) years of successfully evaluated classroom teacher experience required; experience in an infant-toddler classroom preferred.
• One (1) year of program supervisory experience is required.

Benefits

Tennessee State University offers eligible employees a competitive benefits package that includes annual leave (vacation), sick leave, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement, flexible benefits plans and more.

Pay

Advertised salary: $33,860.53 - $40,632.64, paid semi-monthly.

Schedule

• 40 hours per week
• Days to be worked: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
• 12 months per year (fiscal year)

Employment is contingent upon completing a criminal background check as mandated by Tennessee State University. Official transcripts for positions that require a post-secondary undergraduate degree, advanced degree, and/or certification must be presented upon hire.