Children And Family Services: Center Director

Title: Center Director

Reports To: Education Manager

Department: Children & Family Services

Location: Concord, CA

Schedule: Monday through Friday

Travel: Local travel may be required

Salary: $26.92-$28.85 DOE

Employee Status: Regular, Full-time, Exempt

Union: N/A

Supervises: Teachers

Benefits:

Two weeks of paid vacation a year, sick time, 13 holidays, up to five floating holidays based on employee status, medical and dental benefits on the first of the month following 30 days of employment, life insurance policy at no cost to employee (with the option of increasing policy amount), flexible spending account for medical and dependent care costs, commuter benefits, 403(b) with employer match, and other benefits. We foster a joyful workplace and offer opportunities for professional development and growth.

Agency Summary

The Unity Council is a non-profit Social Equity Development Corporation with a 50-year history in the Fruitvale neighborhood of Oakland. Our mission is to promote social equity and improve quality of life by building vibrant communities where everyone can work, learn, and thrive.

Our programs aim to provide the community with the tools, knowledge, and resources to transform their lives and ultimately achieve their long-term educational, career, and financial goals. These holistic programs and services reach more than 8,000 individuals and families annually in five languages. Programs include: early childhood education, youth mentorship and leadership development, employment services, career readiness training, housing and financial stability, senior citizen services, affordable housing and neighborhood development, and arts and cultural events. Our work expands beyond the Fruitvale district and now reaches across Oakland and into Concord. The Unity Council employs a diverse workforce of more than 250 people who reflect the linguistic, cultural, and ethnic identity of the communities we serve.

Program Summary

The Children and Family Services programs include Head Start, Early Head Start, State Pre-Kindergarten, Home Based Services, and Developmental Play Groups. Over 900 children birth through kindergarten entry and 32 expectant parents and their families receive child development and comprehensive family services through the Unity Council. The programs are diverse, multilingual, developmentally appropriate, culturally responsive, and individualized for each child and family services are provided in four centers and two home based programs throughout Oakland and Monument Corridor neighborhood in Concord, CA.

Position Summary

Under direction, plans, develops implements and supervises program operations for an assigned Head Start or Early Head Start (EHS) center(s); monitors and ensures center operations are in conformance with Unity Council policies and procedures, licensing regulations, Health and Safety Standards and service area plans. Participates in implementation of age appropriate curriculum and ongoing monitoring of children’s cognitive and physical development. Monitors and ensures recruitment and enrollment activities, family development plans and parent participation and overall parent satisfaction. Coordinates and participates in activities of parent committees; compiles and submits site reports; and performs related duties as assigned.

Responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Maintain high quality classroom environments that meet or exceed the national average.
• Plan, organize and schedule daily center/classroom activities based on early childhood education principles.
• Ensure that classroom activities and lesson plans reflect and include all Head Start/Early Head Start/State Preschool Program services, including education, health, nutrition, mental health, social services, parent involvement, disabilities and transition.
• Monitor and supervise all teachers in the classrooms and all activities in the center;
• Provide regular breaks for teachers and serve in the classroom as needed.
• Work with teachers on organizing and setting up classroom environment designed to meet the developmental needs of the children.
• Provide site orientation and on-site supervision to staff, volunteers, and substitute instructors; assign and schedule the work of staff and volunteers; ensure that daily staffing requirements and child/staff ratios are met at all times.
• Monitor and review staff performance; provide guidance, support and counseling on performance issues to staff; ensure ongoing professional development through education, mentoring, and providing training and resources. Create professional development plans and evaluations for teachers;
• Conduct and monitor developmental screenings and assessments, write observations, and devise Individual Development Plans (IDP) or Individual Family Service Plans (IFSP) on all children enrolled in the program; assist in developing Individual Education Plans (IEP) for special needs children; review IDP's and IEP's or IFSP's prepared by staff; provide written referrals. Ensure all DRDPs are completed in a timely manner and support teachers by assisting in the development of individual portfolios using the Learning Genie and Childplus system;
• Maintain a clean and organized indoor and outdoor environment, including food service areas; maintain safe standards for use and storage of equipment and supplies; maintain inventory of center supplies.
• Ensure overall program compliance with department policies and procedures, Early Head Start (EHS) and/or Head Start Program Performance Standards and Regulations, CA Department of Education, Child Development Division funding terms and conditions, Title 5 regulations and Title 22 Community Care Licensing regulations.
• Conduct outreach and recruit children and families for enrollment in the Early Head Start, Head Start, or State Preschool program(s) as needed and in collaboration with the FCP Coordinator; encourage and involve parents as volunteers in the classroom.
• Develop and maintain required reports, records, files and documents as determined by Early Head Start/Head Start policies and procedures; ensure all records, including employee, children and family records, are accurate, up-to-date, and kept confidential.
• Plan and conduct parent/teacher conferences; review developmental progress of children via staff meetings, conferences and consultations.
• Conduct monthly parent meetings in collaboration with Family Advocates and FCP Coordinator;
• Other duties as assigned by management;

Qualifications

• AA or BA. in Early Childhood Education, Child Development or related field, or a BA/AA with 12 units of Early Childhood Education and a Site Supervisor permit or higher;
• 3-5 years of experience in early childhood education, prefer Head Start experience,
• 2 years working experience as a supervisor,
• Ability to model play-based, child-centered curriculum,
• Experience and knowledge of Early Childhood Programming,
• Good writing ability and experience in program-related materials,
• Caring, compassionate approach to working with children and families,
• Familiarity with administrative procedures,
• Ability to work harmoniously in a diverse team,
• Knowledge of work place safety rules regarding lifting, general safety, and utilizing preventative health measures to prevent the spread of disease.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English)

Physical Requirements

Must be able climb stairs, reach, bend, lift 20-30 pounds, crawl, kneel, stoop, twist, grasp with hands and fingers materials, use arms and legs, able to walk, climb ladders if applicable.

Pre-Employment Requirements

Physical exam, TB test, background/fingerprint clearance, measles, pertussis immunizations

This description is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities or requirements for the position. This position may change or assume additional duties at any time.

Please submit your cover letter and resume.

The Unity Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.