Center Director

Job Details: Job Location: Elgin Child Development Center - ELGIN, TX, Salary Range: $43126.48 - $55595.24Salary/year,

Job Summary

The Center Director is responsible for the overall leadership, administration, and management of a Head Start and/or Early Head Start center in compliance with the Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS), federal, state, and local regulations, and organizational policies. The Center Director ensures high-quality early childhood education, family engagement, health, and social services while promoting school readiness and positive outcomes for children and families.

Competency Area

Responsibilities

Key Behaviors

Program Leadership & Vision

Lead center operations in alignment with the Head Start Act and HSPPS
Communicate program goals, expectations, and outcomes to staff and families
Support school readiness goals across all program areas
Serve as the primary decision-maker for center-level operations
Lead change initiatives based on monitoring and assessment results

Communicates a clear vision aligned with Head Start outcomes and values
Leads with integrity, cultural responsiveness, and accountability
Promotes equity, inclusion, and family-centered practices
Makes informed decisions grounded in data and Head Start requirements

Education & Child Development Oversight

Oversee implementation of approved Head Start curricula and assessments
Conduct classroom observations and support instructional quality
Ensure compliance with child screening, assessment, and IFSP/IEP requirements
Collaborate with education specialists and coaches
Support transitions to pre-kindergarten and other early learning programs

Supports evidence-based curricula and teaching practices
Monitors classroom quality and child outcomes
Ensures compliance with education and assessment standards
Promotes inclusive practices for children with disabilities
Supports smooth transitions for children and families

Family & Community Engagement

Ensure implementation of family engagement and family partnership processes
Support family goal-setting and access to community resources
Collaborate with Policy Council and parent leadership groups
Build partnerships with schools, health providers, and social service agencies
Address family concerns and complaints promptly

Promotes family engagement and shared decision-making
Communicates respectfully with diverse families
Responds effectively to family concerns and needs
Strengthens community partnerships
Represents the program positively in the community

Staff Supervision & Professional Development

Supervise education, family services, and support staff
Ensure staff qualifications and credentials meet HSPPS requirements
Conduct performance evaluations and reflective supervision
Support professional development plans and coaching efforts
Maintain appropriate staff-to-child ratios at all times

Recruits and retains qualified Head Start staff
Provides coaching, feedback, and performance evaluations
Supports ongoing professional development
Addresses performance concerns constructively
Promotes staff wellness and collaboration

Compliance, Monitoring & Risk Management

Ensure compliance with HSPPS, licensing, and funder requirements
Conduct internal monitoring and follow-up on corrective actions
Oversee health, safety, and emergency preparedness practices
Ensure timely reporting, documentation, and record maintenance
Lead responses to monitoring reviews and audits

Maintains strong knowledge of HSPPS and related regulations
Conducts ongoing monitoring and corrective actions
Promotes health, safety, and child protection
Ensures accurate documentation and recordkeeping
Responds promptly to incidents and findings

Fiscal & Enrollment Management

Monitor center budgets and expenditures in coordination with fiscal staff
Support enrollment, attendance, and recruitment efforts
Ensure full enrollment and compliance with eligibility requirements
Review financial and enrollment reports regularly
Support audits and fiscal reviews

Understands Head Start funding and fiscal requirements
Monitors budgets and enrollment data
Uses data to guide fiscal and operational decisions
Ensures responsible stewardship of funds
Identifies risks and resource needs

Data-Informed Decision Making & Continuous Improvement

Review child outcomes, CLASS, ERSEA, and program data
Participate in program self-assessment and planning
Implement quality improvement plans at the center level
Monitor progress toward goals and outcomes
Share data insights with staff and leadership

Analyzes data from assessments, monitoring, and report
Uses data to identify strengths and areas for improvement
Engages staff in reflective practices
Adjusts strategies based on results
Supports a culture of learning and improvement

Communication, Governance & Collaboration

Serve as a liaison to Policy Council and parent committees
Communicate center performance and compliance status
Participate in leadership, governance, and planning meetings
Ensure timely and accurate communication across program areas
Support shared decision-making processes

Communicates clearly with staff, families, and leadership
Collaborates with Policy Council and governing bodies
Facilitates productive meetings
Resolves conflicts professionally
Maintains transparency and accountability

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field (Bachelor’s preferred).
CD Credentials or the ability to obtain CD credentials within 6 months
Minimum of three years of supervisory experience in early childhood education.
Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards and state licensing regulations.
Knowledge of infant/toddler development and responsive caregiving practices.
Strong communication, organizational, and collaboration skills
Ability to communicate in English, both verbally and written

Licenses/Certifications

Current CPR and First Aid certification (or ability to obtain).
Valid ID/Driver License
Background clearance as required by state and federal regulations.

Working Conditions & Physical Demands

Ability to lift up to 40 pounds,
Frequent bending, standing, sitting on the floor, and active movement
Exposure to common childhood illnesses
Office and classroom settings with regular interaction with children, families, and staff.
Occasional travel for training, meetings, and community events.
Performs other duties as assigned

Performance Indicators

Implementation of improvement plans with measurable results.
Compliance with all Head Start standards and state licensing
Positive feedback from family engagement surveys
Timely completion of assessments and documentation
Performs other duties as assigned by Management staff