What are the responsibilities and job description for the Head Start School Readiness Program Manager position at Southwest Human Development?
A positive future for every child
Southwest Human Development is Arizona’s largest nonprofit dedicated to early childhood development. The first five years of life are the most critical in a child’s development. At Southwest Human Development, our services improve lives and help families by supporting young children and their caregivers during this important time.
Your skills, experience, and passion are needed at one of the nation’s largest nonprofits dedicated to early childhood development. Join our team and experience a long-term career that brings joy and satisfaction in knowing you make a difference. We offer over 40 programs and services to more than 140,000 children.
Why choose us?
- You will be rewarded with benefits, including day one zero contribution health plan options, wellness programming, and generous paid time off.
- You will benefit from high-quality paid training to promote professional growth and development.
- You will enjoy a supportive and collaborative work environment.
Job title: School Readiness Program Manager
As the School Readiness Program Manager, you will oversee the implementation of and monitor the delivery and quality of daily operations and learning experiences within a designated district, participate in long-term planning and program development activities, and provide reflective supervision in support of relationship-based work.
In this role, you will:
Oversee service delivery within a designated district and specific sites as part of a management team. Addresses daily operational challenges proactively, ensuring smooth workflow and efficient solutions. Supervises Child Development Managers (CDM) in the planning and implementation of high-quality programming. Provides coaching to (CDM), fostering strong leadership skills and professional growth.
Implement the program’s approach to supporting staff in assessing child progress and individualizing children in the different service options. Ensures high-quality service delivery by supporting staff in implementing curriculum and applying effective teaching practices, while prioritizing the health and safety of enrolled children and staff.
Facilitate collaboration within the integrated services team to ensure high-quality early childhood development, mental health, health, nutrition, safe environments, and disability services. Supports the Assistant Director to plan, develop, and monitor program services, policies, and procedures. Drives continuous improvement of Head Start services in alignment with the Head Start Act, Performance Standards, and 5-Year Goals and Objectives, and upholds the agency's mission, philosophy, Core Values, and Code of Ethics.
What it takes:
- BA/ BS or MA in Early Childhood Education, Social Work, Family Studies, or related field of Education with any combination of either; an emphasis in ECE
- Minimum 2 years of supervisory experience in ECE programming
- Knowledge of early childhood developmentally appropriate practice (DAP)
- An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted
- Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards
- Ability to speak, write, and read Spanish preferred
- Certification in First Aid/CPR, Food Handler’s Card, and Fingerprint Clearance Card required
- Functional knowledge of Arizona Childcare Licensing Requirements
Learn more!
Our core values embody Southwest Human Development’s commitment to services that uplift the lives of children, families, and other care providers, and the communities in which they live. These values are intended to guide the professional development, ethical conduct, and skilled practice of all our staff, whatever their specific role within the agency. All staff are valued as making essential contributions to strengthening the foundation that Arizona’s children need for a great start in life. Learn more about our values and benefits here.
