Director of Early Childhood Education

Job Summary: The Director of Early Childhood Education is responsible for the overall operation and development of the Early Head Start and Head Start programs of Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans (CCANO). She/he is accountable for ensuring that all the Head Start program mandates and standards of excellence are met on a daily basis; this position develops the structure, systems and procedures to facilitate the program mandates and standards of excellence. In addition to the operating responsibility for fiscal, legal, and programmatic aspects of the program, the position bears the responsibility of assuring that the program is strategically positioned for sustainability and growth in the future. Furthermore, this position requires strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills, as well as the ability to manage multiple projects while being attentive to details. It requires the ability to function independently as a leader, appropriately delegating and partnering with a management team. The Program Director is responsible for recruiting and maintaining administrative staff and a staff of educators dedicated to ensuring the fulfillment of the mission and vision of the agency. The Program Director must posess a commitment to excellence in education that inspires and leads a healthy, cooperative team culture.

Duties/Responsibilities
Essential Job Functions:
•Assures the compliance with all funding source mandates, all applicable laws and regulations, and assures that standards which exceed the minimum are being met.
•Provides guidance and leadership to staff to emphasize the importance of the program achieving high standards of quality, internally and through public and private sector partnerships.
•Reviews and analyzes monthly financial and statistical reports to assess the budget status and to initiate preventative measures if any problems appear to be predicated.
•Oversees and monitors agreements for the purchasing of goods and services assures that bids are solicited in accordance with state and federal regulations.
•In conjunction with the Family Services Coordinator, assures that the program serves the number of eligible children for which it is funded.
•Reads management and leadership materials and program-related materials to keep abreast of developments in comprehensive early childhood programs.
•Works with other organizations in the community to foster collaboration as defined by federal Head Start.
•In conjunction with the management team, staff and Policy Council, leads planning meetings in which long and short-term goals for improvement are established.
•Conducts a complete Community Assessment every three years and an up-date during the intervening years.
•With input from program participants, management team and staff, develops a funding application every year.
•In conjunction with the Board of Directors, Division Director, and management team seeks additional outside funding for the program; meets the non-federal share requirement.
•Facilitates the continuing professional development of all staff as part of the commitment to excellence.
•Monitors the implementation of the responsibilities of employees through observation, monthly supervisory meetings, team meetings, and review of files and documentation.
•Assumes an active role in the annual program self-assessment.
•Assures remediation of any non-compliances found in grantee assessment, and incorporates recommendations into planning for the improvement of the program.
•Provides and/or secures training and technical assistance for all staff.
•Maintains a close working relationship with the Head Start Business Manager which provides the Director with information for budget writing and the status of the budget to facilitate effective oversight of expenditures.
•Hears and resolves community complaints about the program, seeking input from staff, parents, Policy Council, or the Board, as needed.
•Carries out the function delineated in procedures for staff grievances.
•Hires, and if necessary, fires staff, complying with applicable laws, regulations, agency personnel policies and procedures, and Policy Council input.
•Completes and submits regular reports to the funding sources, the Board of Directors, and the Policy Council.
•Monitors the program's administrative cost, assuring it does not exceed the allowed amount.
•Monitors the program's non-federal share to assure that the amount required is met. Meets with staff, parents, and the Board to develop strategies for increasing the amount of the program's accumulated non-federal share, if necessary.
•Maintains open lines of communications with the grantee personnel.
•Negotiates final contracts for space, seeking to secure the lowest rate possible.
•In consultation with the School Readiness Coordinator, assures that classrooms and playgrounds are well-equipped and that teachers are performing to required standards.
•Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills & Abilities
•Sustained concentration and ability to handle multiple tasks often simultaneously.
•Significant diagnostic and problem solving skills.
•Ability to direct and assess the performance of program supervisors and consultants.
•Ability to handle highly stressful and sensitive situations in a professional manner.
•Ability to interpret and implement complex policies and regulations.
•Ability to work independently and maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.
•Ability to exercise tact and discretion in all employee interactions.
•Frequent sitting for long periods using computer keyboard, telephone and other office machines.
•Strong organization and time management skills, ability to meet tight deadlines.

Physical Requirements: Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Sitting, Standing, Walking, Talking, sitting at a desk, and working on a computer. Must be able to lift fifteen pounds at times. Physical Demands: Sedentary physical activity performing non-strenuous daily activities of an administrative nature.
A.Stand less than 33% of time on duty.
B.Walk less than 33% of the time on duty.
C.Sit between 33% and 66% of time on duty.
D.Use of hands to finger, handle or feel over 66% of time on duty.
E.Reach with hands or arms less than 33% of time.
F.Full ability to talk and hear.
G.Correctable vision required.
H.Able to lift/carry up to 15 lbs.

Minimum Educational and General Qualifications:
•Minimum Bachelor's Degree (Master's Degree strongly preferred) in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Social Work, or Public Administration.
•Minimum of 3 year experience in Head Start
•Significant knowledge of State licensing requirements and Head Start Performance Standards. Strong knowledge of best practices and systems in the field of early childhood.
•Experience in program administration, including program planning, operations and evaluation, and the use of management information systems.
•Demontrated leadership experience.
•Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to work as part of a team.
•Strong computer skills, including internet and e-mail, excel and the ability to learn new systems as needed
•Regular access to a reliable vehicle, and valid driver's license.
•Ability to pass a health examination and criminal background check. Ability to work effectively with minimal daily guidance.

All candidates for employment with CCANO must submit to a criminal records check as a condition of employment. 

New employees will be required to complete a criminal background check prior to employment.

Compliance with the State of LA Child Protection Act and Archdiocese Policy on Abuse and Neglect, to provide for the safety and security of all clients served by CCANO programs. 

Certain programs require additional background checks in addition to the Archdiocesan check.  These may include the "State Police Check " and

" The Department of Education".