Aspiring Head Start Center Director — In Training

Location: Fallbrook View - Fallbrook, CA - Full time, temporary role (between 5-6 months) Salary Range: $70,034 - $80,000 (DOQ/E) 52 Weeks

MAAC STORY

Since 1965, MAAC has been maximizing self-sufficiency with families and individuals through high-quality programs and advocacy in our communities. MAAC employs dedicated staff who provide life-changing services to thousands of individuals annually through programs in five core focus areas: Education, Economic Development, Health & Wellbeing, Housing, and Advocacy & Leadership Development. Through a wide variety of programs, MAAC has grown to become one of the largest nonprofit social service organizations in the community. Learn more about the great things happening with MAAC at

DEPARTMENT/PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

MAAC’s Child Development Program Head Start, Early Head Start and State Preschool programs, deliver the national school readiness program to special needs and economically disadvantaged children and their families. Our highly individualized programs integrate a developmentally-appropriate curriculum reflecting the diverse ethnic, cultural and linguistic backgrounds of participating families. Currently, MAAC Head Start serves over 2,000 economically disadvantaged children and their families throughout north San Diego County in the communities of Oceanside, Vista, San Marcos, Escondido and Carlsbad. Our comprehensive federally funded school‑readiness programs promote parents as the primary educator of the child. MAAC currently serves a diverse group of low‑income children and their families in North County; the majority of the participating families are of Latino/Hispanic ethnicity. These programs ensure that children ages 0‑3 (EHS) and 3‑5 (HS) and their families are provided with comprehensive services to promote optimum physical, cognitive, social and emotional growth. MAAC’s California State Preschool program provides educational and developmental services to qualifying children ages 3 to 5; parents are encouraged to participate with their children and to be involved in their children’s development. DEFINITION - Center Director Under direction, plans, develops, implements and supervises program operations for an assigned Head Start or Early Head Start (EHS) center(s); monitors and ensures center operations are in conformance with MAAC policies and procedures, licensing regulations, Health and Safety Standards and service area plans. Participates in implementation of age appropriate curriculum and ongoing monitoring of children’s cognitive and physical development. Monitors and ensures recruitment and enrollment activities, family development plans and parent participation and overall parent satisfaction. Coordinates and participates in activities of parent committees; compiles and submits site reports; and performs related duties as assigned. DEFINITION - Center Director in Training This position has been designed to enable individuals, qualified pursuant to Title 22 regulations, the opportunity to obtain hands‑on experience to enable them to meet MAAC’s experience requirements for the classification of Center Director. Incumbents in this classification are limited to a maximum of a two (2) year term (appointments may be made for a shorter period of time); at the conclusion of which the incumbent may be considered for a position as a Center Director. The incumbent, under direction, plans, develops, implements and supervises program operations for an assigned Head Start or Early Head Start (EHS) center(s); monitors and ensures center operations are in conformance with MAAC policies, licensing regulations, Health and Safety Standards and service area plans. Participates in implementation of age appropriate curriculum and ongoing monitoring of children’s cognitive and physical development. Monitors and ensures recruitment and enrollment activities, family development plans and parent participation and overall parent satisfaction. Coordinates and participates in activities of parent committees; compiles and submits site reports; and performs related duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Child Development Program Center Directors are responsible for planning, implementing and providing day-to-day supervision of the educational programs and operations of an assigned Head Start/EHS center, typically with two or more classrooms/program options. Incumbents are accountable for providing children with a safe, nurturing, engaging and secure learning environment that gives them the awareness, skills and confidence to succeed in their present environment and in later school life. Incumbents are also responsible for ensuring delivery of Head Start and community support services to families and for compliance with all applicable policies, procedures, service area plans and state licensing requirements, including those applicable to health, safety and fire regulations. Center Directors are also accountable for the timely completion of all center reporting and the preparation and maintenance of up-to-date children’s files. Duties and responsibilities are carried out with considerable independence within the framework of established policies, procedures, and guidelines.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Plans, organizes, supervises and evaluates the programs and activities of an assigned Head Start/EHS center; works with assigned teaching and family service staff and develops, implements and monitors service area and center work plans to achieve assigned goals, objectives and educational outcomes; contributes to development of and monitoring of performance against available resources; participates in developing, implementing and evaluating work programs, processes and systems to achieve MAAC and Head Start goals and performance measures. Plans and evaluates the performance of assigned staff; establishes performance requirements and personal development targets; regularly monitors performance and provides coaching; recommends compensation & rewards; subject to management concurrence, takes disciplinary action up to termination; addresses performance deficiencies per HR policies & Head Start regulations & labor contract provisions. Provides day-to-day leadership and works with staff to ensure a high performance, child- and family-centered environment which supports achieving Head Start educational objectives and family service expectations; participates in programs and activities that promote effective parent involvement & positive employee relations. Supervises and oversees day‑to‑day operations of assigned centers; ensures proper staffing per licensing requirements; responds to phone calls & parent visits; communicates center activities & program calendar; fosters cooperative relationships between staff, parents, volunteers, community partners & consultants; supervises meal service; addresses parent concerns & formal complaints; resolves food service, transportation & special needs issues. Inspects and monitors center operations to ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, state licensing & health & safety regulations; adjusts staffing as required; performs mandated inspections of classroom & playground facilities and takes corrective action to maintain cleanliness & permit requirements. Oversees implementation of daily lesson plans & activities, ensuring they are age appropriate, individualized & culturally sensitive; observes teachers, provides feedback, mentors & coaches staff in curriculum planning; provides technical assistance; trains staff on curriculum changes & DRDB+ procedures; monitors timely completion of child observations & assessments; ensures Individual Education Plans are implemented; meets with parents on development & behavior; refers children for health, mental health & other services; handles emergency situations. Promotes parent involvement; advises & coordinates parent committee meetings; plans & conducts parent education/training; oversees assigned parent trainees; maintains records for parent committee funds. Maintains up-to-date, accurate center & children files; reviews teacher reports; compiles & submits month‑end reporting for each program option – including site status, classroom status, meal count, volunteer time, in‑kind donations, transportation, field trip & other reports required by funding agencies. Substitutes for center staff as needed; assists in classroom, meal preparation, bus aide duties & field trips.

OTHER DUTIES

Attends management, staff, & program planning meetings; participates in mandatory training sessions. Builds community relationships; participates in recruitment & enrollment activities. Maintains inventory & orders materials & supplies for center operations. Conducts home visits as required to address special children &/or family situations & needs. Performs a variety of summer recess activities, including redesign of center forms, updating policies, procedures, service area plans, & staff training plans & activities.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

Knowledge of: Principles and methods of instruction, care & supervision of infants, toddlers & pre-school children. Concepts of child development & child behavior patterns. MAAC policies & procedures, Head Start Performance Standards & relevant federal, state & local regulations. Health & safety regulations & requirements for maintaining Head Start/EHS centers. Federal, state & local laws, regulations & court decisions applicable to areas of responsibility. MAAC administrative procedures & forms. Principles & practices of sound business communication; correct English usage. Computer hardware & standard business software. Principles & practices of effective supervision. MAAC human resources policies & procedures, applicable Head Start regulations & labor contract provisions. Ability to: Ensure Head Start/EHS center performance standards & compliance with regulations. Develop & implement developmentally appropriate curriculum, lesson plans & instructional strategies for infants, toddlers & preschool-aged children. Create & maintain a safe learning environment. Observe & document child development, behavior & health. Operate a computer using standard business software. Prepare clear, concise & comprehensive documentation & reports. Organize, set priorities & exercise sound independent judgment within responsibilities. Communicate clearly & effectively, orally & in writing. Maintain sensitive & confidential information. Exercise tact & diplomacy in dealing with complex issues & situations. Establish & maintain effective working relationships with staff, parents, children, other managers, community & others encountered in the course of work.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/CERTIFICATION

Center Director A typical way of demonstrating the required knowledge, skills & abilities is graduation from a four-year college or university with a BA/BS major in early childhood education, child development or a closely related field including 15 semester units in child development [12 CORE units]; 3 units in administration or staff relations & 6 units in Infant/Toddler; and at least 4 years of progressively responsible teaching experience in a Head Start or child development program, at least one year of which was in a supervisory capacity; or an equivalent combination. A child care Center Director shall complete 15 hours of health and safety training if necessary pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 1596.866 of Title 22 which provides: at least one director or teacher at each day care center must have at least 15 hours of training on preventive health practices & 1 hour of nutrition training. BA/BS in Child Development or a related field including six units of Infant/Toddler. A valid State of California Child Development Permit at the Site Supervisor or Program Director level is required. Center Director In Training A typical way of demonstrating the required knowledge, skills & abilities is graduation from a four-year college or university with a BA/BS major in early childhood education, child development or a closely related field including 15 semester units in child development [12 CORE units], three units in administration or staff relations, and six units of Infant/Toddler (hiring with three units is allowable provided the incumbent obtains the additional three units within six months). At least two years of progressively responsible teaching experience in a Head Start or child development program, at least one year of which was in a coaching, lead or supervisory capacity; or an equivalent combination. A valid State of California Child Development Permit at the Site Supervisor level is required. A Center Director in Training shall complete 15 hours of health & safety training if necessary pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 1596.866 of Title 22 which requires at least one director or teacher at each day care center to have at least 15 hours of training on preventive health practices & 1 hour of nutrition training. BA/BS in Child Development or a related field including six units of Infant/Toddler. A valid State of California Child Development Permit at the Site Supervisor or Program Director level is required.

VALUE-BASED BEHAVIORS

Listens attentively to others. Asks clarifying questions to gain a better understanding of the other person’s views & underlying assumptions. Works effectively in a team environment & actively participates in joint problem solving; willingly cooperates with co-workers. Identifies & takes advantage of opportunities for personal & professional development. Attends work consistently & punctually; arrives to meetings prepared & on time; honors work commitments; follows through on what was agreed upon; meets deadlines. Honors the private & confidential matters of co-workers; protects proprietary information of MAAC systems. Follows rules, regulations & policies; positively contributes to implementing changes. Deals with issues directly, in a respectful & timely manner; focuses on resolving the issue while not criticizing the person.

HEALTH STATUS

Must have a physical examination, TB clearance & a drug screen by a doctor or clinic designated by MAAC as well as immunization records for influenza, pertussis & measles as required by state & federal regulations prior to first day of employment.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS

The physical & mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Physical Demands While performing the duties of this class, an employee is regularly required to stand, walk & sit, talk or hear both in person & by telephone, uses hands to finger, handle or feel objects or controls, reach with hands & arms. The employee is also regularly required to stoop, kneel, bend, crouch, crawl, climb or balance and lift up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, color vision & the ability to adjust focus. Mental Demands While performing the duties of this class, the employee is regularly required to use written & oral communication skills; read & interpret information; analyze & solve problems; observe & interpret people & situations; use basic math; learn & apply new information or skills; work under intensive deadlines and interact with MAAC management, administrators, staff, teachers, parents, family members, children & others encountered in the course of work.

BACKGROUND CLEARANCE

All positions are subject to a background/education check, DMV check, NSOR, exclusion & debarment checks prior to hire & periodically throughout employment as required by various funding sources. California State law requires background criminal checks for anyone who works in a licensed childcare facility who is not a client. Must have or obtain a current criminal background check clearance, signed criminal record statement, & signed Acknowledgement to Report Child Abuse form prior to first day of employment.

TRANSPORTATION

Must have & maintain a valid California Driver’s License, daily use of a personal insured vehicle & have a motor vehicle driving record acceptable to MAAC’s insurance carrier. Incumbents will be enrolled in the California DMV Pull Program. #J-18808-Ljbffr MAAC (Metropolitan Area Advisory Committee