Interim Early Childhood Education Director

Interim Early Childhood Education Director

The Interim Director of Early Childhood Education (Head Start/Early Head Start Director) is responsible for assuring all the Head Start/Early Head Start program mandates and standards for excellence are met daily. This position develops the structure, systems, and procedures to facilitate this. In addition to operating responsibility for the program's fiscal, legal, and programmatic aspects, it assures that the program is strategically positioned for the future. Ensures goals and objectives are accomplished within the prescribed timelines and funding parameters. Develops and executes fundraising and in-kind contribution plans, including grant writing, by performing the following duties personally or through subordinates.

Essential Functions:

• Provides guidance and leadership to staff to emphasize the importance of the program achieving high quality standards, internally and through public and private sector partnerships.
• Reviews and analyzes monthly financial and statistical reports to assess the budget status and to initiate preventative measures if any problems appear to be predicted.
• Oversees and monitors agreements for the purchasing of goods and services assures that bids are solicited in accordance with state and federal regulations.
• In conjunction with the management team, assures that the program serves the number of eligible children for which it is funded.
• Reads management and leadership materials and program-related materials to keep abreast of developments in comprehensive early childhood programs.
• Works with other organizations in the community to foster collaboration as defined by federal Head Start.
• In conjunction with the Board of Directors, staff and Policy Council, leads planning meetings in which long and short-term goals for improvement are established.
• Conducts a complete Community Assessment every three years and an update during the intervening years.
• With input from program participants and the staff, develop a yearly funding application for early education grants.
• In conjunction with the Policy Council, Board of Directors, and Agency Advancement, it seeks additional outside funding for the program, meeting the non-federal share requirement.
• Facilitates the continuing professional development of all staff as part of the commitment to excellence.
• Maintains effective, appropriate communication with the CEO, Policy Council and Board of Directors, including:
• Attending all regular and special meetings and committee meetings
• Providing a written report to the board of the fiscal and programmatic status of the program and of the administrative activities since the last meeting, monitoring results, and strategies to resolve problems
• Communication of relevant information from the funding sources
• Provide training for new Board members and Periodic refresher for veteran Board members on their roles and responsibilities.
• Monitors the implementation of the responsibilities of employees through observation, monthly supervisory meetings, team meetings, and review of files and documentation.
• Assumes an active role in the annual program self-assessment.
• Assures remediation of any non-compliances found in delegate or grantee assessments and incorporates recommendations into planning for program improvement.
• Provides and/or secures training and technical assistance for all staff.
• Maintains a close working relationship with the Chief Financial Officer and Financial Analyst(s), who provide the Director with information for budget writing and the status of the budget to facilitate effective oversight of expenditures.
• Hears and resolves community complaints about the program, seeking input from staff, parents, the CEO, the Policy Council, or the Board as needed.
• Carries out the function delineated in procedures for staff grievances.
• Hires, and if necessary, fires staff, complying with applicable laws, regulations, Agency Personnel Policies and Procedure assures Policy Council input into the hiring and/or firing of staff prior to seeking their approval for the personnel action.
• Completes and submits regular reports to the funding sources, CEO, the Board of Directors, and the Policy Council.
• Monitors the program's administrative cost, assuring it does not exceed the allowed amount.
• Monitors the program's non-federal share to assure that the amount required is met. Meets with staff, parents, and the Policy Council to develop strategies for increasing the amount of the program's accumulated non-federal share, if necessary.
• Maintains open lines of communication with the grantee personnel.
• Negotiates final contracts for space and equipment, seeking to secure the lowest rate possible.
• In consultation with the management team and Facilities Manager ensure that facilities, classrooms and playgrounds are maintained and appropriately equipped.
• Other related duties as assigned