GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Manager of Center Operations oversees the planning, daily operations, and evaluation of assigned Head Start centers. This role ensures compliance with program standards and supports high-quality educational programming. The Manager directly supervises Center Managers, Site Supervisors/Lead Teachers, and Education Specialists, integrating operational leadership with educational excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Supervision

• Supervise and support Center Managers, Site Supervisors/Lead Teachers, and Education Specialists across assigned locations.
• Develop professional development plans and conduct performance reviews for direct reports.
• Coordinate recruitment, onboarding, and training of center-based staff.
• Foster a collaborative and mission-driven work environment.

Educational Oversight

• Ensure fidelity in curriculum implementation and adherence to Head Start Start Performance Standards and other regulatory guidelines.
• Support Education Specialists and Center Managers in analyzing child assessment data to inform instruction and improve learning outcomes.
• Evaluate classroom environments using tools such as CLASS, ECERS, and applicable assessments.

Coaching & Training

• Collaborate with the Education Specialists to plan and facilitate training for center staff.
• Monitor and support in-class coaching efforts, providing feedback and ensuring consistency across sites.
• Conduct regular site visits and observations to assess coaching quality and classroom practices.

Operational Management

• Oversee center operations in the absence of Center Managers.
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting in Child Plus and other systems.
• Monitor budgets and take corrective action on variances.
• Address parent and community concerns in collaboration with HR and Regional Director.

Collaboration & Communication

• Work closely with the Regional Director of Head Start and Management Team to align goals and strategies.
• Represent ECS4Kids programs to families, community partners, and stakeholders.
• Maintain timely and professional communication, including a 24-hour response time during business hours.

(These job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of duties. Employees will be required to perform other related duties as required.)

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Education Administration, or related field required; Master’s preferred.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in Head Start or center operations.
• Experience with CLASS, curriculum implementation, and coaching preferred.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES:

• Strong leadership and team development skills.
• Knowledge of early childhood education best practices and regulatory standards.
• Ability to analyze data and use it to inform instruction and operations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Child Plus.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.

CERTIFICATIONS:

• Complete TB screening & physical before having direct contact with children. Renew every 2 years.
• Must have current First Aid and Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training.
• 15 hours of annual training?(January–December) in topics related to child development, health and safety, and program operations.
• Valid driver’s license and proof of automobile coverage
• Satisfactory Driving Record (as outlined in Vehicle Driving Policy.
• All required curriculum courses within six months of employment.
• CLASS Preschool within nine months of employment and successfully renewed annually
• GOLD Inter-Rater Reliability certification in Preschool within nine months of employment and successfully renewed annually
• Lastinger Coaching Certification within one year of employment and successfully renewed annually

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

• Works in office and classroom settings.
• Frequent travel to multiple sites required.
• Occasional evening or out-of-town work may be required.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS:

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods, with frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, and stretching required to interact with young children at their level and to support classroom activities.
• Sufficient hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills to operate a computer, telephone, copier, and other standard office and classroom equipment.
• Normal or corrected vision and hearing required to observe children’s behavior, assess developmental progress, and communicate effectively with staff and families.
• Ability to speak clearly and effectively in both one-on-one and group settings, and to write detailed reports, assessments, and documentation.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds occasionally, including lifting children or classroom materials as needed.
• Comfortable working in a variety of settings including classrooms, offices, and outdoor environments, with the ability to transition between them throughout the day.
• Ability to travel locally between program sites, with occasional out-of-town travel for training or meetings.