Early Head Start Manager

SUMMARY:

Educare Lincoln is a collaborative partnership between the Lincoln Public Schools (LPS), University of Nebraska – Lincoln (UNL), Early Head Start (EHS), and the Buffett Early Childhood Fund. The mission of Educare Lincoln is to help young children thrive socially, emotionally, and academically through high-quality early childhood education, and in partnership with their families and the community.  The EHS program (ages 6 weeks to 3 years) and the preschool program (ages 3 years to 5 years) promote school readiness by enhancing the social and cognitive development of children through the provision of evidence-based education, health, nutritional, social, and other services to enrolled children and their families.

The EHS Manager brings knowledge of the EHS and Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS) and assists the Director of Education in leading the staff through positive relationship building and collaboration, reflective supervision, utilization of data, embedded staff development, and the engagement of all children and families to fulfill the vision of Educare Lincoln.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND KEY TASKS:

Leadership

• Help ensure effective services to enrolled children, 6 weeks to 3 years of age, and their families in accordance with HSPPS and Nebraska DHHS Childcare Licensing Regulations.
• Support the implementation of the Child and Adult Food Care Program Regulations.
• Ensure program policies and procedures are updated and followed appropriately.
• Develop reports and relay information to the Early Head Start Policy Council.
• Build and maintain productive collaboration and communication with all staff.
• Participate in the onboarding process and ongoing professional development for Early Head Start staff.
• Assist with monitoring and compliance regarding EHS policies and procedures.
• Oversee the compliance of Eligibility-Recruitment-Selection-Enrollment­Attendance (ERSEA) regulations as described in the HSPPS.

Implementation

• Maintain current understanding of all applicable regulations and guidelines, including but not limited to the Head Start Program Performance Standards, Nebraska DHHS Childcare Licensing Regulations, and CACFP Regulations.
• Collaborate with the leadership team to ensure consistent implementation of policies and procedures throughout all classrooms and to proactively address concerns to prevent any area of non-compliance.
• Perform data management and monitoring processes for required EHS reporting and to measure program effectiveness and goal achievements.

Supervision

• Oversee the day-to-day operations including the supervision of EHS teaching staff and ERSEA Coordinator.
• Participate in the hiring, onboarding, and training of EHS teaching staff.
• Conduct ongoing and annual performance reviews.

Other

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE), or bachelor’s degree in a related field (such as Child Development or Special Education) with ECE coursework required; master’s degree preferred.
• Five or more years of experience in Early Childhood Education required; Early Head Start experience preferred.
• One or more years of supervisory experience preferred.
• Must be able to pass a background check that meets compliance standards.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS / ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Mission-driven with a commitment to making high-quality early care and education available to all children.
• Knowledge of EHS.
• Knowledge of Nebraska child care licensing requirements.
• Knowledge of basic principles and practices of program management and staff supervision.
• Ability to lead an interdisciplinary team of professionals.
• Ability to utilize and provide reflective supervision.
• Ability to effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish supportive relationships with diverse staff and families.
• Ability to demonstrate self-awareness of one's own culture, beliefs, and values.
• Ability to manage time and multiple priorities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, Outlook), office equipment, and other forms of technology.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move center/classroom equipment and supplies weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Valid driver’s license and automobile insurance required.