ECE Center Coordinator (Assistant Director)

Position Type: Full-Time | Exempt
Reports To: Director of Early Childhood Education
Location: St. Louis, Missouri

About Guardian Angel Settlement Association

Established in 1859, Guardian Angel Settlement Association (GASA) exists to serve under-resourced neighbors throughout the St. Louis community by helping individuals and families improve their quality of life and achieve economic independence.

Guardian Angel provides a broad range of holistic services, including:

• Early Head Start and Head Start early childhood education

• Housing stability support

• Senior services

• Self-sufficiency workshops

• Client-choice food pantry

• Clothing closet

• Community resource navigation and partnerships

Each year, these programs provide stability, opportunity, and hope to more than 4,000 underserved community members.

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Director of Early Childhood Education, the ECE Center Coordinator (Assistant Director) provides leadership, oversight, and operational management for the Early Childhood Education program. This position is responsible for supporting overall center operations, ensuring high-quality educational programming, supervising staff, maintaining regulatory compliance, and promoting a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for children and families.

The ECE Center Coordinator (Assistant Director) serves as a key member of the leadership team and assists with day-to-day program administration, staff supervision, family engagement, curriculum oversight, and continuous quality improvement initiatives. This role requires strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills, as well as the ability to effectively manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.

This is a full-time exempt leadership position with flexible scheduling based on program needs, including occasional evenings and weekends.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or closely related field required (Master’s Degree preferred)

• Education must meet State licensing requirements, accreditation standards, and Head Start Performance Standards

• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in early childhood education

• Minimum of two (2) years of supervisory or management experience, preferably in a childcare or Head Start setting

• Strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills

• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations, families, staff, and community partners

• Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards preferred or willingness to obtain knowledge

• Proficiency with data systems, assessments, and Microsoft Office applications

• Reliable transportation required for travel between St. Louis City program sites

• Valid driver’s license and proof of automobile insurance required

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Leadership & Center Operations

• Assist the Director of Early Childhood Education with daily center operations and program administration

• Supervise, support, coach, and evaluate teaching staff and support personnel

• Participate in staff recruitment, interviewing, onboarding, scheduling, and retention efforts

• Assist with maintaining appropriate staffing ratios and classroom coverage

• Promote a positive, collaborative, and professional work culture

• Support conflict resolution and effective communication among staff and families

• Ensure compliance with State licensing regulations, accreditation standards, Head Start Performance Standards, and agency policies

• Monitor classrooms and program operations to ensure health, safety, and quality standards are consistently maintained

• Immediately identify, report, and assist in correcting areas of noncompliance

• Maintain accurate records, reports, and documentation required by regulatory agencies and funding sources

• Assist in emergency preparedness planning and implementation

• Support agency outreach activities, enrollment efforts, fundraising events, and community engagement initiatives

Educational Program Oversight

• Serve as an instructional leader and resource in child development and developmentally appropriate practices

• Support teachers in implementing curriculum, lesson planning, classroom management, and individualized learning strategies

• Conduct classroom observations and provide coaching and feedback to teaching staff

• Oversee developmental screenings, assessments, and child outcome reporting

• Ensure accurate and timely data entry for assessment and compliance systems

• Coordinate classroom transitions and kindergarten readiness activities

• Support implementation of IEPs/IFSPs and collaborate with therapists, specialists, and support agencies

• Monitor completion of parent-teacher conferences and home visits

• Assist with classroom placement decisions and enrollment transitions

• Identify classroom material, equipment, and supply needs

• Obtain and maintain CLASS and GOLD reliability/certification as required

• Support Family Engagement staff and collaborate with families to strengthen parent partnerships

Staff Development & Professional Growth

• Assist in planning and facilitating staff trainings and professional development opportunities

• Monitor employee training hours and credential requirements

• Support staff in obtaining and maintaining required certifications and educational goals

• Assist with development and monitoring of individual professional development plans

• Provide ongoing coaching, mentoring, and performance support to staff

Administrative & Agency Responsibilities

• Participate in leadership meetings, agency committees, and professional development activities

• Represent Guardian Angel Settlement Association at community meetings and events

• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all interactions

• Support cross-department collaboration and agency-wide initiatives

• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Director of Early Childhood Education

Communication & Leadership Competencies

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to effectively lead meetings, trainings, and presentations

• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills

• Strong mentoring and coaching abilities

• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple responsibilities

• Collaborative leadership style with strong problem-solving abilities

• Technical proficiency and ability to quickly learn new systems and software

Benefits

Guardian Angel Settlement Association offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Paid Time Off

• 401(k) with Employer Match

• Dental Insurance

• Vision Insurance

• Life Insurance

• Short-Term Disability Insurance

• Long-Term Disability Insurance

• Employee Assistance Program

• Professional Development Opportunities

• Tuition Reimbursement

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

This position operates within a fast-paced, mission-driven environment requiring flexibility, adaptability, and collaboration. Travel between St. Louis City program sites may be required.

The ECE Center Coordinator (Assistant Director) will regularly engage in classroom, administrative, and community-based settings and must be able to:

• Lift and carry up to 15–20 pounds as needed

• Bend, stoop, sit, stand, and move for extended periods

• Maintain active supervision and engagement within classroom environments

• Support a safe, clean, healthy, and organized learning environment

Professionalism, leadership, compliance, and collaboration are essential to success in this role.