Job Details
Job Location: Del Valle, TX 78617
Salary Range: $42,854.35 - $55,244.44 per year
Job Summary
The Center Director is responsible for the overall leadership, administration, and management of a Head Start and/or Early Head Start center in compliance with the Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS), federal, state, and local regulations, and organizational policies. The Center Director ensures high-quality early childhood education, family engagement, health, and social services while promoting school readiness and positive outcomes for children and families.
Program Leadership & Vision
Responsibilities:
- Lead center operations in alignment with the Head Start Act and HSPPS
- Communicate program goals, expectations, and outcomes to staff and families
- Support school readiness goals across all program areas
- Serve as the primary decision-maker for center-level operations
- Lead change initiatives based on monitoring and assessment results
Key Behaviors:
- Communicates a clear vision aligned with Head Start outcomes and values
- Leads with integrity, cultural responsiveness, and accountability
- Promotes equity, inclusion, and family-centered practices
- Makes informed decisions grounded in data and Head Start requirements
Education & Child Development Oversight
Responsibilities:
- Oversee implementation of approved Head Start curricula and assessments
- Conduct classroom observations and support instructional quality
- Ensure compliance with child screening, assessment, and IFSP/IEP requirements
- Collaborate with education specialists and coaches
- Support transitions to pre-kindergarten and other early learning programs
Key Behaviors:
- Supports evidence-based curricula and teaching practices
- Monitors classroom quality and child outcomes
- Ensures compliance with education and assessment standards
- Promotes inclusive practices for children with disabilities
- Supports smooth transitions for children and families
Family & Community Engagement
Responsibilities:
- Ensure implementation of family engagement and family partnership processes
- Support family goal-setting and access to community resources
- Collaborate with Policy Council and parent leadership groups
- Build partnerships with schools, health providers, and social service agencies
- Address family concerns and complaints promptly
Key Behaviors:
- Promotes family engagement and shared decision-making
- Communicates respectfully with diverse families
- Responds effectively to family concerns and needs
- Strengthens community partnerships
- Represents the program positively in the community
Staff Supervision & Professional Development
Responsibilities:
- Supervise education, family services, and support staff
- Ensure staff qualifications and credentials meet HSPPS requirements
- Conduct performance evaluations and reflective supervision
- Support professional development plans and coaching efforts
- Maintain appropriate staff‑to‑child ratios at all times
Key Behaviors:
- Recruits and retains qualified Head Start staff
- Provides coaching, feedback, and performance evaluations
- Supports ongoing professional development
- Addresses performance concerns constructively
- Promotes staff wellness and collaboration
Compliance, Monitoring & Risk Management
Responsibilities:
- Ensure compliance with HSPPS, licensing, and funder requirements
- Conduct internal monitoring and follow‑up on corrective actions
- Oversee health, safety, and emergency preparedness practices
- Ensure timely reporting, documentation, and record maintenance
- Lead responses to monitoring reviews and audits
Key Behaviors:
- Maintains strong knowledge of HSPPS and related regulations
- Conducts ongoing monitoring and corrective actions
- Promotes health, safety, and child protection
- Ensures accurate documentation and recordkeeping
- Responds promptly to incidents and findings
Fiscal & Enrollment Management
Responsibilities:
- Monitor center budgets and expenditures in coordination with fiscal staff
- Support enrollment, attendance, and recruitment efforts
- Ensure full enrollment and compliance with eligibility requirements
- Review financial and enrollment reports regularly
- Support audits and fiscal reviews
Key Behaviors:
- Understands Head Start funding and fiscal requirements
- Monitors budgets and enrollment data
- Uses data to guide fiscal and operational decisions
- Ensures responsible stewardship of funds
- Identifies risks and resource needs
Data‑Informed Decision Making & Continuous Improvement
Responsibilities:
- Review child outcomes, CLASS, ERSEA, and program data
- Participate in program self‑assessment and planning
- Implement quality improvement plans at the center level
- Monitor progress toward goals and outcomes
- Share data insights with staff and leadership
Key Behaviors:
- Analyzes data from assessments, monitoring, and reports
- Uses data to identify strengths and areas for improvement
- Engages staff in reflective practices
- Adjusts strategies based on results
- Supports a culture of learning and improvement
Communication, Governance & Collaboration
Responsibilities:
- Serve as a liaison to Policy Council and parent committees
- Communicate center performance and compliance status
- Participate in leadership, governance, and planning meetings
- Ensure timely and accurate communication across program areas
- Support shared decision‑making processes
Key Behaviors:
- Communicates clearly with staff, families, and leadership
- Collaborates with Policy Council and governing bodies
- Facilitates productive meetings
- Resolves conflicts professionally
- Maintains transparency and accountability
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
- Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field (Bachelor’s preferred)
- CD Credentials or the ability to obtain CD credentials within 6 months
- Minimum of three years of supervisory experience in early childhood education
- Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards and state licensing regulations
- Knowledge of infant/toddler development and responsive caregiving practices
- Strong communication, organizational, and collaboration skills
- Ability to communicate in English, both verbally and written
Licenses/Certifications
- Current CPR and First Aid certification (or ability to obtain)
- Valid ID/Driver License
- Background clearance as required by state and federal regulations
Working Conditions & Physical Demands
- Ability to lift up to 40 pounds
- Frequent bending, standing, sitting on the floor, and active movement
- Exposure to common childhood illnesses
- Office and classroom settings with regular interaction with children, families, and staff
- Occasional travel for training, meetings, and community events
- Performs other duties as assigned
Performance Indicators
- Implementation of improvement plans with measurable results
- Compliance with all Head Start standards and state licensing
- Positive feedback from family engagement surveys
- Timely completion of assessments and documentation
- Performs other duties as assigned by management staff