EDUCATION MANAGER - ECE

SUMMARY

Incumbent is r esponsible for the overall day-to-day administration, oversight, and management of assigned center-based classrooms, which includes program management, supervision, training, planning, and regulatory compliance.

JOB DUTIES

Staff Leadership & Development

Interview, mentor, coach, and supervise classroom-specific staff, which includes coordination with the Professional Development Coordinator to provide a comprehensive program orientations, Head Start (HS) Performance Standards overviews, and State of Alaska licensing compliance training.

Evaluate team performance based on professional development plans and job descriptions, actively assisting with the coordination of ongoing professional development.

Establish staffing patterns, work schedules, and manage leave requests of staff to ensure proper coverage.

Ensure proper procedures for opening and closing the site are strictly followed.

Coordinate substitute utilization and manage daily staffing adjustments as needed.

Facilitate conflict resolution and provide clear direction in the day-to-day functions of the center.

May supervise FNA Bus Drivers.

Program Compliance & Operations

Ensure full compliance with all Head Start Performance Standards, and State of Alaska Childcare Licensing requirements.

Collaborate with FNA leadership and support staff to maintain operational consistency, short- and long-range planning, work plan development, and program evaluations.

Integrate partnering service components seamlessly into the classroom environment, including social services, health, parent engagement, and disability services.

Manage allocated site and classroom expenses within budget guidelines.

Monitor classroom lesson plans and support behavioral management observations to improve the learning environment and meet individual child needs.

Safety, Health & Security

Maintain a safe, accessible learning center in compliance with state, federal, and local fire department standards, ensuring play structures are sound and parking areas are well-defined.

Conduct and document monthly fire drills to ensure emergency preparedness for children, parents, volunteers, and staff.

Enforce child safety and security procedures, including sign-in/out logs, daily notes, parent reports, and required documentation for sick, injured, or accident tracking.

Supervise confidential reporting and documentation of suspected child abuse or neglect, ensuring strict adherence to Office of Children's Services (OCS) guidelines and mandatory reporting laws.

Communication & Community Relations

Maintain strict confidentiality regarding all child, family, and staff records.

Generate regular statistical and narrative reports detailing center accomplishments, operational obstacles, and strategic solutions.

Provide responsive advocacy for Head Start children and families using a relationship-based model that reflects the mission of both Head Start and FNA.

Facilitate a consistent exchange of information through frequent in-person, verbal, and written communications with staff, parents, and community representatives.

Serve as a positive, professional representative of the agency when interacting with the public in person, via written correspondence, or over the phone.

Support other program areas and perform job-related duties as assigned. Provide assistance to others by subbing in classrooms or the bus and observing teachers in the classrooms for role modeling.

NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITY

Deep knowledge of early childhood development theories, milestones, and best practices.

Comprehensive knowledge of federal Head Start Performance Standards, and State of Alaska Child Care Licensing Regulations.

Demonstrated understanding, sensitivity, and adaptability toward diverse cultures and lifestyles, and cross-cultural communication styles.

Strong oral, written, and active listening skills, with the ability to convey complex regulatory or developmental information clearly to both staff and families.

Proven skill in managing multiple competing priorities, balancing daily operational tasks, and meeting strict deadlines concurrently.

Skilled at building and maintaining cooperative, respectful, and collaborative working relationships with colleagues, supervisors, and community members.

Proficient in operating personal computers and navigating standard office software (e.g., Microsoft Office 365,) and data tracking systems with the ability to accurately enter and track data.

Ability to act as a strong, responsive advocate for early childhood education and comprehensive child development within the community.

Ability to work independently as well as with teams.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Education & Experience)

BA degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or related field, OR

BA in unrelated field, supplemented by a minimum of twelve (12) completed college credits in ECE.

Four (4) years of experience working with families and children in the prenatal to pre-K age range.

Two (2) years administrative and supervisory experience, preferable in an educational or social services setting.

A combination of experience, education, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may substitute for degree requirements.