EDUCATION MANAGER

Under the guidance of the Associate Director of Programs and Education, the Education Manager plays a key role in shaping the learning experiences of young children while also fostering meaningful relationships with families and staff. This position is responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing early childhood education programs, including Head Start (HS), Early Head Start (EHS), State Preschool, and QPI. The Education Manager ensures that children receive high-quality, developmentally appropriate education in a safe and welcoming environment, meeting all local, state, and federal standards. Beyond compliance, this role is about building a nurturing learning community that values the diverse backgrounds, cultures, and languages of the children and families we serve.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Education Manager serves as a leader, mentor, and advocate, ensuring that curriculum, teaching strategies, and program operations meet compliance requirements and high-quality standards.

Key responsibilities include:

Program Oversight and Compliance

• Provide programmatic oversight to ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, California Title 5 and Title 22 regulations, QRIS, DRDP, and CLASS assessment standards.
• Conduct regular classroom observations using research-based assessment tools such as CLASS to monitor teacher-child interactions and identify areas for improvement.
• Work closely with peer managers and center directors to maintain high-quality learning environments and ensure all program sites meet safety and licensing standards.
• Develop, implement, and monitor school readiness goals in alignment with federal and state guidelines.

Curriculum and Instructional Leadership

• Guide and support center directors, teachers, and education staff in implementing evidence-based curricula such as Creative Curriculum, HighScope, or Frog Street.
• Ensure individualized lesson planning that incorporates child assessments, family input, and cultural relevance.
• Support teachers in integrating social-emotional learning (SEL) strategies, trauma-informed practices, and dual-language learning approaches.
• Lead data-driven decision-making by analyzing child outcome data to refine curriculum implementation and improve student learning experiences.

Professional Development and Staff Support

• Supervise and coach a team of education specialists and support staff, ensuring they have the training and resources needed to excel.
• Provide ongoing professional development on curriculum fidelity, instructional best practices, and child development research.
• Collaborate with Human Resources on staff recruitment, retention, and credentialing to ensure all teaching staff meet state and federal requirements.

Collaboration with Community Engagement & Economic Mobility

• Work with Community Engagement & Economic Mobility staff to develop strategies that empower parents as partners in their child’s education, including workshops and home learning resources.
• Support family service staff in assisting families with Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs) and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in collaboration with school districts and early intervention providers.
• Ensure that parent communication is culturally and linguistically appropriate, fostering strong relationships between families and educational staff.

Quality Assurance and Continuous Improvement

• Partner with Quality Assurance, Compliance, Training & Development, and Evaluation teams to monitor, track, and share program data and performance.
• Participate in Program Self-Assessment and Federal Monitoring Reviews, leading action plans for continuous quality improvement.
• Utilize child assessment data (e.g., DRDP, CLASS, COR Advantage) to track program effectiveness and identify trends.
• Stay informed on emerging research and best practices in early childhood education, child development, and equity-focused teaching strategies.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

Knowledge of:

• Early childhood education program management, with a strong foundation in curriculum development, assessment, and compliance.
• Coaching and mentoring teachers to improve instructional quality.
• Understanding and appreciating the cultural and linguistic diversity of the families we serve.
• Analyzing program data and using it to drive strategic improvements.
• Leadership and collaboration skills to work effectively with peer managers, center directors, and external partners.
• Thriving in a fast-paced, highly regulated environment, ensuring that all compliance requirements are met while fostering innovation.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/CERTIFICATION

• Minimum Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• At least five years of progressive leadership experience in an early childhood education setting.
• Expertise in Head Start/Early Head Start, State Preschool, and other publicly funded early education programs.
• Strong understanding of Title 5, Title 22, DRDP, QRIS, and CLASS assessment tools.
• Experience supervising and coaching teachers in a culturally responsive manner.
• Proficiency in data collection, reporting, and program evaluation.
• Bilingual skills (English/Spanish) highly preferred.