Center Director

Location & Salary

Del Dios - 835 W. 15th Avenue Escondido, CA 92025

Salary Range: $70,304-$80,000 (DOE/Q)

Term: 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, which includes Head Start, Early Head Start, and State Preschool programs, delivers the national school readiness program to special needs and economically disadvantaged children and their families. The 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. The programs promote parents as the primary educator of the child and provide comprehensive services to families.

Definition

Under direction, plans, develops, implements and supervises program operations for an assigned Head Start or Early Head Start 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 recruitment and enrollment activities, family development plans, 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. They also ensure delivery of Head Start and community support services to families and compliance with all applicable policies, procedures, service area plans and state licensing requirements.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Plans, organizes, supervises and evaluates the programs and activities of an assigned Head Start/EHS center; works with teaching and family service staff and develops, implements and monitors service area and center work plans to achieve goals and educational outcomes.
• Plans and evaluates staff performance; establishes performance requirements; monitors and provides coaching for improvement; recommends compensation and rewards; and, with management concurrence, takes disciplinary action as needed.
• Provides day‑to‑day leadership and works with staff to ensure a high‑performance, child‑ and family‑centered environment that supports educational objectives and family service expectations; promotes effective parent involvement.
• Supervises and oversees day‑to‑day operations; ensures proper staffing; responds to telephone calls and parent visits; communicates center activities; fosters cooperative relationships with staff, parents, volunteers, partners; supervises meal service; addresses parent concerns and resolves food service, transportation and special needs issues.
• Inspects and monitors center operations to ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, state licensing requirements and health, safety and fire regulations; performs required inspections and takes corrective action.
• Oversees and participates in daily lesson plans and activities; monitors curriculum implementation; observes teachers; mentors and coaches staff; trains staff on curriculum changes; monitors completion of child observations and assessments; ensures Individual Education Plans; meets with parents; refers children for special assessments and takes action in emergencies.
• Promotes parent involvement; serves as advisor, coordinates parent committee meetings, plans parent education/training, oversees assigned parent trainees; maintains records for parent committee funds.
• Ensures maintenance of up‑to‑date center and children’s files; reviews reports; compiles and submits monthly reports for each program option.
• Substitutes for other staff as required; assists in classroom, meal preparation, bus aide duties; participates in field trips.

Other Duties

• Attends management, staff and program planning meetings and mandatory training sessions.
• Builds community relationships; participates in recruitment and enrollment activities.
• Maintains an inventory and orders materials and supplies for center operations.
• Conducts home visits as required to address special children or family needs.
• Performs summer recess activities, updates policies, procedures, service area plans and develops staff training plans.

Qualifications and Skills

• Knowledge of principles and methods of instruction, care and supervision of infants, toddlers and pre‑school children.
• Knowledge of concepts of child development and child behavior patterns in these age groups.
• Understanding of MAAC policies and procedures, Head Start Performance Standards and relevant regulations.
• Familiarity with health and safety regulations for Head Start/EHS centers.
• Awareness of federal, state and local laws and regulations applicable to responsibilities.
• Knowledge of MAAC administrative procedures and forms.
• Strong business communication skills; correct English usage, spelling, grammar, punctuation.
• Computer hardware and standard business software proficiency.
• Principles of effective supervision.
• Knowledge of MAAC human resources policies and applicable Head Start regulations.

Ability to

• Ensure Head Start/EHS center Performance Standards are met and maintained.
• Develop and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum, lesson plans and instructional strategies.
• Create and maintain a safe learning environment.
• Observe and document child development, behavior and health.
• Operate a computer with standard business software.
• Prepare clear, concise, comprehensive documentation, reports and other written materials.
• Organize, set priorities and exercise sound judgment.
• Communicate clearly and effectively, orally and in writing.
• Maintain sensitive and confidential information.
• Exercise tact and diplomacy in challenging situations.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, parents, children and community partners.

Education / Experience / Certification

Graduation from a four‑year college or university with a BA/BS 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, and six (6) units of Infant/Toddler. At least four (4) years of progressively responsible teaching experience in a Head Start or child development program, at least one (1) year in a supervisory capacity; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

• BA/BS in Child Development or related field including six (6) units of Infant/Toddler.
• Valid State of California Child Development Permit at the Site Supervisor or Program Director level is required.

Value‑Based Behaviors

Listen attentively; ask clarifying questions; work effectively in teams; pursue professional development; attend work consistently; protect confidential matters; follow rules and policies; resolve issues respectfully.

Health Status

Must have a physical examination, TB clearance and a drug screen by a designated clinic. Immunizations required for influenza, pertussis and measles prior to first day of employment.

Physical and Mental Demands

Physical: Stand, walk, sit, talk, handle objects, reach, stoop, kneel, bend, crawl, climb or balance; lift up to 50 pounds. Vision: close, distance, depth, color, adjust focus.

Mental: Use communication skills; read and interpret information; analyze and solve problems; work under deadlines; interact with diverse stakeholders.

Background Clearance

Background/education check, DMV check, NSOR, exclusion and debarment checks will be conducted prior to hire and periodically during employment.

Transportation

Must have a valid California Driver’s License, personal insured vehicle, and acceptable driving record. Incumbents will be enrolled in the California DMV Pull Program.