Head Start - Early Head Start Director Of Education

Overview:

As the Head Start/EHS Director of Education, you will serve as a strategic leader, guiding decisions and actions within the framework of our organizational mission, values, and goals. This position requires exceptional leadership skills, effective communication abilities, and a deep commitment to community and the transformative power of Head Start in interrupting poverty and preparing children and families for school success. The Director of Education supervises the Education Manager and Disability Mental Health Manager. This role offers a unique opportunity to lead and shape the future of early childhood education in our community. Join us in our mission to empower children and families and create lasting change for generations to come.

Operational Responsibility:

* Monitoring System Implementation: Ensure implementation of an institutionalized, agency-wide ongoing monitoring system, inclusive of all HS Management Wheel systems, to evidence compliance and escalate issues where needed.

* Teacher-Child Interaction Evaluation: Implement an effective and reliable evaluation system for teacher-child interactions.

* Supervision and Coaching: Provide ongoing direct supervision, coaching, and discipline (as applicable) for the Education Manager and Disabilities/Special Needs Manager, including setting monthly, quarterly, and annual performance objectives, regular supervision(s), and arranging training and professional development.

*Subject Matter Expertise: Act as the senior subject matter expert for external funders and become a key member of the program leadership team.

*Recruitment Participation: Participate in the recruitment process for ED-DMH Coordinators, Teachers, Teacher Assistants, Site Managers, and Content Area Managers where applicable.

* Formal Presentations and Reviews: Provide formal presentations to the Parent Policy Council, Board of Directors, In-Service employees, partner organizations, OHS regional and federal reviews, and other funder requests as needed.

* Staff Wellness and Team Building: Make recommendations related to team building and staff wellness to foster a positive work culture within the ED-DMH team.

Global Responsibility:

* Create a Culture of High-Quality Early Childhood Development: Develop a comprehensive definition of high-quality early childhood development along with specific operating standards to measure compliance and commitment.

* Methodology for Kindergarten Readiness Metrics: Design a methodology to establish qualitative and quantitative metrics ensuring kindergarten readiness for the children served. Implement a pilot project to track children from initial enrollment through kindergarten and subsequently through 3rd grade.

* Evaluation System for ED-DMH Coordinators: Determine prerequisite credentials, experience, expertise, and skills necessary for hiring ED-DMH Coordinators. Develop an evaluation system measuring their proficiency in meeting performance objectives and Head Start Performance Standards.

* Curriculum Enhancements: Identify and recommend curriculum enhancements benefiting children served at both directly operated and delegate/community partner sites.

* Readiness Evaluation for New Agencies: Ensure the ED-DMH evaluation component evaluates the readiness of potential new agencies to implement HS/EHS programs comprehensively.

* Communication Plan for Parent Engagement: Develop an ongoing communication plan encouraging parents to actively engage in their children's education.

* Budget Planning for ED-DMH Team: Develop an annual operating spending budget for the ED-DMH team, encompassing non-personnel spending, training, and professional development.

* Technology Review: Engage in a technology review of hardware, software, and data systems to ensure optimal resources for the ED-DMH team.

* Staffing Capacity Review: Review current staffing for ED-DMH and recommend optimal staffing capacity for both content areas.

Qualifications:

Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field, or Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education; plus, minimum five years’ experience in a managerial role (program planning, operations, and evaluation.

Proficiency in group facilitation and experience engaging parents in educational settings.

Self-motivated, organized, with strong verbal and written communication skills. Computer and word processing skills required.

Sensitivity and familiarity working with diverse populations are required.

********Please note, salary is commensurate with educational credentials relevant to ECE/ Head Start experiences and proven expertise ********.

Qualifications:

- Bachelor's degree in Education or related field; Master's degree preferred

- Proven experience in education administration, preferably in a leadership role

- Strong background in higher education teaching or related field

- Excellent written and verbal communication skills

- Experience working with students from diverse backgrounds

- Proficient in budgeting and resource management

- Strong leadership abilities with the ability to inspire and motivate others

Skills:

- Ability to educate, inspire, and engage students

- Excellent written communication skills for creating educational materials

- Recruiting skills for hiring qualified educators and support staff

- Research skills to stay updated on the latest trends in education

- Experience working with students from diverse backgrounds

- Budgeting skills for managing educational resources effectively

- Leadership abilities to provide guidance and support to faculty and staff

If you are passionate about education, have strong leadership abilities, and are dedicated to making a positive impact on students' lives, we encourage you to apply for the position of Director of Education. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, as well as opportunities for professional growth and development. Join our team and help shape the future of Education!

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $100,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to Relocate:

• Chicago, IL 60616: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person