Preschool Center Manager (FLOATING)

Position Purpose The position purpose describes the responsibilities of the overall responsibilities of day to day activities that occur at each Child Development Center.
Furthermore, and more importantly, the role of Center Manager is a key middle management role for Inspire Development Centers.
This role is responsible for building positive relationships not only with our children, parents, and staff, but also the communities in which they represent Inspire Development Centers.
Distinguishing Characteristics Inspire Development Centers provides Early Childhood Education (ECE) and social services to more than 4000 children, in center based and home based setting, at more than 27 Child Development Centers (CDC) throughout the State of Washington.
Inspire provides services under various federal and state funded programs with differing regulations and stipulations, which must be coordinated and adhered to, including, but not limited to: Regional Head Start (RHS), Migrant Seasonal Head Start (MSHS), Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) and Early Head Start (EHS).
The agency is required to meet an annual quota of non-federal share (in-kind) funds.
A large majority of children’s first language is Spanish.
Supervisory and Other Relationships Center Manager reports to the Regional Director and guides and manages the overall supervision of Center Staff.
They work closely with program and corporate staff, children and families and build and maintain strong relationships in the communities where their centers are based.
Examples of Essential Duties and Accountabilities The following examples of duties and accountabilities illustrate the general range of tasks assigned to the position but are not intended to define the limits of required duties.
Other essential duties may be assigned consistent with the general scope of the position.
1.
Supervises the local service delivery plan to assure quality services are received by all children and parents, in keeping with Inspire Development Centers’ Mission Statement and service delivery plan.
2.
Mentor and coach Core Team members and line staff in performance of position duties; model the expected duties and activities; follow local service delivery plan and other governing documents.
3.
Identifies the personnel needs of the center and adheres to agency protocol to recruit, interview, hire staff, and coordinates and/or provide staff orientation to personnel committee.
Responsible for conducting weekly Core Team staff meetings and monthly general staff meetings, or as needed, coordinating monthly Parent Center Committee (PCC) meetings and providing transportation.
4.
Performs essential administrative tasks such as: completion of performance evaluations, accounts payable, records control, Human Resources and payroll documents.
5.
Collects, reviews, and approves local center reports to be submitted to Program Office and monitors timely submittal of all reports.
Site visit reports will be utilized in the development of staff Performance Appraisals.
6.
Closely monitors service delivery expenditures of multiple programs (Requisition(s), inventory, monthly budget, and allocation reports) in coordination with center Core Team members.
7.
Facilitates the local transition plan and activities between center and local school(s); provides guidance with local center/community partnership development, and functions as an ex-officio member in the local Parent Committee (said ex-officio should not be delegated without prior approval).
8.
Transmits pertinent information to line staff by serving as liaison between local center management, program office staff, training/technical assistance staff, and administrative staff.
Participates in program trainings and workshops.
9.
Coordinates with Safety Committee Members the inspection of the local facilities on an on-going basis to assure needed repairs and replacement of damaged equipment or supplies are done timely 10.
Shows interest in furthering professional growth by attending staff meetings, workshops, trainings, and seminars.
11.
Maintains confidentiality of program and client related information at all times.
12.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications Incumbents are required to demonstrate knowledge and abilities in these areas: • Acquire an ECE state certificate OR 45 ECE related college credits with experience in teaching infant/toddler and/or Preschool children; • Extensive knowledge and understanding of child development theories and practices; • Experience in supervision and management; • Experience working in a federally funded and regulated environment; • Experience in policy and procedure processes; • Experience in planning and facilitating groups; • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; • Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills; • Understanding of the interrelationships between services and systems; • Ability to review concise lessons plans for implementation; • Ability to learn new tasks quickly and efficiently; • Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and meet deadlines; • Ability to gather and analyze data for reports; • Strong customer service focus; • Ability to work with culturally diverse population; • Proficiency with personal computer, including Microsoft Office; and • Accurate data management, documentation and recordkeeping skills.
These skills and abilities are typically acquired through (*) a combination of education, experience and training, which would include two (2) years proven work related experience in child care setting, which will provide the competence and skills to perform the work of the position.
Preferred Qualifications • Previous Head Start experience.
• English/Spanish bi-lingual fluency.
• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field with forty-five (45) ECE related college credits.
Position Requirements Incumbents are required to have the following: • Must be at least 21 years of age; • Valid Washington State driver’s license; • Must provide a yearly driving abstract; • Must maintain acceptable driving history; • Proof of automobile insurance; • Ability to travel to perform job duties and responsibilities; • Must pass initial and periodic criminal and background check; • Must pass initial and periodic Department of Early Learning (DEL) background check; • Must pass initial and periodic employee health clearance; (present it within forty-five (45) days of employment); • Current Food Handler card; (obtain the training within thirty (30) days of employment); • Current First Aid / CPR cards, (obtain the training within thirty (30) days of employment); • Subject to initial and periodic TB screen; • Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV / AIDS) training, (obtain the training within thirty (30) days of employment); • Blood Borne Pathogen training, (obtain the training within thirty (30) days of employment); • Subject to random drug screen; • Obtain required initial STARS/MERIT training within six (6) months of employment of position; • Obtain Fifteen (15) hours continuing education training; • Sign an Educational Professional Development Plan (PDP) to obtain an AA or BA degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE), or related field with thirty (30) college credits in ECE.
• Must sign a Confidentiality Agreement; and • Must complete and sign a Conflict of Interest Disclosure Statement on an annual basis.
Performance Accountabilities The following are a list of essential functions and accountabilities that each Center Manager is responsible for managing under the guidance and direction of the Regional Director and ECE Director.
Communication and Cooperation: Communicates effectively with all levels within the organization which include, children and families, staff, program and corporate staff and other outside vendors.
Ensures that policies and procedures are clearly understood by those they manage.
Maintains positive relationships with parents, staff and community.
Leadership: A self-starter, setting high personal standards and goals that displayed to our customers; children and families, staff and in the communities we serve.
Has the ability to set goals, plan, and forecast and strategize in relationship to the overall mission of Inspire Development Centers.
Has the ability to lead and drive organizational change when needed at the Center level.
Understands the need and time to delegate responsibilities.
Employees are "key" in the success of what we do at Inspire Development Centers.
Develops employees by providing guidance, direction and support.
Engaged and positive interactions in the communities their Child Development Centers are located.
This includes being part of different community boards, functions and involving the center, parents and children in these activities.
Judgment: Is able to make sound and timely decisions in a professional manner.
Works well under stress.
Has the ability to forecast problems and understand when to ask for assistance.
Assesses risk and consults with appropriate resources to ensure the program and center is not put at risk.
Achievement Focused; this area is an essential function of the role for Center Manager.
Each Manager will assure compliance from several aspects and must be the expert or understand how to utilize resources or experts in the agency to ensure compliance and goals are met.
Some of these items but not be considered all inclusive are: In-kind goal is met, enrollment numbers are met based on program guidance, USDA guidelines are followed to ensure full reimbursement, credentialed staff is hired and/or managed to a plan that meets Head Start Performance Standards, ratios are met at all times, licensing requirements are met and maintained, Federal and State guidelines to employment law are complied with as well as the Policies and procedures of Inspire Development Centers which include (DOL, L&I, EEO, FMLA, ADA understanding, communication, and reporting are handled timely and appropriately at the mid-management level.
).
Job Knowledge: The Center Manager must be well informed and needs minimal direction day to day functionality of Center but understands when to seek guidance.
Demonstrates knowledge of Head Start Standards, Licensing requirements, policies and procedures, and Federal and State regulations.
Benefits Information A summary of benefits associated with this position can be found at https://inspirecenters.
org/careers/.
Temporary employees are not eligible for benefits.