Director of Head Start

POSITION PURPOSE: The Director of Head Start is responsible for maintaining a developmentally appropriate program of quality preschool and child care in an environment where organizational values are integrated and demonstrated. The Director is responsible and accountable for the total program and services of Head Start of LaPorte County.

WORK CONDUCT:

• Maintains a positive and enthusiastic attitude.
• Works harmoniously and effectively with staff and the public.
• Arrives to work on time.
• Keeps work space clean and organized.
• Stays awake and alert while on work time.
• Works a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends as assigned.
• Works the full hours per week for the position.
• Effectively works under stressful situations with problem customers.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• As a human services organization, must maintain a positive and enthusiastic attitude to promote early childhood learning, create a positive work culture, encourage a collaborative working environment, and reinforce a strong service and support approach (both internally and externally).
• Maintain consistent overview of the program to ensure that all services, and systems are developed in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards and licensing requirements.
• Oversee the strategic planning process for Head Start. Work effectively with appropriate staff and other stakeholders to complete tasks.
• Maintain strong and active relationships with community partners premised on open communication, solution-oriented, information-sharing, and collaboration.
• Maintain frequent contact with staff, parents, community leaders and service providers to exchange information, promote the values of the agency and advocate for program participants.
• Give presentations to community groups regarding the Head Start program when necessary.
• Work as part of the management team in long- and short-term planning.
• Participate in corporate activities and/or committees as assigned.
• Adhere to all agency policies & procedures, as well as follow all statutory or regulatory directives.
• Creates and oversees a budget for Head Start services that is fiscally responsible, reporting on changes as needed.
• Preserve confidentially and discretion when dealing with non-public and private information.
• Maintain a safe environment, observe Universal Precautions as appropriate, and use protective equipment as necessary.
• Assist in direct service to children whenever called upon, and/or otherwise necessary.
• The Physical Requirements, Cognitive Requirements, and Communication Skills as provided below are essential functions of this position.
• The above-described essential functions are not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities of the position—the position will also include any other duties needed to help drive our vision, fulfill our mission, or support our organizational values.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Attend Head Start specific and corporate meetings.
• Must be highly responsible, responsive, organized, efficient, and able to learn independently.
• Must be able to handle confidential material appropriately.
• Moderate driving for meetings, site visits, or other job-related responsibilities.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND EDUCATION:

• Bachelor's Degree and one to three years’ professional experience, including grant writing

supervision of staff, fiscal management, and administration.

• Demonstrated experience and knowledge of early childhood educational best practices and policies.
• Ability to work independently. Skilled in taking initiative, including self-learning, is essential.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS (also Essential Functions):

• Must be able to work well with stakeholders of all types (e.g., internal staff, community groups, school

systems, child care providers, etc.)

• Must have excellent verbal and written communications skills.
• Ability to convey complex concepts in easily understood terms to a variety of audiences.
• Ability to formulate complex and comprehensive materials such as agreements, Memorandums of

understanding, problem-solving documents, etc.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS (also Essential Functions)

• Physical capability, strength and coordination adequate to work with preschool children including,

kneeling, stooping, bending, and sitting on the floor.

• Ability to visually assess the health and behaviors of children.
• Ability to supervise preschool children and ensure a safe learning environment including the ability to monitor and respond to events going on at all times in classroom, outdoor play areas and on field trips.

This includes the ability to move quickly to respond to very active children and to redirect or restrain in

order to ensure their safety or the safety of others in the environment.

• Occasional lifting in excess of 50 lbs., occasionally placing children into seats and ability to carry or drag

a child in an emergency situation to a safe area.

• Occasional climbing steps to enter and exit buses.

MENTAL REQUIREMENTS (also Essential Functions):

• Ability to exercise professional conduct in the workplace. Conduct oneself with decorum while representing the LaPorte County Head Start and Paladin.
• Ability to respond calmly and appropriately to an emergency or a crisis situation.
• Ability to make decision that have a significant impact on Paladin’s credibility, operations, and services.
• Ability to apply principles of leadership and management in daily practice.
• Ability to understand complex problems and to collaborate and explore alternative solutions.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT:

• Required computer/technology literacy: word processing, database, internet, spreadsheets, e-mail, voice mail, Windows software, fax, photocopy machines, etc.
• Ability to maintain records on a computerized database tracking system and/or other electronic system as necessary

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• Occasionally requires to change work and/or personal schedules to meet time requirements.