Early childhood Director/Headstart Director

Job Overview
The Early Childhood Director is a key leadership role responsible for managing the daily operations of our early childhood education program. This individual will ensure the delivery of high-quality educational services by overseeing curriculum implementation, supervising staff, and ensuring compliance with DCFS, Head Start, and other regulatory requirements. The Director will also be responsible for maintaining up-to-date teacher and child files, overseeing the completion of Head Start paperwork, and ensuring all staff receive the required annual 15 hours of professional development. Additional responsibilities include coordinating health and nutrition paperwork for the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), supporting classroom quality, and leading efforts to recruit and maintain full enrollment. This role plays a vital part in creating a safe, nurturing, and inclusive learning environment for children and families.

Responsibilities: Early Childhood Director / Head Start Director

Key Responsibilities:

Program Management

• Supervise and evaluate program supervisors and consultants.
• Ensure full compliance with Head Start Performance Standards and all federal, state, and local regulations.
• Develop and implement strategic initiatives to support program goals.
• Oversee development and delivery of curriculum and child development services.
• Implement internal monitoring systems to maintain program accountability and quality.
• Identify areas of improvement and lead quality enhancement efforts.

Staff Leadership & Development

• Hire, onboard, train, and evaluate staff in alignment with Head Start standards.
• Ensure each staff member completes a minimum of 15 annual professional development hours.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and professional work culture.
• Provide coaching, mentorship, and support to teaching and administrative staff.

Community & Family Engagement

• Support and promote strong parent and family engagement practices.
• Maintain and strengthen community partnerships to expand services and support.
• Advocate for the needs of children and families within and beyond the program.

Administrative & Operational Oversight

• Ensure all child and staff files are accurate and up to date.
• Manage Head Start and CACFP (Child and Adult Care Food Program) paperwork and reporting.
• Monitor classroom ratios and ensure that enrollment meets capacity requirements.
• Support the enrollment and recruitment of eligible families and children.
• Work closely with an Administrative Assistant who will assist with maintaining organized documentation and processing program paperwork.

Record-Keeping & Communication

• Maintain consistent and transparent communication with staff, vendors, and external partners.
• Ensure accurate and timely documentation for compliance and reporting purposes.
• Assist with grant applications and reporting as needed.

Other Responsibilities

• Participate in required meetings, trainings, and interagency collaborations.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of program goals and operations.

Skills

• Leadership & Supervision – Ability to manage, mentor, and support early childhood staff and ensure high-quality instruction and care.
• Strong Knowledge of Early Childhood Education (ECE) – Understanding of child development, curriculum implementation, and learning standards (including Head Start Performance Standards).
• Regulatory Compliance – Familiarity with DCFS, Head Start, CACFP, and other local, state, and federal requirements.
• Effective Communication – Strong verbal and written communication skills for working with staff, families, and community partners.
• Organizational & Time Management Skills – Ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and manage daily program operations efficiently.
• Problem-Solving & Decision-Making – Quick thinking and good judgment to address classroom or operational issues as they arise.
• Staff Development & Training – Capacity to coordinate professional development, mentor new teachers, and ensure continuing education hours.
• Cultural Competency – Sensitivity to and understanding of diverse family backgrounds, including migrant and multilingual populations.
• Family & Community Engagement – Skills in building partnerships and engaging families in their children's education.
• Technology Proficiency – Comfortable using systems for attendance, documentation, and state/federal compliance reporting.
• Budget Awareness – Basic understanding of budgeting and resource allocation (even if not the main person handling the budget).
• Crisis Management – Ability to respond calmly and effectively in emergencies or unexpected situations.
• Team Collaboration – Strong interpersonal skills to foster a supportive and respectful team culture.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $18.50 - $20.00 per hour

Expected hours: 35 – 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Professional development assistance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person

Salary : $19 - $20