Learning and Development Manager

Position Summary Assist the Assistant Director of Education and Support Services in planning and coordinating daily center operations and ensuring that all program services, including education and support services, comply with the Head Start Performance Standards and Texas Minimum Standards for Licensed Child Care Centers. Provide support and guidance to the Center Administrators (CAs), Center staff, Education Coaches (ECs), Family Coaches (FCs), and Family Wellness Techs (FWTs) to ensure high-quality and safe, comprehensive program services and operations that follow state, national and local standards, licensing requirements, and agency expectations. The Manager of Education and Support Services will collaborate with other content area teams to ensure the team has the support, training, and technical assistance needed when working with children and families of HS/EHS. 50% of the time is expected to be spent on-site at centers. Working Conditions and Physical Demands The work environment is that which is typical of an office setting. The noise level is usually moderate. Working in an office requires maintaining physical condition and stamina appropriate to performing assigned duties and responsibilities, including stationary positioning for extended periods, interacting with co-workers, visitors, etc. It frequently requires lifting boxes of copy paper, office supplies, etc. Occasional use of upper extremities to press against equipment, furniture, etc. between 30-50 pounds with steady force to thrust forward, downward, or outward. It requires occasional use of the upper extremities to exert force to draw, haul, or tug objects between 30-50 pounds in a sustained motion. Raising objects between 30-50 pounds from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position to position is occasionally required. Regularly required to use upper extremities including reaching with hands and arms to move office supplies, files, documents, etc. from a lower to higher position. Occasionally required to bend legs to rest on the knees, bend the body downward and forward by bending legs and spine (at the waist), and move about on hands and knees or hands and feet. Frequently required to communicate information or instructions to co-workers, visitors, parents, peers, management, etc. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Use of personal computing equipment, telephone, multi-functioning printer, and calculator. Working evenings, weekends, and holidays as required to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position successfully. Normal to heavy travel is required to attend meetings, classes, and workshops in and out of the service area. Must be able to travel by air as necessary to participate in training, conferences, and related activities. Essential Functions Job Function Serve as a liaison between the Head Start Centers and the Assistant Director of Education and Support Services. Assist with the planning and development process for designing systems to implement daily center operational functions, education of pregnant women, infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, and support, health, mental health, and nutrition services for children and families. Assist the Center Administrator in implementing operational systems (e.g., staffing schedules, routines, attendance and absences tracking, parent sign-in/sign-out, child inspections, record keeping, materials and supplies, transition into and out of Head Start, etc.). Assist with the planning and developing policies and procedures for program services. Foster a positive working partnership with and among all content area staff and Center Administrators to assist in developing strong linkages, planning, coordination, and overall efficiency in the education and support services of the HS/EHS program. Assist in reviewing and evaluating center facilities, education, and support services to ensure that program requirements established by governing agencies (Federal, state, and local agencies) are met. Provide input to CAs on personnel-related issues, including staffing patterns, staff ratios, classroom supervision, disciplinary actions, and performance appraisals. Work with HR and the Employee Relations Manager to report child-related incidents/accidents, parent allegations/concerns, or staff concerns. Bring suggestions, ideas, concerns, and grievances to the AD of Education and Support Services, HR Director, and the Sr. Director II of EHS/HS. Serves as a role model for employees, children, parents, clients, and community partners. Develop, implement, and maintain high-quality early learning programs aligned with educational standards and best practices. Foster a positive and collaborative work environment. Provide overall support and management to the program regarding hiring, staffing, curriculum, adherence to organization policies and initiatives, and family communications. Develop and maintain a professional working relationship with the staff, clients, and community. Attend training, workshops, meetings, etc., related to birth to five education, health and safety, and support services. Assist in identifying, planning, and conducting staff training related to program services, including education, operations, and support services and coordination with other Head Start Content Areas and the Head Start program. Assist in overseeing activities transitioning into & out of Head Start. Assist in purchasing materials, supplies, storage, and inventory. Assist in ensuring that management systems (planning, communication, recordkeeping, program reporting, etc.) are in place to deliver quality services to children and families efficiently. Provide written and verbal reports to the Assistant Director of Education and Support Services as needed and report monthly activities, professional development, and health and safety. Participate in and represent the agency in community planning activities related to education, support services, and operations as directed by the supervisor. Ensure all information is kept confidential from center to center/case by case and will be shared only on a need-to-know basis. Assist in monitoring, tracking, and assessing operational processes, providing input, making improvements, or taking corrective actions. Work closely with collaborative partners (school districts, Child Care Partners, Universities, etc.) to meet the program's established requirements. Assist in the search of locations for possible Head Start sites/facilities. Assist in setting up new facilities and closing sites to ensure compliance with requirements established by governing agencies (Federal, state, and local agencies). Assist in recruitment, selection, and training of new staff. Assist in updating and implementing new processes and procedures per applicable laws. Provide on-site monitoring to EHS/HS sites as assigned. Oversee purchases of supplies by the CA and other program staff and ensures that the center budget is maintained. Assess employee job performance throughout the year and at least annually to ensure staff is performing their duties following the requirements of the job descriptions. Able to travel for business-related activities. Perform any other tasks as assigned. Requirements Education Required: Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field. Preferred: Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field. Experience Required: At least three (3) years of operations and management experience in a childcare, social service, or educational setting. Preferred: Five (5) years of operations and management experience in childcare, social service, or educational settings. Work experience in Head Start operations and management. License & Certifications Must have a Valid Texas Driver License Must have Valid Vehicle Insurance Must have dependable transportation and be insurable by AVANCE’s guidelines Testing Post Offer Drug Screen Moving Violation Report Criminal Background Check TB Testing FBI Background Check Sex Offender Registry Check Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Child Care Licensing Requirements, Head Start Performance Standards, National Association for Education of Young Children (NAEYC), and Early Childhood Best Practices. Business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources, leadership technique, and coordination of people and resources. Principles and methods for curriculum, training design, and early childhood education. Principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. Sustained concentration and ability to handle multiple tasks, often simultaneously. Knowledge and background of preschool children. Excellent verbal, written, interpersonal, and organizational skills. Bilingual in English and Spanish (oral and written) may be required at some centers. Demonstrated success in handling confidential information. Ability to successfully engage with children and parents.Ability to handle stressful and sensitive situations professionally. Ability to work independently and maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality. Ability to exercise tact and discretion in all interactions. Ability to perform duties and adapt to flexible work schedules as established by management. Able to lift and/or carry 30 to 50 lbs. Office equipment - 10 key calculators, fax, copier, audiovisual equipment. Intermediate math skills required. Intermediate to advanced computer skills in using Windows, Internet Search Engines, Microsoft Office, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Agency Software and Programs, etc. The structure and contents of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. Principles and procedures of personnel recruitment, selection, and training. Relevant policies, procedures, and strategies to promote local, state, and national requirements on safety and security. Monitoring and assessment of performance to make improvements or take corrective action. Critical thinking by using reasoning and logic to identify strengths and weaknesses of solutions. Ability to foster cooperation with and among others using effective leadership and management skills. Work in a multi-disciplinary team and culturally diverse environment, including understanding and being sensitive to various cultural differences. Must have dependable transportation, valid driver’s license, and proof of current insurance coverage and be insurable by AVANCE’s guidelines. Able to work evenings and weekends, as needed. Be able to travel to meetings and conferences, both in and out of town, as needed. Perform other duties as assigned. Disclaimer(s) This is not necessarily an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, requirements or working conditions. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned. Nothing in this job description forms or is intended to form a contract of employment. Neither shall the content in this job description be interpreted to be in conflict with or to eliminate or modify in any way, the “at will” employment status of AVANCE‑Houston employees. Employment remains on an “at-will” basis. AVANCE‑Houston employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and that, if requested, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship. ADA Statement AVANCE‑Houston is committed to equal opportunity in employment for persons with disabilities and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), as amended, and any other applicable state and federal laws. Accordingly, AVANCE‑Houston does not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities in regard to application, hiring, advancement, discharge, compensation, training or other terms, conditions and privileges of employment. Moreover, it is AVANCE‑Houston’s policy to provide reasonable accommodations in employment to qualified individuals with disabilities so that they can perform the essential functions of the job, unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of AVANCE‑Houston’s business or would change the essential functions of the position. Retaliation against an individual with a disability for utilizing this policy or seeking a reasonable accommodation is prohibited. Individuals with any questions or requests for accommodation should contact the Human Resources Department. #J-18808-Ljbffr