Head Start Center Manager Oak Harbor - Early Childhood Program Specialist 4

Position Summary

Head Start is a federal program that has been serving vulnerable children and families for more than half a century. We serve people experiencing homelessness, poverty, involvement in the foster system or child protective system, or any other family stressors that qualifying families may be experiencing. Head Start classrooms do not expel or exclude children due to behavioral issues or disabilities and special needs of any kind. We recognize instead that individualizing for the specific needs of every child in a nurturing and supportive environment is how we best help all children reach kindergarten healthy and ready to learn. Center staff will have a responsibility to support the needs of all children in their classrooms.

The Opportunity: Does making a difference in the lives of young children and their families sound like your calling? Do you have experience providing leadership in an Early Learning setting? If you’re interested in taking your Early Learning career to the next level, we encourage you to learn more about the Head Start Center Manager, Early Childhood Program Specialist 4 (ECPS4) position.

Oak Harbor Head Start is accepting applications for Center Manager (ECPS4). Head Start/Early Head Start (HS/EHS) promotes the school readiness of young children from low-income and vulnerable families by providing comprehensive services in early learning, health, and family well-being. HS/EHS teachers and staff look at the child holistically, individualizing for the needs of each child.

The Head Start Center Manager provides leadership of the day-to-day operations of a center which provides Head Start and/or Early Head Start classes. Center Managers are leaders in the program, modeling values of openness and respectful, brave communication as they support the center teams. Center Managers work with the Administrative Services Program Manager to help ensure the facility remains in good condition. They also work closely with the Program Managers for support as needed for themselves and their team.

This position will be assigned to an initial primary center location within the specified area, and may be moved on a temporary basis, or reassigned to a different primary location within that same specified area if required to support program operations and effective centers. The Center Manager may perform the tasks of any subordinate position as needed due to staff absence. Travel to other locations will be required for some pre-scheduled meetings and trainings. May require occasional alternate work schedule to support needs of families, such as Parent Nights and Activities. This position ensures compliance with the Office of Head Start Program Performance Standards and the Head Start Act.

Center Managers are a critical link between the program leadership and the center teams. They must model a curious, learning mindset, giving and receiving feedback in clear and honest conversations, whether with staff or family members. They interact with other professionals in a positive, solution-focused, and respectful manner. Center Managers are also frequently collaborators with School District and Special Education partners, and demonstrate these skills in those relationships as well.

This is a classified, grant-funded 12 month full-time position, working 40 hours per week. This position is eligible for excellent employer-sponsored benefits. The incumbent will usually work Monday through Friday. These positions are dependent upon continued grant funding. Applications submitted may be considered for future vacancies that occur.

The Location: Skagit Valley College is on the traditional and unceded territories of the Coast Salish People’s, especially on Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, Upper Skagit Indian Tribe, Samish Indian Nation, Nooksack Indian Tribe and Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe. Located in a geographically diverse region between the dynamic metropolitan hubs of Seattle and Vancouver, BC, SVC is never far from world-class outdoor recreation, urban arts scenes, and local cultural events. SVC serves our local communities with a campus in Mount Vernon, Oak Harbor on Whidbey Island, and centers in Friday Harbor, a Marine Technology Center in Anacortes, and a Brewing Academy in Burlington.

Mission: Skagit Valley College cultivates student learning and achievement; contributes to the educational, personal, and economic success of students; and promotes equitable and thriving communities.

Vision: The primary focus of Skagit Valley College is student-centered teaching and learning. We are committed to:

• Equitable student outcomes in access, achievement, and community;
• Our Guiding Principles;
• Decisions based on strategy and evidence;
• The development of our employees;
• A diverse and inclusive college community where everyone belongs.

• An unrelenting focus on our mission to improve the lives of our students and to strengthen our diverse community.
• Support for innovative teaching, learning, and scholarship.
• Exciting opportunities for personal and career growth.
• Diverse cultural and environmental benefits of rural, suburban and urban lifestyles.
• Friendly, supportive, and diverse work environments.
• Excellent benefits including competitive leave packages and an array of health, dental, vision, and retirement plans to meet your current and future needs.

Duties and Responsibilities

General Center Management

• Complete monthly checklists on time and accurately.
• Manage center budget and procure supplies following program policies
• Maintain inventory of furniture, materials and supplies.
• Assist with collection of, and submit monthly in-kind paperwork
• Facilitate recruitment, interviewing, and onboarding of hourly aides, volunteers, and interns/practicum students.
• Create and develop a yearly center calendar to ensure compliance with required annual class hours.
• Coordinate facility maintenance.
• Collaborate with partner organizations for shared services (transportation, food services, etc.).
• Collaborate with center staff to develop, monitor and document progress towards center goals.
• Welcome children, parents, staff and all visitors to the center.

• Communicate regularly with program managers.
• Participate in program training and professional development activities.
• Participate in opportunities for program information sharing and planning.
• Meet regularly with administrative services manager/supervisor to discuss center operations, staff concerns, and items on monthly checklists.
• Enter, collect, analyze, and share accurate and relevant center and program data

• Ensure staff understand and perform job roles consistent with program expectations and seek support when needed.
• Ensure staff requirements are up-to-date.
• Arrange coverage for staff absences.
• Report unusual absences or substitute usage to Administrative Services Manager.
• Complete yearly performance evaluations for center staff according to program and college expectations.
• Meet regularly with all staff to discuss professional goals and goal progress as defined in performance evaluations (PDPs).
• Track progress on any education plans.
• Coordinate, conduct and document team gatherings/meetings at the center

• Ensure Active Supervision plan is in place and used consistently.
• Promote and advocate for staff wellness at the center and within program.
• Oversee USDA/CACFP food program requirements in collaboration with food service staff.
• Ensure monthly drills (fire, earthquake, flood, etc) are conducted and documented in collaboration with teaching staff.

• Dedicate time monthly to support teachers in their work plan, including MDT / IEP (Special Education) meeting.
• Facilitate a review of child outcomes.
• Work collaboratively (communicate) with Lead Educational Agencies (Part B/C), school district and other community partners (Special Education providers, e.g., SPARC, Steps, B=pre, C=early) with the disability lead as needed.
  

• Coordinate bi-lingual communication as needed.
• Schedule and coordinate family reviews with center staff and coordinate follow up with family services staff.
  

• Support program recruitment in coordination with ERSEA program manager.
• Complete intake and program orientation with families.
• Coordinate with family service staff to develop attendance improvement plans for children with a pattern of absenteeism.

• Early childhood education theory and NAEYC best practices, including child development, developmentally appropriate practices for typically developing children and children with special needs, naturalistic and formal means of assessment, individualizing, planning, special services, referrals, developing and maintaining a classroom environment and routines and classroom management.
• Applicable safety laws, regulations, and other standards to establish and/or maintain a safe work environment.
• Family systems and dynamics relating to families in crises (example: child neglect or abuse; drug abuse; domestic violence; etc.) and experience working with families in crisis and with community resources in protecting children and supporting families in crisis.
• Working knowledge of computer use including word processing, worksheets, email, and internet.

• Resourcefulness in Problem Solving: Use intelligence, common sense, hard work and tenacity to solve particularly difficult or complicated challenges.
• Results Orientation & Initiative: Focus on results and desired outcomes and how best to achieve them. Identify what needs to be done and proactively take appropriate action. Know when to reach out to leadership for information and support
• Relationship Building: Build constructive working relationships characterized by a high level of acceptance, cooperation and mutual regard.
• Fiscal Accountability: Responsibly and accurately handle the public’s money when processing financial transactions and/or committing fiscal resources. Consistently follow applicable fiscal guidelines, regulations, principles and standards.

• Read, understand and interpret official federal, state and local documentation including, but not limited to, Head Start Performance Standards and Skagit/Islands Head Start Policies and Procedures.
• Effectively organize multiple assignments, sometimes of a complex nature or involving competing priorities, to produce work products that are accurate, thorough, complete and on time.
• Effectively communicate information for the purpose of having others learn, understand, and apply specific principles, techniques, or information.
• Clearly communicate job role expectations, positively confront performance issues and support needed changes, and implement disciplinary action according to college procedures when needed.
• Effectively handle highly stressful or adverse situations associated with center management, making good decisions, working calmly and accurately, and helping to calm others.
• Respond to difficult, stressful or sensitive interpersonal situations in ways that reduce or minimize potential conflict and maintains good working relationships among internal and external customers.
• Actively take steps to build a cohesive and results-oriented team that is able to respond to changes, needs and challenges associated with helping children from low-income families in a rural setting become school ready.
• Treat everyone with respect; respect the talents and contributions of all individuals. Decisiveness: Make timely decisions without sacrificing quality even under ambiguous circumstances or when data is limited.
• Demonstrate an ongoing commitment to learning and self-improvement.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate’s Degree or higher in Early Childhood Education (ECE), Human Services, Education or related field with four (4) years experience in early childhood settings, inlcuding experience in administration, leadership, management or supervision.

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Early Childhood Education (ECE), Human Services, Education or related field ith four (4) years experience in early childhood settings, inlcuding experience in administration, leadership, management or supervision
• Knowledge of or familiarity with the Head Start program.
• Multilingual in English and Spanish.

• Meet all federally mandated requirements related to the Head Start program, including but not limited to continuing educational requirements and all Washington State laws and College policies related to the Head Start program and SVC employment;
• Have, or ability to obtain by the time of hire, a Washington State driver's license or equivalent, and proof of auto insurance;
• Prior to employment, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

Salary, Benefits, Conditions of Employment, Application Procedure, About SVC

• Salary is based on Range 49, Step C, $4,517 per month with periodic increments to $5,643 per month. Salary range is $4299 - $5643 per month. Starting salary may be dependent on education, qualifications, and experience. Salary and benefits are subject to change in accordance with legislative mandates and collective bargaining agreements.
• This position is eligible for overtime pay in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act.
• This is a union represented position subject to a collective bargaining agreement.
• Retirement, medical and insurance benefits are provided in accordance with state regulations. Additional information on benefits can be found at https://fortress.wa.gov/hca/pebbhealthplan/compare.aspx.

• Prior to employment, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

• A MERIT background check including fingerprints through Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF); MERIT PBC Application
• If hired you will be required to provide proof that you are either 1) a U.S. citizen, or 2) an immigrant whose status permits you to lawfully work in this country.

• an initial health examination indicating freedom from communicable diseases;
• proof of a Tuberculosis (TB) test taken within 12 months prior to initial employment date;
• proof of immunization for measles, mumps and rubella vaccination OR proof of immunity from measles;
• CPR/First Aid card;
• a current Food Handlers permit;

• Meet all federally mandated requirements related to the Head Start program, including but not limited to continuing educational requirements and all Washington State laws and College policies related to the Head Start program and SVC employment;
• Have, or ability to obtain by the time of hire, a Washington State driver's license or equivalent, and proof of auto insurance;
• Prior to employment, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

• In the interest of providing a healthy, safe and secure educational and work environment, and in order to meet the requirements of federal legislation, it is the policy of Skagit Valley College to maintain an alcohol and drug-free workplace for our employees and students.
• If hired you will be required to provide proof of identity and documentation of U.S. Citizenship or appropriate authorization to work in this position as required by the Immigration Reform Control Act of 1986.
• This classification is included in the classified staff bargaining unit, represented by the Washington Public Employees Association, WPEA.

• Meet the minimum qualifications and;
• Submit a complete application to the online recruitment system at www.skagit.edu that includes the following:

• The online application, which includes answers to all supplemental questions and contact information for at least three (3) professional references;
• A current resume; (Attachment: Resume)
• A cover letter addressing how your education and experience relate to the duties and responsibilities of the position (Attachment: Cover Letter).