Center Director/Education Specialist

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Center Director/Education Specialist Job Description

Job Summary:

The Center Director is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the program, including curriculum implementation, staff supervision, evaluation, training, record keeping, public relations, and facility management. This role ensures the successful implementation of all program requirements, ensuring adherence to federal, state, and local guidelines. The ideal candidate must have strong leadership, organizational, and time-management skills, with a focus on program development and staff effectiveness. This role requires the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Supervise, evaluate, and provide guidance to all center personnel.

• Lead regular staff meetings to align with WCFD objectives and ensure effective program delivery.

• Ensure proper staff orientation and compliance with state and program requirements.

• Delegate responsibilities to staff based on their skillsets and job descriptions.

• Offer ongoing training, technical support, and feedback to staff members.

• Maintain consistent communication with the Director of Area Coordination and administrative team regarding staff, center activities, and center needs.

• Ensure all center operations comply with Head Start guidelines and other funding source requirements.

Duties/Responsibilities:

All duties will comply with Head Start/Early Head Start standards, DFS licensing, NAEYC guidelines, Wyoming Division of Disabilities regulations, and WCFD policies. All employees will adhere to the mission, vision, values, policies, and procedures of WCFD.

• Assist the Education Director with implementing educational components in compliance with federal, state, and WCFD guidelines/mandates.

• Contribute to the management team, promoting staff development, quality assurance, high-quality care to children, and effective communication strategies.

• Collaborate with component coordinators and specialists to ensure efficient programming and documentation.

• Oversee the maintenance and repair of all center buildings and grounds year-round, ensuring compliance with safety inspections.

• Manage the inventory of supplies and equipment, ensuring accuracy and proper maintenance.

• Operate within the established budget, requisitioning necessary supplies and overseeing petty cash.

• Ensure the collection of required "in-kind" contributions.

• Represent WCFD in public relations activities, including funding presentations and community engagement.

• Assist with child recruitment within the guidelines set by the Department of Health and Human Services and Wyoming Child and Family Development.

• Ensure the safety of all children and families.

• Communicate regularly with parents/guardians, including newsletters, memos, and electronic communication.

• Collaborate with the Director of Family Services to organize and facilitate family committee activities and ensure active participation in all family committee meetings.

• Coordinate outreach and recruitment efforts for all WCFD programs, including Child Find activities.

• Work closely with the nurse and Mental Health Consultant to ensure timely support services for children and families.

• Maintain confidentiality of all program-related information.

• Respond appropriately to suspected child abuse in accordance with WCFD policies.

• Provide emergency care as needed.

• Ensure ability to perform job functions safely, with or without reasonable accommodations.

• Attend all required training sessions and meetings.

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Board or its designee.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Proven management and supervisory skills with a deep understanding of program and education development.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with families, staff, and the public.

• Proficient in stress management and maintaining a calm, organized approach in a fast-paced environment.

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with various stakeholders, including staff, children, families, and the community.

• Flexible and adaptable to changing routines and priorities.

Education and Experience:

• A Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Special Education, Child Development, or a closely related field is preferred.

• Minimum of an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field.

• WCFD will only accept college degrees from accredited institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

• Must attain additional training or certifications, which may be required by Wyoming Child and Family Development, Inc.

• Supervisory experience is preferred.

Physical Requirements:

Reasonable accommodations can be made for persons with disabilities. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

• Ability to read technical materials for extended periods of time.

• Ability to sit, stand, or walk for long periods without fatigue or discomfort.

• Must be able to travel to various sites, meetings, and training sessions, both in-state and out-of-state.

• Must be willing to drive safely in a variety of weather conditions.

• Capable of hearing and processing both in-person and telephone conversations.

• Must be able to work in a variety of temperatures, including hot and cold weather.

• Ability to work in air-conditioned buildings and under fluorescent lighting.

• Must be able to climb stairs, stoop, kneel, crouch and/or reach, to retrieve materials and supplies from ground level to a height of at least 5 ft.

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.

• Must be able to assist children in emergency situations and provide first aid when needed.