JOB DESCRIPTION

Summary/Objective:

The Education Manager implements center-based programming that meets or exceeds all applicable local, state, and federal standards/regulations and is in alignment with established Child & Family program goals. Leads and supervises teaching team in the creation and implementation of developmentally appropriate, culturally responsive learning environments that nurture children’s social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development. Works collaboratively with content area specialists to ensure coordinated, comprehensive service delivery and healthy transitions between programs and/or program options. Fosters a positive, productive and supportive work environment.

Essential Functions

1. Provide guidance and supervision to teaching team to ensure implementation of individualized, developmentally appropriate curriculum that is aligned with MA Early Learning Standards and the Head Start Child Development and Early Learning Framework, reflects responsiveness to individual child observations and assessments, includes goals developed in partnership with families, and is inclusive of children with diverse learning needs and children who are dual/multi-language learners.
2. Lead and supervise teaching team in positive interactions between colleagues; between staff & parents; and between staff & children in accordance with the Pyramid Model for Promoting Social Emotional Competence in Infants and Young Children.
3. Implement systems to achieve staff engagement and retention including effective recruitment, selection, orientation, supervision, performance evaluation, and planning for individualized professional development of assigned Educators including (as applicable) Teachers, Teaching Assistants, Per Diem Substitutes, Educator Trainees, and Team Leaders.
4. Facilitate regular staff meetings (minimum of 2 hours per month) in compliance with MA Department of Early Education and Care regulations to disseminate information, provide staff with an avenue to share best practices, and provide feedback.
5. Using reflective supervision practices, complete and document a minimum of bi-monthly classroom observations and feedback sessions for assigned teaching staff, providing supportive and constructive feedback designed to promote high quality teaching and learning.
6. Address and document staff performance concerns in an appropriate and timely manner in collaboration with Human Resources team.
7. In partnership with content area specialists, collect and utilize data to identify overall staff training needs to assist in the planning and implementation of annual and ongoing training/development opportunities, coaching, and other job-embedded professional development opportunities aligned with program goals.
8. Support Teaching staff in completing accurate comprehensive developmental assessments of children and communicating with families through strength-based parent-teacher conferences according to the program’s established schedule of frequency.
9. Partner with families to support children’s learning and respond to family concerns and feedback with sensitivity and respect. Practice open, regular and respectful communication with families using a variety of methods including in-person, electronic communication, phone calls, notes and flyers.
10. Support Content Area Specialists in ensuring parent engagement, leadership and governance opportunities are offered, encouraged, and documented.
11. Work collaboratively with content area specialists and community partners (eg. Early Intervention, ECMHC, Coaches) to promote coordinated, comprehensive service delivery and to coordinate healthy transitions for children and families between program options and/or public school.
12. In partnership with content area specialists, ensure all child outcomes/school readiness data is collected, analyzed, and utilized appropriately to guide teaching practices, professional development, and continuous program improvement.
13. Work in partnership with Associate Vice President of Child and Family Services to monitor and report quarterly on progress toward the program’s child outcomes/school readiness goals in alignment with the Head Start Learning Outcomes Framework.
14. Actively participate in program planning, team meetings, training, reflective practice, and other activities to promote team building and professional development.
15. Monitor assigned classrooms regularly to ensure compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards, MA Department of Early Education and Care regulations, and all internal policies and procedures. Oversee regular monitoring of Classroom Files for completeness and accuracy.
16. Maintain complete, accurate data for assigned classrooms and submit monthly and annual reports in a timely manner.
17. Participate in the annual Self-Assessment, MA Department of Early Education and Care licensing, NAEYC accreditation, and Head Start monitoring reviews; assist with the creation & implementation of action plans for non-compliances when needed.
18. Ensure classrooms are within designated caregiver-child ratios at all times.
19. Establish and maintain an environment of cooperation and respect with colleagues in accordance with NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct
20. Maintain strong relationships across C&FS divisions and identify new opportunities to work together to mutual benefit and the benefit of the community.
21. Maintain the highest degree of professionalism at all times, including, but not limited to: adherence to dress code, to NAEYC Code of Ethics, to Child & Family code of conduct, and to consistency of care through regular attendance.
22. As a mandated reporter, recognize and report suspected abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities as required by law.
23. Maintain confidentiality at all times and communicate to others the importance of confidentiality.
24. Other duties as assigned

Competencies

1. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written & verbal)
2. Knowledge of Family Systems and Early Childhood Development
3. Proficient computer skills
4. Takes responsibility for delivery of services as part of team effort in unit/department.
5. Takes initiative in making suggestions for improvement of services.
6. Meets deadlines without causing undue disruption.
7. Utilizes human resources, time, and supplies efficiently.
8. Incorporate organization mission, goals, and policies into daily work to foster an inclusive, supportive, and culturally responsive environment for families.
9. Positively represents the Dimock Center in all interactions with visitors, families, colleagues, and community partners.

Work Environment

This position is primarily site based and may involve both indoor and outdoor environments.

Physical Demands

Duties may require standing, walking, or sitting for long periods of time.

May require lifting up to 40 pounds with frequent carrying of up to 25 lbs.

Must be able to work in a both outdoor and indoor spaces.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

1. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required.

Required Education and Experience

1. Bachelor’s degree in Child Development, Early Childhood Education or a related field strongly preferred. AA/AS degree and pursuing BA considered.
2. A minimum of three (3) years’ experience providing education or social services to young children and/or families
3. EEC Director II certified – or eligibility to receive certification required for assigned program within 90 days of hire
4. Knowledge of Child Assessment, preferably experience with Teaching Strategies GOLD assessment system
5. Bilingual skills: English/Spanish, English/Cape Verdean or Haitian Creole a plus
6. Previous experience in Head Start is an asset

Other Duties
Note this job description is not designed to cover a comprehensive listing of duties that are required of the employee for this job. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.

Salary:

Salary range $36.57 – $44.57/hr

EEO Statement

The Dimock Center values diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of age, color, disability, ethnicity, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other status protected by law.