Center Director

Position Summary

The Center Director is responsible for managing business operations while ensuring the educational development, health, and safety of children attending school. The position reports to the Program Director and operates under general supervision with wide latitude for the use of independent judgment, discretion, and initiative.

Essential Job Duties

• Manage the daily operations and staffing for a Head Start Center.
• Oversee the health and safety of children in compliance with WBCO, Head Start, and Child Care Licensure policies and procedures.
• Review and sign weekly lesson plans for all classrooms.
• Hire and supervise staff following personnel policies and procedures including orientation and training, career development advice, establishing employee goals, conducting performance reviews, coaching, counseling, disciplining staff, and recommending terminations if needed.
• Oversee the management of an efficient, effective, and safe child‑care center to include property, facilities, and grounds.
• Ensure compliance with ADA and IDEA, Day Care Licensing, and Head Start Program regulations.
• Ensure performance standards are met in alignment with education, mental health, disability, and social service programs.
• Ensure classrooms encourage a positive learning environment and comply with the approved curriculum and adopted programs.
• Complete Classroom Materials Checklist for each classroom, provide feedback to teachers, and create a purchase wish list of missing items.
• Collaborate with all Program Coordinators to ensure quality services for children and families are provided promptly.
• Work with community partners to develop initiatives that promote positive community relations.
• Manage and coordinate volunteer activities for the classroom, ensuring appropriate background checks have been completed.
• Monitor nutritional offerings at Head Start/Early Head Start Centers.
• Maintain volunteer training records and verify status.
• Track and monitor child outcomes.
• Assist the Health Coordinator in ensuring children are up to date with EPSDT guidelines and data entry of immunizations, well‑child exams, and dental exams.
• Maintain an inventory list of all supplies and equipment.
• Educate parents and staff on current issues in education, mental health, and disability.
• Ensure the confidentiality of information about staff, students, and families.
• Travel between sites to complete work, attend meetings, and participate in professional development seminars.
• Maintain program waitlist.
• Collaborate with Family Advocates to plan monthly parent meetings.
• Participate in and attend monthly parent meetings.
• All employees are expected to adhere to OWBC ethics expectations.
• Must cooperate and work effectively with others.
• Must be diplomatic, honest, and fair.
• Regular and punctual attendance is an essential function of the position.
• Perform other duties as assigned or as they become apparent.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Operate various word‑processing software, spreadsheets, and database programs.
• Work effectively with others.
• Assess the health and behaviors of children by sight and sound.
• Provide excellent customer service to internal and external customers.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory agency requirements and policies.
• Organize, prioritize, and utilize effective time‑management techniques.
• Respect confidentiality at all times.
• Carry out multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Follow instructions furnished in verbal or written format.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: A bachelor’s degree with 12 college credit hours in child development and six college credit hours in management and at least one year of experience in a licensed child‑care center; or
• An associate’s of applied science degree in child development or a closely related field with six college credit hours in child development and six college credit hours in management and at least two years of experience in a licensed child‑care center; or
• Sixty college credit hours with nine college credit hours in child development and six college credit hours in management and at least two years of experience in a licensed child‑care center.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual.

Experience

• See above plus Two (2) years of experience in a supervisory role.

Licenses/Certifications

• Valid Texas driver’s license.
• Adult and Pediatric CPR and First Aid certifications.

Physical Demands

• Standing, handling reports, vehicles, laptop, keys.
• Hearing, talking, listening, communicating with employees and others, answering the telephone, participating in meetings, giving presentations.
• Fine dexterity: operate computer, calculator, write, use mouse, projector tools.
• Sitting at a desk, reading, writing, in meetings, driving, riding in a vehicle to sites and meetings.
• Kneeling, crouching, crawling: plug in equipment, connect PC components, plug in cords, open lower desk drawers.
• Walking from vehicle to site, area to area.
• Bending/twisting: reach files, reports, handle paper, reach drawers.
• Grasping/Holding: binders, phones, tablets, work resources.
• Balancing: standing, reaching, driving.
• Lifting/Carrying: binders, paper, laptop, supplies up to 45 lbs.
• Vision: drive and assist individuals in medical need.
• Pushing/Pulling: open/close file/copier drawers, open & close doors, roll‑top carriers.
• Driving: scheduled and unscheduled trips to and from meetings and sites.

Working Conditions

• Working in a fast‑paced environment with priorities and plans that may change rapidly.
• Working on weekends, evenings, and some holidays may be required.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Training & development
• Vision insurance
• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Tuition assistance
• Wellness resources