Early Head Start/Head Start Assistant Program Director

Head Start Assistant Program Director

UCCAC, Inc. in Kingston, NY is looking to hire a full-time Assistant Director for Early Head Start & Head Start. Do you possess strong leadership and management skills? Would you like a job that offers meaningful work? If so, please read on!

This position earns a competitive wage. We provide excellent benefits, including vacation, sick time, personal time, an SEP-IRA retirement plan, and tuition reimbursement. If this sounds like the right opportunity for you, apply today!

ABOUT UCCAC, INC.

Incorporated in 1965, we strive to implement the philosophy of self-help. We believe in giving a hand up, not a handout. We do this through practical, timely, and innovative programs and services. Our organization promotes self-sufficiency and dignity for those we serve. We are on a mission to change people's lives, improve communities, and make Ulster and Sullivan Counties a better place to live.

The Early Head Start / Head Start Assistant Program Director is responsible for the leadership and oversight of the Early / Head Start Program and its staff under the guidance and supervision of the Program Director.

Required Competencies and Knowledge:

• Excellent organizational and planning skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Be a self starter with excellent decision making skills
• Able to take charge, be adaptable and resilient in a high paced, dynamic environment
• Ability to take initiative, be responsive and follow through on decisions
• Be a team player with the ability to coordinate activities and engage in collaborative decision making
• Possess an excellent moral character
• Strong knowledge of child development programs, child development theory and effective practice from Birth to age 5
• Ability to work with and through people

Qualifications:

• MINIMUM: Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education OR Business Administration, Psychology, Health, or Social Work with some credits in Early Childhood Education or related field.

• PREFERRED: Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education, Education or Special Education.

• Minimum of five (5) years' experience working in a childcare program with at least 3 of those years in direct care experience with children and/or families. Expertise with infants and toddlers preferred.

• Four (4) years strong experience in administration, supervision, outreach and recruitment, budget development, grant writing and maintaining compliance. Supervision in a childcare program preferred.

• Valid NYS driver's license and reliable means of personal transportation for travel between site locations.

• Able to satisfactorily pass the Comprehensive Background Clearance process.

General Responsibilities:

The Early Head Start / Head Start Assistant Program Director shall have responsibility for the development of management systems that integrate the Early Head Start program with the Head Start Program and is consistent with childcare OCFS Child Care Regulations and Head Start Program Performance Standards. The Early HeadStart/Head Start Assistant Program Director will serve as an Assistant to the Head Start Program Director, and coordinate efforts in order to provide effective management, and avoid duplication of services, oversee day to day operations, and providing monitoring and feedback.

Program Responsibilities:

• Review and where applicable, develop management systems that support the effective implementation of a qualitative Early/ Head Start Program.

• Ensure compliance of the program is consistent with Head Start Performance Standards and agency policies and procedures across all program options and sites. This includes both program and fiscal management systems that provide accountability.

• Engage in the full process of recruitment, interview and hiring of Early Head Start/Head Start Staff consistent with Agency Personnel Policies, Head Start Performance Standards and all applicable State and Federal laws relating to equal employment opportunities.

• Oversee staff development and training plan/calendar (including new staff orientation and pre-service).

• Engage internal and external stakeholders including Board members, State & Federal compliance agents, Senior Administrative leadership team, inspectors, funders, etc.

• Assist the Head Start Program Director in coordinating projects from start to finish and ensure monitoring of timelines.

• Assist in the grant application preparation process required to secure continued funding for the program.

• Assist the Program Director in the development of the annual budget and work plan with staff and Policy Council involvement based on identified objectives, school readiness goals, etc.

• Maintain an accurate internal communication system for reporting on program objectives and concerns, policy, information, guidelines, and correspondence to the Head Start Program Director, Executive Director, the Board of Directors, Policy Council and staff.

• Coordinate the annual self-assessment encouraging Policy Council involvement.

• Provide training and coaching that result in actionable improvement plan.

• Provide direct supervision and evaluation of Center Directors, the Specialist team; (EHS and HS Education Services Specialists, and Family and Community Partnership Specialist and the Health Specialist) and Consultants.

• Oversee program compliance including program's licensing, inspection & maintenance program with & through the Center.

• Engage in and oversee recruitment and outreach efforts including networking and program representation in the Community.

• Identify and engage in collaboration opportunities with other component programs of the Agency.

• Additional job-related duties as assigned by the Early Head Start / Head Start Program Director

EEOE Statement: UCCAC is a equal employment opportunity employer. UCCAC encourages diversity in hiring and welcomes applications and nominations from culturally and ethnically diverse applicants. UCCAC does not discriminate based on pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, race, religion, intellectual diversity, creed, color, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other category protected by federal or state labor law.