Head Start Director

Fresno County EOC - Fresno, CA

Full-time - Manager

Fresno, CA

Administration of Housing Programs, Urban Planning, and Community Development

About the position

Under the supervision of the Chief Executive Officer, the Head Start Director is responsible for the overall day-to-day administration, oversight and management of the Early Head Start/Head Start Program and State Funded Braided Programs. Works with the CEO in providing leadership; aligns all actions to support agency mission by ensuring all policies and procedures demonstrate integrity and ethical behavior. Assist in the fulfillment of the Agency's vision, "A strong Fresno County where people have resources to shape their future free from poverty."

Responsibilities

• Ensures quality services are provided to all clients in a manner consistent with Fresno EOC standards including the agency vision, strategic goals and grant requirements.
• Ensures staff and centers are in full compliance with State, Federal, Office of Head Start and Community Care Licensing requirements.
• Works with Leadership Team, Board of Commissioners, and County Wide Policy Council to develop short and long-term goals and objectives.
• Provides guidance and leadership to staff to emphasize the importance of the program achieving high standards of quality, internally and through public and private sector partnerships.
• Develops, implements, and maintains an ongoing evaluation system to ensure quality control of Head Start and Early Head Start along with continuous quality improvement of service and management.
• Promotes and upholds an organizational philosophy that understands, values, and supports diversity and inclusion in its workplace and utilizes it as a path towards greater impact to the families served by Head Start.
• Maintains confidentiality and ensures that staff and volunteers maintain confidentiality of program, client and agency information.
• Reports and oversees the mandated reporting for suspected child abuse in accordance with Head Start (0 to 5) and California State Law child abuse reporting procedures.
• Responsible for supervising assigned staff, interns and volunteers, recruitment, performance management and other personnel processes.
• Develops, monitors, and provides general oversight of all Head Start program budgets. Reviews and analyzes monthly financial and statistical reports to assess the budget status and to initiate preventive measures, as needed.
• Ensures appropriate governance that meets performance standard requirements, including regular updates to the Board of Commissioners, planning and attending regular County Wide Policy Council (CWPC) meetings, and other actions as needed.
• Ensures coordination among components, across levels and with the organization.
• Ensures consistency in service delivery across program with the attention to inclusive practices and integration of component areas; encourage continuous improvement of systems.
• Oversees implementation of Head Start (0 to 5) Professional Development Program.
• In conjunction with Family/Community Services Manager, reviews and analyzes weekly attendance reports to assess child attendance data.
• Develops and maintains working relationships with staff, clients, parents, and in the community to strengthen partnerships.
• Serves on community advisory committees and acts as a representative of Head Start and the Agency.
• Facilitates resolution of conflict with parents and staff.
• Builds and maintain positive professional communication with program staff, Head Start representatives, and outside agencies.
• Supervises the work of Head Start Service Area Directors/Managers to ensure each service area is in full compliance.
• Develops and oversees implementation of training plan(s) for all staff, County Wide Policy Council and Policy Committees members to ensure compliance with Head Start regulations/guidelines.
• Encourages and supports in-service and professional development opportunities are provided for staff.
• Adheres to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA), which prohibits discriminatory actions toward any qualified individuals.
• Ensures strict compliance with universal precautions in the classroom or when administering first aid.
• Travels for agency business using reliable transportation.
• Works evenings and weekends as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field required.
• Minimum six (6) years management/administrative experience in an Early Childhood Education Program or related field required.
• Six (6) or more years of demonstrated staff supervision experience required.
• Four (4) years' experience in financial management, grant-writing and resource development required.
• Direct work experience in the area of service delivery to low-income children and families, Early Head Start/Head Start, or community based programs required.
• Knowledge of Principles, practices, methods, and techniques applicable to preschool education.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and related business software.
• Effective presentation, written and verbal communication skills.
• Maintain a valid California driver's license, reliable transportation, adequate auto insurance as required by State law, and insurability by agency carrier for those driving agency vehicles.
• Pass required reference checks and fingerprint clearance under Title 22 regulations: Department of Justice/FBI, Criminal Record Statement Child Abuse Central Index (CACI) and background investigation as needed prior to employment.
• Physical examination, TB screening clearance and signed federal criminal record declaration are required within 7 days after employment.
• Obtain a valid AB 1207 Mandated Reporter Certification on the first day of employment.
• Pass and maintain Basic Pest Management in a Child Care Settings annual certification as required by the California Healthy Schools Act (HSA).

Nice-to-haves

• Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Social Work, Public Administration or related field preferred.
• Bilingual English/Spanish or other secondary language preferred based on the needs of the clients and the program.
• Former EHS/HS parents preferred.

Benefits

• Employment in Head Start (0 to 5) is contingent upon approval of the County-Wide Policy Council (CWPC).