Head Start Manager, Education & Disabilities

The Education Manager is a key member of the EASTCONN Head Start & Early Learning Management Team responsible for managing all education components as well as coordination of the coaching staff within the EASTCONN Head Start & Early Learning program. The Education Manager works with the Education Team (Education Program Manager and Transition Coordinator of Early Childhood Disabilities) and Director to develop, implement, and monitor the EASTCONN Head Start and Early Learning education program, provide curriculum support; and design program improvements to enhance the total educational experiences of the all enrolled children. This position provides ongoing support and monitoring of classroom staff and students.

Responsibilities:

• Coordinates the education and early childhood development content area of the EASTCONN Head Start & Early Learning Programs
• Develops a system for administration and monitoring of classroom environments, classroom transitions, interactions, and overall classroom staff.
• Monitors and evaluates related program and staff performance to ensure quality.
• Ensure the development of individual education goals to include goal setting based on individual needs for meeting objectives and activities to meet established goals (child outcomes).
• Reviews LEPs across the program, provides feedback, and support, if necessary. Assures the implementation of best child development practice through the approved curriculum in all programs for children. Maintains implementation of the three curricular maps.
• Coordinates within the management team the completion of the written "School Readiness Goals" which includes the alignment document, data reports, and program goals for improving children's school readiness. Update annually.
• Works closely to assure adequate classroom supplies, equipment, and schedules are appropriate for young children. Approves orders in ChildPlus.
• Approves and attends field trips, special events and special guests/visitors.
• Works closely with other staff, parents and managers/coaches and/or consultants to support classroom quality, evaluation and ongoing performance.
• Responsible for coordinating and maintaining biannual reports pertaining to CLASS/QCIT and ratings. As well as supporting classrooms with improvement plans, development of action plans, and resources to improve practice. Attend observation feedback sessions and oversee Educator Assessment Action Plan goals.
• Provides planning, training, leadership, monitoring and assistance necessary for the Head Start education service component to assure delivery of Head Start services in compliance with program and personnel policies and procedures.
• Plans and implements meaningful professional development for all classrooms including Early Head Start classrooms at contracted partner Windham Early Childhood Center(WECC). Collects and analyzes staff Individual Professional Development (IPD) Goals to help determine topics and needs for professional development.
• Monitors and connects the ongoing collaboration with the EASTCONN Early Childhood Initiatives (ECI) coaches. Develops schedules, arranges for, and provides teaching staff time for onsite meetings and appropriate coordination.
• Attends and participates in meetings, work projects, team meetings, committees, workshops, individual training and training conferences as assigned, which may include local, state, regional and national groups. This includes attending pre-service and in-service training.
• Ensure that each assigned classroom is visited weekly and monitoring of all early childhood education/child development services follows the established monitoring schedule using designated tools to ensure performance standards and all other applicable regulations are met.
• Participates in staff meetings or communication to ensure accurate and updated information is communicated to staff via written agenda and verbal communication. Provide staff with information and suggestions regarding the program in order to meet the needs of the children and families and provide onsite technical assistance to staff through the development of action plans.
• Serves as the point person for tier 1 classroom support for child related concerns. This work directly relates to the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) framework implemented across the program.
• Contributes to the ongoing MTSS leadership team; attends the monthly meetings, reviews data, determines individual classroom and child needs.
• Completes, conducts, and manages special projects and assignments delegated by the Director to assist in the operation of the program.
• Actively participate in the annual EASTCONN Head Start & Early Learning self-assessment process to identify strengths and areas of improvement that leads to the annual action plan.
• Attends selection committee meetings and actively advocates for appropriate placement based on needs, staff, and families.
• Monitors the Education program and staff performance to ensure quality.
• Provides other programmatic support services, such as Second Step, Pyramid Model, and Executive Function.
• Provides on-going monitoring of education and child development services and personnel to ensure that program standards are met.
• Provides continued support and mentoring to education personnel.
• Collaborates with the Education Team on curriculum, child development and environments.
• Coordinates the EASTCONN Head Start & Early Learning Annual Art Show, including creation of theme, supporting staff and children with timeline, materials, and guidance. Partners with Killingly High School and EASTCONN Facilities department for setup and breakdown.
• Familiar with CT Early Learning Development Standards (CT ELDS), Teaching Strategies GOLD, CLASS, Office of Early Childhood regulations, and Head Start Performance Standards.
• Leads education and child development staff meetings, participates in management team and other staff meetings, committees, reviews, and training as scheduled.
• Provide on the job training for new education staff.
• Collaborates with other Managers and Director for the development of education/training plans for all teaching staff.
• Other related work as required.

Qualifications Required:

Education: S./B.A. in Early Childhood Education, Child and Family Studies or a related field. Master's Degree preferred.

Experience: Minimum five years of experience in training or program service delivery, with at least four years of early childhood teaching experience. Head Start preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

• Ability to communicate positively with children, families and staff with varying cultural, educational, and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Experience in training and supervision of staff.
• Ability to communicate effectively in written and oral format
• Ability to organize and deliver presentations/workshops.
• Ability to observe and deliver quality feedback to staff.
• Strong multitasking and organizational skills.
• Ability to make independent and sound decisions in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail and confidentiality.
• Ability to become CLASS certified.
• Strong computer skills with the ability to adapt to new software.
• Ability to obtain background check and health check as required.
• Ability to travel between program sites.

EASTCONN is committed to providing high-quality early childhood programming through highly qualified staff, ongoing professional development, small class sizes, low child-to-staff ratios, meaningful family engagement, and inclusive learning environments that serve children and families from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds

EASTCONN Head Start & Early Learning Education Manager is a 210 Day Salaried Position.

Compensation: Placement within the range is based on factors including education, experience, licensure/certification, and internal equity where applicable.

Benefits: EASTCONN offers a competitive benefits package for eligible employees that may include:

• Medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance - Participation in the Connecticut State Partnership Health Plan (where applicable).
• Retirement plan participation
• Paid sick leave and personal leave (as applicable)
• Employer paid life insurance and voluntary employee paid supplemental life insurance available
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Professional development opportunities

Eligibility for benefits is based on position and scheduled hours.

At EASTCONN, we believe that diversity is key to our success. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply, including those who may not meet every listed qualification. Your passion, drive, and perspective are what matter most to us.

As an EEO/AA employer, EASTCONN provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person's race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, and caste, which is protected by our policies.

AA/EOE

M/F/D/V