Early Education Director, Child & Family Division

Position: Early Education Director, Child & Family Division

Classification: Exempt
Reports to: Currently reports to Senior VP, Child and Family. Intended to report to Sr Director of Program Operations, Child and Family Division when position is filled.
Date: 1/8/2025

JOB DESCRIPTION
Summary/Objective:

The Early Education Director oversees strategic planning for program-wide systems that support continuous advancement of high-quality, comprehensive, research-based, culturally responsive, and data-driven service delivery within the Child & Family Division’s Early Head Start, Head Start, and Foundations for Learning Early Education departments. They provide leadership in the delivery and integration of program services through direct supervision, support, and professional development of Education Managers and assigned content area specialists. They are responsible for ensuring early education services meet and exceed local, state, and federal regulatory guidelines while incorporating the program’s mission, cultural values, and guiding principles into policies and practices.

Essential Functions

1. Oversee systems for regular classroom observations using appropriate research-based tools to assess, document, report on, and strengthen the quality of teacher-child interactions, fidelity of curriculum implementation, appropriate provision and allocation of classroom environment resources, and adherence to health & safety protocols across all early education departments.
2. Supervise, support, and evaluate the performance of direct reports, including regular reflective supervision, development of manager’s skills, providing supportive and constructive feedback, and setting and monitoring progress toward individualized professional development goals in accordance with regulatory guidelines and organizational policies.
3. Support the Sr Director of Program Operations in facilitation of a collaborative process for maintenance of EEC licensing compliance including required reporting and corrective action submission.
4. Partner effectively with program leadership to strengthen interdepartmental collaboration and to develop and implement activities and strategies for engaging parents in the educational aspects of the program in order to improve their understanding of child development and facilitate their role as the principal influence in their child's education and development.
5. In collaboration with program content area specialists, lead the development and maintenance of strong relationships with receiving public schools and other state and community agencies to support healthy transitions to Kindergarten.
6. Provide direct support to the Pyramid Model Implementation Leadership Team and all program staff in using data to assess program progress toward the Pyramid Model Benchmarks of Quality and developing action steps toward program-wide Pyramid Model implementation.
7. In collaboration with the Director of Curriculum Quality and Practice, maintain effective systems for tracking, aggregating, analyzing, and using data to identify program strengths, prioritize distribution of resources, measure the success of program efforts, report to stakeholders, and guide decisions that lead to meeting school readiness outcome goals in alignment with the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework.
8. In collaboration with the Director of Professional Development and Coaching, support implementation and maintenance of effective systems for ensuring all Education Staff develop, implement, track, and analyze Individual Professional Development Plans (IPDP), including plans for coaching.
9. Support implementation of systems to achieve education staff engagement and retention including effective recruitment, selection, orientation, supervision, performance management, and succession planning for education staff.
10. Participate in the planning and implementation of the annual program-level professional development plan aligned with program goals, based on program data, and in compliance with applicable regulatory guidelines.
11. Collaborate with leadership team to develop and document progress toward achievement of annual short-term goals aligned with program long-term goals and objectives.
12. Lead Education team members in active participation in the annual self-assessment process and the facilitation of ongoing action steps in compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards.
13. Address and document staff performance concerns in an appropriate and timely manner, in collaboration with Human Resources team, and in accordance with organization policies.
14. Establish and maintain an environment of cooperation and respect with colleagues in accordance with NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct
15. Maintain strong relationships across C&FS division and identify new opportunities to work together to mutual benefit and the benefit of the community.
16. Promote trauma-informed and inclusive practice in the development and updating of program policies, written materials, and human resources practices.
17. Maintain the highest degree of professionalism at all times, including, but not limited to: adherence to dress code, to NAEYC Code of Ethics, to Child & Family code of conduct, and to consistency of care through regular attendance.
18. As a mandated reporter, recognize and report suspected abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities as required by law.
19. Maintain confidentiality at all times and communicate to others the importance of confidentiality.
20. Other duties as assigned.

Competencies

1. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written & verbal)
2. Expertise in policies/best practices in the delivery of early education and care, developmentally appropriate practice, curriculum/assessment, family systems, licensing compliance, and Head Start program performance standards.
3. Knowledge of and ability to implement effective, research-based adult learning principles.
4. Intermediate computer skills including the use of Windows, Excel, PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, and web-based applications.
5. Takes responsibility for delivery of services as part of team effort in unit/department.
6. Takes initiative in making suggestions for improvement of services.
7. Meets deadlines without causing undue disruption.
8. Utilizes human resources, time, and supplies efficiently.
9. Incorporate organization mission, goals, and policies into daily work to foster an inclusive, supportive, and culturally responsive environment.
10. Positively represents the Dimock Center in all interactions with visitors, families, colleagues, and community partners.

Physical Demands

1. This position is primarily office based. May involve working in classrooms, including indoor and outdoor environments.
2. Duties may require standing and walking, or sitting for long periods of time.
3. May require lifting up to 30 - 40 pounds.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

1. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required.

Required Education and Experience

1. Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field preferred. Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or equivalent coursework in early childhood education with early education teaching experience required.
2. Minimum of five years in a supervisory or leadership role in early education or human services setting
3. Data and outcome management required. Experience in Head Start management desired.
4. Bilingual English-Spanish desired.

Other Duties
Note this job description is not designed to cover a comprehensive listing of duties that are required of the employee for this job. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.

EEO Statement

The Dimock Center values diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of age, color, disability, ethnicity, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other status protected by law.