Center Director (Early Childcare)

The Center Director is responsible for promoting the mission of ABCD Head Start & Children’s Services; building an understanding of the center by communicating this mission to staff, families and the community.

This position must comply with all federal, state and local laws, regulations, standards and policies, including those of the federal Administration for Children and Families (ACF), the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) licensing regulations and Quality Rating Improvement Systems (QRIS) guidelines, National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Accreditation Criteria. the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), Massachusetts disability law (Chapter 766), Boston Family Engagement Network (BFEN), and ABCD, Inc., Head Start & Children’s Services policies and procedures.

All ABCD Head Start & Children’s Services personnel who are paid to care for, or work with, children are MANDATED BY LAW to report all suspected cases of child abuse and neglect to the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF), pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 119 §§ 51A – 51G. Any staff member who suspects child abuse or neglect of a child must inform his or her supervisor immediately.

The responsibilities of a particular position may support both Early Head Start and Head Start, depending on the individual assignment. The specific corresponding funding allocation will be documented on the personnel payroll authorization or change of status form.

All communications are potentially sensitive and are subject to Head Start's policy on confidentiality.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Center Management and Operations (70%):

• Ensure all staff support and implement the delivery of high-quality services for each content area.
• Maintain a physical environment that conforms to governmental and agency standards of safety and cleanliness, is conducive to optimal growth and development of children and staff at the center, and meets state licensing standards at all times.
• Responsible for the overall planning, convening, and documentation of all staff and parent engagement meetings and activities such as: orientation, Parent Committee meetings, selection of parent representative to the Policy Council, training activities, parenting curriculum, center leadership meetings, selection and placement of children, Community Partners meetings, and others that may apply.
• Ensure implementation of a developmentally appropriate and culturally responsive curriculum as prescribed and chosen by the Head Start Central Office.
• Develop, implement, and monitor center recruitment plans to maintain full enrollment and a waitlist.
• Ensure staff participation in the overall center-wide recruitment effort for children.
• Continuously inspect the building and grounds for cleanliness. Submit requests for needed repairs and general upkeep, and monitor all facility work and/or recommendations.
• Complete applications and reporting with multiple outside agencies for center-related operations such as licensing, accreditation, QRIS, etc.
• Participate in department staff meetings and training sessions.
• Supervise and maintain accurate and confidentially center record keeping required by licensing, governmental and agency policies, such as: a) personnel files and documentation such as but not limited to hiring packets, training certificates, employee sign-in sheets, timesheets; b) records of children's enrollment, attendance, progress and all applicable services; c) health and safety inspections, including fire drills; d) requisitions and inventories; e) in-kind and non-federal contributions; f) anecdotal records and observations; g) other documentation as required.
• Participate in activities that inform the community of the services and goals of the agency.
• Abide by agency, local, state, and accrediting organization requirements for other related program operations tasks, such as but not limited to: reporting suspected cases of abuse or neglect, conducting monthly fire drills, serving as a substitute when no substitute is available, distributing memos, and other materials etc.
• Work collaboratively with the Deputy Director of Program Operations in the annual local budget preparation process.
• Manage and monitor the center’s finances using the established budget and ensure the timely completion of the center’s financial paperwork.
• Ensure the center is adequately stocked with necessary materials, supplies, and equipment.
• Participate in the development, implementation, and monitoring of center agreements and contracts.
• Establish and maintain relationships and collaborations with public school districts, systems of higher education, and other community agencies and partners.
• Attend interagency organizational and planning meetings as appropriate.
• Oversee the center’s participation in the annual self-assessment and community assessment process following guidance from the Head Start central office.
• Perform any other related duties as assigned from time to time.

Staff Supervision (30%):

• Screen, interview, and make recommendations to Central staff for employment of suitable candidates or termination of center staff with appropriate documentation and in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
• Supervise and evaluate all center personnel (paid and volunteer). Monitor and track staff activity to ensure completion of required tasks.
• Conduct annual performance appraisal, incorporating a professional development plan for each staff inclusive of educational goals and objectives to help staff increase their skill level and knowledge of the field.
• Conduct the onboarding process of new staff while meeting the expectations of the agency as well as those of local, state, and federal organizations, which is inclusive of ongoing training and observations.
• Schedule assignments of center personnel, paid and volunteer, to ensure adequate adult-to-child ratio, ongoing services to families, and required supervision/administration qualifications at all times.
• Plan, implement, and evaluate ongoing professional development activities for center staff.
• Perform any other related duties as assigned from time to time.

JOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Excellent written and verbal communication as well as interpersonal skills.
• Experience in working with ethnically and culturally diverse staff and candidates.
• Successful experience working as a member of an interdisciplinary team.
• Strong proficiency in computer literacy, such as Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.) and Google applications (Sheets, Docs, Slides, Drive, etc.) required, and the ability to learn new systems as needed.
• High level of efficiency, accuracy, and attention to detail.
• Significant experience in administration, including knowledge of State licensing requirements and Head Start Performance Standards.
• Strong knowledge of best practices and systems in the field of early childhood.
• Sustained concentration and ability to handle multiple tasks, often simultaneously.
• Significant diagnostic and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to direct and assess the performance of center staff, volunteers and vendors.
• Ability to handle highly stressful and sensitive situations in a professional manner.
• Ability to interpret and implement complex policies and regulations.
• Ability to work independently and maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.
• Ability to exercise tact and discretion in all employee interactions.
• Strong organization and time management skills, ability to meet tight deadlines.
• Willingness to engage in ongoing staff development to expand professional skills.
• Ability to travel frequently for events, training, and meetings.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

A minimum of three years of professional leadership/management and supervisory experience, preferably in a Head Start setting, and a Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or human services management, or a related field.

About Action for Boston Community Development, Inc., (ABCD):

ABCD is a nonprofit human services organization that each year provides more than 100,000 low income residents in the Greater Boston region with the tools and resources needed to transition from poverty to stability and from stability to success.To fulfill this purpose, ABCD uses a comprehensive approach that systematically addresses the range of barriers faced by households in poverty, from day-to-day crises to long-term needs for jobs and education.