Head Start Program Administrator

Job Title: Head Start Program Administrator

Reports to: Deputy Superintendent
Pay Grade: AP-5 Days: 226
Wage/Hour Status: Exempt

Dept./School: SSAISD Head Start

Primary Purpose:

The South San Antonio ISD Head Start Program Administrator provides visionary leadership to ensure a comprehensive high-quality early childhood program that supports the development of the whole child while addressing the educational health social-emotional and family needs of every child served. The Administrator possesses expertise in developmentally appropriate early childhood practices high-quality instruction targeted interventions and comprehensive family engagement and support services.

The Administrator fosters a culture of collaboration by building strong partnerships with families staff community agencies and stakeholders to promote school readiness strengthen family well-being and ensure positive outcomes for every child. Through strategic leadership effective program management and a commitment to continuous improvement the Administrator ensures compliance with Head Start Performance Standards while advancing the Districts mission of providing high-quality learning experiences that prepare children for lifelong success.

Qualifications

Education/Certification:

• Masters degree in education leadership or relevant field
• Texas principal or other appropriate supervision certificate preferred
• Candidate must have satisfactory outcome of fingerprinting background check. Non-refundable feel (approximately $50.00) paid by the employee

Knowledge/Skills:

• Knowledge of early childhood education child development and developmentally appropriate instructional practices.
• Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards and applicable federal state and local laws regulations and policies.
• Experience leading and managing Head Start or early childhood education programs.
• Knowledge of family engagement community resources and comprehensive services that support children and families.
• Ability to develop monitor and manage program budgets and analyze financial and program data.
• Ability to supervise evaluate coach and develop staff to improve program effectiveness.
• Strong leadership organizational interpersonal and decision-making skills.
• Ability to build collaborative partnerships with families staff community organizations and public agencies.
• Ability to facilitate meetings resolve concerns professionally and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong written verbal and presentation skills.
• Proficiency with computer applications including word processing spreadsheets Google Suite file management and data management systems.
• Commitment to serving diverse children and families through high-quality community-based programming.
• Willingness to perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Experience:

• Minimum 3 years experience in a Head Start leadership position and/or program work in early childhood education
• Minimum 3 years experience in working with budgetary and financial records related to a Head Start federal and/or state early education program

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

1. Provide strategic leadership for the implementation and continuous improvement of a high-quality Head Start program that supports the whole child and strengthens families.
2. Ensure compliance with all Head Start Performance Standards and applicable federal state and district laws regulations and policies.
3. Supervise support and evaluate program staff to promote effective operations continuous improvement and high-quality services.
4. Collaborate with campus principals to review Pre-K assessment data monitor kindergarten readiness and implement strategies that strengthen early learning outcomes and ensure a successful transition to kindergarten.
5. Serve as a key member of the Division of Academics by collaborating with district and campus leaders to advance early childhood initiatives that strengthen foundational literacy and numeracy ensure kindergarten readiness and establish the academic foundation for lifelong success in school college career and life.
6. Develop and maintain collaborative partnerships with families community agencies governing bodies and stakeholders to enhance program outcomes.
7. Coordinate and communicate effectively with the Board of Trustees Policy Council and Office of Head Start.
8. Plan and facilitate training for staff Board members Policy Council members and parent volunteers regarding roles responsibilities and program requirements.
9. Monitor program quality through observations data analysis meetings file reviews and performance evaluations ensuring timely corrective action when needed.
10. Develop manage and monitor program budgets expenditures purchasing and fiscal reports in compliance with funding requirements.
11. Prepare and submit grant applications audits required reports and program documentation in compliance with established timelines and regulatory requirements.
12. Ensure enrollment recruitment selection attendance and retention goals are met and maintained.
13. Lead strategic planning through the development of the annual Community Needs Assessment and Annual Report.
14. Represent the Head Start program through public presentations community engagement and professional organizations.
15. Stay current on research best practices and emerging trends in early childhood education and comprehensive family services.
16. Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Supervise ERSEA Coordinator
• Supervise ERSEA Disabilities Transportation Specialist
• Supervise Secretary and office clerks

Working Conditions: Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including personal computer and peripherals

Posture: Prolonged sitting; occasional standing walking climbing crouching bending stooping pushing/pulling and twisting lifting-lower 1-15 lbs.

Motion: Repetitive hand motions frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching. Sensory ability needs-significant; hearing near vision peripheral vision color distinction depth perception

Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds)

Environment: Frequent district-wide travel to multiple work locations as assigned; frequent prolonged and irregular hours

Physical Exposure: Frequent cold and heat

Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; Supervise and evaluate the performance of departmental staff; ability to communicate (verbal and written); ability to instruct; maintain emotional control under stress.

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.

Required Experience:

Unclear Seniority