Classroom Administrator
Incumbent is responsible for the overall day-to-day administration, oversight, and management of assigned center-based classrooms, which includes program management, supervision, training, planning, and regulatory compliance.
Staff Leadership & Development
- Interview, mentor, coach, and supervise classroom-specific staff, which includes coordination with the Professional Development Coordinator to provide a comprehensive program orientations, Head Start (HS) Performance Standards overviews, and State of Alaska licensing compliance training.
- Evaluate team performance based on professional development plans and job descriptions, actively assisting with the coordination of ongoing professional development.
- Establish staffing patterns, work schedules, and manage leave requests of staff to ensure proper coverage.
- Ensure proper procedures for opening and closing the site are strictly followed.
- Coordinate substitute utilization and manage daily staffing adjustments as needed.
- Facilitate conflict resolution and provide clear direction in the day-to-day functions of the center.
- May supervise FNA Bus Drivers.
Program Compliance & Operations
- Ensure full compliance with all Head Start Performance Standards, and State of Alaska Childcare Licensing requirements.
- Collaborate with FNA leadership and support staff to maintain operational consistency, short- and long-range planning, work plan development, and program evaluations.
- Integrate partnering service components seamlessly into the classroom environment, including social services, health, parent engagement, and disability services.
- Manage allocated site and classroom expenses within budget guidelines.
- Monitor classroom lesson plans and support behavioral management observations to improve the learning environment and meet individual child needs.
Safety, Health & Security
- Maintain a safe, accessible learning center in compliance with state, federal, and local fire department standards, ensuring play structures are sound and parking areas are well-defined.
- Conduct and document monthly fire drills to ensure emergency preparedness for children, parents, volunteers, and staff.
- Enforce child safety and security procedures, including sign-in/out logs, daily notes, parent reports, and required documentation for sick, injured, or accident tracking.
- Supervise confidential reporting and documentation of suspected child abuse or neglect, ensuring strict adherence to Office of Children's Services (OCS) guidelines and mandatory reporting laws.
Communication & Community Relations
- Maintain strict confidentiality regarding all child, family, and staff records.
- Generate regular statistical and narrative reports detailing center accomplishments, operational obstacles, and strategic solutions.
- Provide responsive advocacy for Head Start children and families using a relationship-based model that reflects the mission of both Head Start and FNA.
- Facilitate a consistent exchange of information through frequent in-person, verbal, and written communications with staff, parents, and community representatives.
- Serve as a positive, professional representative of the agency when interacting with the public in person, via written correspondence, or over the phone.
- Support other program areas and perform job-related duties as assigned. Provide assistance to others by subbing in classrooms or the bus and observing teachers in the classrooms for role modeling.
Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Ability
- Deep knowledge of early childhood development theories, milestones, and best practices.
- Comprehensive knowledge of federal Head Start Performance Standards, and State of Alaska Child Care Licensing Regulations.
- Demonstrated understanding, sensitivity, and adaptability toward diverse cultures and lifestyles, and cross-cultural communication styles.
- Strong oral, written, and active listening skills, with the ability to convey complex regulatory or developmental information clearly to both staff and families.
- Proven skill in managing multiple competing priorities, balancing daily operational tasks, and meeting strict deadlines concurrently.
- Skilled at building and maintaining cooperative, respectful, and collaborative working relationships with colleagues, supervisors, and community members.
- Proficient in operating personal computers and navigating standard office software (e.g., Microsoft Office 365,) and data tracking systems with the ability to accurately enter and track data.
- Ability to act as a strong, responsive advocate for early childhood education and comprehensive child development within the community.
- Ability to work independently as well as with teams.
Minimum Qualifications (Education & Experience)
- BA degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or related field, OR
- BA in unrelated field, supplemented by a minimum of twelve (12) completed college credits in ECE.
- Four (4) years of experience working with families and children in the prenatal to pre-K age range.
- Two (2) years administrative and supervisory experience, preferable in an educational or social services setting.
- A combination of experience, education, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may substitute for degree requirements.