Head Start Education and Disabilities Manager - Pre-K

BENEFITS: This is a benefit-eligible position that includes employer-paid health insurance, low-cost voluntary benefit options such as dental, vision, life insurance, & long-term disability insurance; vacation & personal leave; paid holidays; & 401k eligible after 1 year of employment. Ravalli Head Start Inc. qualifies as a public student loan forgiveness employer!

JOB SUMMARY: This position has overall responsibility and oversight of the education & disability services for the Head Start preschool program in Ravalli County. This position has technical and administrative supervision over preschool teaching staff and collaborates with agencies to access early intervention services for qualifying children.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Responsible for supervising the Pre-K Teachers, Classroom Aides, Education Assistant, Substitute Teachers, and Education Coach

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Program Planning and Implementation:

1. Primary responsibility for the following areas in the Head Start Performance Standards.

• Education and Child Development Services to include teaching and learning environment, curricula, child screenings and assessments, parent and family engagement in education and child development services
• Additional Services for Children with Disabilities to include full participatioin in program services and activities, additional services for children, additional services for parents, and coordination and collaboration with LEA's for implementing IDEA.
• Transition Services to include transitions from Early Head Start and transitions to Kindergarten

2. Provide leadership and sets the standards for safe, nurturing, and high-quality learning environments for enrolled children.

3. Set goals and objectives to meet the education and the disabilities’ requirements in Head Start Performance Standards and best practices in early childhood education.

4. Ensure timely developmental screenings for enrolled children and coordinates referral and evaluation processes for children in need of early intervention services.

5. Ensure implementation of research- based curriculum and assessment requirements.

6. Recruit and assign substitute teaching staff, when and where necessary.

7. Confer regularly with teaching staff regarding behavior supports and individualization of curriculum to meet children’s needs.

8. Work closely with families to support their child’s access to IDEA services and support transitions to next placement, as appropriate.

Monitoring & Evaluation:

1. Develop and implement a plan and system for monitoring and evaluating services to ensure compliance with regulations and implementation of effective teaching practices.

2. Review and evaluates existing programs with teams of staff, parents and Policy Council members for compliance with the performance standards, regulations and best practices.

3. Study and prepares recommendations on assessment processes, instructional materials, teaching practices, and related equipment.

4. Submit a monthly report on the component activity and status to the Director, Policy Council & Board of Directors.

Supervise preparation and maintenance of lesson plans and curriculum implementation.

Fiscal & Record Keeping:

1. Recommend allocation of budgeted funds for education and disability services supplies and equipment to meet program needs.

Supervision:

1. Exercise direct supervision over Preschool Teachers, Classroom Aides, Substitute Teachers, and Education Coach.

2. Support teaching staff in their supervision of Preschool Assistant Teachers.

3. Provide effective leadership that ensures high quality education services.

4. Update and revise job descriptions as needed.

5. Review, understand and implement Ravalli Head Start, Inc. recruitment and selection procedures to assure consistency and compliance with EEO, legal hiring practices and internal policies and procedures.

6. Set job standards for subordinate employees; conduct ongoing observations and provide responsive, relationship-based feedback.

7. Complete performance appraisals in a timely manner.

8. Maintain familiarity with the personnel policies and procedures and assures that subordinates are aware of these and any changes that may occur.

9. Make appropriate personnel decisions that do not require higher approval, and submit others as a recommendation to the Head Start Director.

10. Take required disciplinary action following the grievance procedure and EEO requirements.

Training:

1. Determine appropriate training needs to meet the program goals and objectives, and Head Start credentialing requirements.

2. Develop and provide in-service training programs and orientation for teaching staff.

3. Complete professional development plans; support and monitor plan implementation.

4. Maintain training files for all employees.

5. Coordinate coaching program to meet the needs of teaching staff and program requirements.

6. Performs other related duties as assigned.

PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT:

• Must maintain confidentiality. Use discretion and confidentiality with matters of families and program as appropriate.
• Establish and maintain a relationship of trust and respect with co-workers and families.
• Establish and maintain professional boundaries with parents when handling program and personal issues.
• Communication techniques and expectations:
• Model effective communication
• Use appropriate channels and staff to problem-solve and refer families.
• Meet problem situations with understanding and diplomacy.
• Use a professional attitude and approach to working with parents, co-workers and community volunteers.
• Participate and promote a positive working relationship with all staff and Head Start families.

WORK PLACE CONDUCT

1. Must attend and actively participate in required meetings, workshops, trainings, in-service trainings, committees, etc.

2. Initiate and assume responsibility for own learning to keep current of job related

Issues and best practices.

3. Seek training and/or assistance to implement improvements when needed.

4. Support all program activities, know and promote the goals and objectives of Ravalli Head Start Inc. Be familiar with and adhere to the Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS).

5. Be familiar with and adhere to Program Policies and Procedures.

6. Cooperate with co-workers and respect their opinions and contributions. Share

Materials and ideas readily with co-workers.

7. Manage time and prioritize a busy schedule.

8. Practice stress management that is job related.

9. Be prepared and punctual for meetings and work.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

· Valid Montana Driver’s License, an acceptable driving record

· Must have a telephone or other means of immediate communication

· Progressive experience working directly with children and in adult supervisory roles.

EDUCATION:

· A bachelor's degree in early childhood education or related bachelor’s degree with coursework equivalent to a major in early childhood education.

· Other combinations of education and experience will be evaluated on an individual basis.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

· Demonstrated knowledge of early childhood education & early intervention services.

· Demonstrated knowledge of program planning.

· Demonstrated knowledge of supervisory techniques and practices.

· Demonstrated knowledge of basic fiscal accountability.

· Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through continuous development, modeling inclusive behaviors, and proactively managing bias.

· Ability to relate well and maintain effective working relationships with staff, families, consultants, and other agencies.

· Ability to work flexibly as part of a team.

· Ability to respect and promote the unique identity of each child.

· Demonstrated ability to maintain all information in strict confidentiality.

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

· Supervised by the Deputy Director

· Maintains supervisory authority over Education staff

· Works closely with other area managers and coordinators

· Has frequent contact with Parents, Board Members, Policy Council Members, and School District Personnel

LEVEL OF INDEPENDENT DISCRETION; CONSEQUENCE OF ACTIONS:

This person exercises a high level of independence in making decisions and commitments within the parameters of corporate policies and procedures. Significant errors in judgment may endanger the health and safety of children or staff and may cause serious financial and/or legal repercussions for RHS, Inc.

SPECIAL AND/OR PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Essential physical requirements:

• Ability to lift/carry 50 lbs;
• Sufficient mobility and strength to repeatedly sit, stand, balance, stoop, walk, bend, reach, kneel, crouch, and have full range of body motion;
• Sufficient vision and hearing to perform job duties;
• Sufficient manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination to perform job duties;
• Have clear vision for close tasks such as working with computers. Keyboards/screens and paper documents.
• This position works in multiple classroom settings and a business office.

This position may be required to work outside of business hours as necessary to meet the needs of program requirements.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $25.59 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

• Hamilton, MT 59840: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $26