Deputy Director of Early Childhood Education

Summary/Objective:

The Early Childhood Education program is looking for a unicorn! The Team needs a dynamic, innovative, and curious Deputy Director of Education to assist the Director of Early Childhood Education with day-to-day program management, including compliance monitoring, grant writing, data analysis of program goals’ progress to ensure the delivery of quality services to children and families; supports program operations as directed by the Director of Education. This individual will be a leader within the organization and may be tapped to lead other education leaders. The candidate chosen for this position will not only be creative and driven but will also be able to analyze data to tell the success stories of the Early Childhood Education Program both verbally and in writing.

Essential Functions:

Program Compliance

• Designs a compliance monitoring system and cycle aligned with theHead Start Program Performance Standards, Maryland State Department of Education Office of Child Care requirements, and the Child and Adult Care Food Program;
• Utilizes the Office of Head Start Focus Area Monitoring Tools to conduct program reviews;
• Conducts regular audits of all aspects of the program using created tool;
• Creates corrective action plans, including any professional development for staff, to address any compliance deficiencies;
• Provide monthly compliance reports to the Director and Senior Leadership;
• Analyzes data and compares to program goals to determine and report on progress.
• Contributes concise data to monthly agency dashboard reporting, complete with explanation of progress on goals and strategic plans.

Program Management

• Leads and maintains MSDE and NAEYC Accreditation;
• Develops an intimate and deep knowledge of the ECE curricula and assessment, understanding alignment with MSDE and Head Start Standards;
• Maintains the School Year Cycle for all ECE program components and monitors milestone completion;
• Supervises the development and implementation of all staff development as well as student and parent orientations;
• Oversees the ECE hiring process;
• Works cooperatively with Human Resources to monitor all staff qualifications and certifications;
• Monitors adherence to the company policies and procedures.

Program Governance:

• Prepares monthly reports on Early Childhood Education Program initiatives for the Director to deliver;
• Provides information and documentation to Director to assist in program planning;

Budget and Fiscal Responsibility:

• Secures in-kind contributions;
• Monitors inventory systems of materials and equipment;
• Works with Director and ECE Team Leadership to develop a Training and Technical Assistance budget that will be submitted with refunding documentation.

Community Partnership:

• Participates in local early childhood education activities and advisory committees;
• Partners with the Howard County Public School System to develop and expand effective partnerships;
• Supports the development and expansion of community partnerships;
• Attends local, state, and national Head Start functions.

General Responsibility:

• May assume supervisory responsibilities of other team members;
• Demonstrates a positive role model for others by maintaining the highest level of professional and ethical behavior throughout interactions with both internal and external customers;
• Uses technology for the completion of specified job duties;
• Attends work regularly per assigned work schedule and in accordance with policy;
• Attends and participates with in-service training, staff meetings and other activities to facilitate professional development;
• Works cooperatively with others including all staff, supervisors, administrators, co-workers, community professionals, clients, vendors and the public;
• Follows instructions and abides by Agency policies and procedures;
• Assumes other duties, responsibilities and special projects as needed.

Secondary Functions:

• Works cooperatively and effectively with volunteers maximizing the volunteers’ experience while meeting the needs of the programs.

Education, Experience and Knowledge:

• Bachelor of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education, Social Work, Psychology, or related field.
• Minimum five years of experience in an education environment.
• Experience with program planning and compliance measurement.
• Experience with understanding statute and making operational decisions related to the same.
• Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards a plus.
• Knowledge of Maryland State Child Care Regulations
• Experience leading a team of professionals strongly preferred

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.      

• Ability to work in an office environment
• Ability to communicate on the telephone
• Ability to sit for long periods of time
• Ability to walk up and down stairs
• Ability to lift 20 lbs.
• Ability to bend, lift and carry
• Full awareness of environmental stimuli
• Full range of motion above the head
• Ability to use computer
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle
• Required use of personal vehicle to fulfill job-related responsibilities

Abilities and Skills:

• Excellent and concise communication skills, both oral and written
• Strong computer proficiency especially with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)
• Effective decision-making and problem-solving skills
• Must be organized, flexible and dedicated to quality service delivery
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with others
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks effectively
• Proficient in technology applications
• Ability to complete tasks with numerous interruptions
• Ability to work with little to no direct supervision
• Ability to analyze data and recommend action
• Demonstrates integrity and ethical standards in job performance
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing across all levels of the organization
• Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain a high degree of confidentiality
• Supervisory and staff development skills
• Effective management skills with an ability to plan and implement systems that are outcome oriented and ensure quality service delivery
• Demonstrates business acumen in decision-making
• Ability to demonstrate compassion and respect for persons with economic challenges
• Ability to read, write, comprehend and speak English
• Allocates staff resources to maximize productivity
• Knowledge of regulatory standards
• Knowledge of governmental benefits, community programs and other resources with ability to access same for the clients
• Ability to provide guidance, direction and technical support to staff