Knowledge, Information, and Skills Needed to Support the Role of Head Start and Early Head Start Directors - Head Start

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ECLKC Home > Program Management and Fiscal Operations > Management & Administration > Human Resources > Leadership & Supervision > Knowledge, Information, and Skills Needed to Support the Role of Head Start and Early Head Start Directors

Knowledge, Information, and Skills Needed to Support the Role of Head Start and Early Head Start Directors



The role of a Head Start or Early Head Start director is demanding and complex, therefore having a professional development plan helps to prioritize areas for professional growth. Program directors can use this resource for suggestions on specific skills, competencies, and knowledge that will enable them to accomplish diverse tasks.

Knowledge, Information, and Skills Needed to Support the Role of Head Start and Early Head Start Directors Knowledge The history and background of Head Start Head Start Program Performance Standards Head Start Act Federal On-Site Instrument Early childhood development Community needs The individual program information, including policies and procedures Policy group/governing body by-laws Personnel policies and procedures Fiscal management Human dynamics and the culture of the community, families, and staff members How to build and support your community Grant information Current events What resources are available, including the T/TA Network All Head Start content areas How to work with a variety of people Head Start terminology and acronyms State and local laws, state licensing, and local codes Management systems and methods Staff development Monitoring, self-assessment, and community assessment State and local transportation requirements Liability insurance Employment laws How to be proactive instead of reactive How to plan strategically How to be assertive Public relations Work with technology and the Internet Information Work with diverse populations Coaching and mentoring How to develop systems How to empower and motivate a team Legislation and regulations Create a vision and set goals for the program Skills Ability to delegate Problem-solving and conflict resolution Ability to establish a relationship with the Regional Office and other national partners Leadership Time management Oral and verbal communication Listening Prioritizing Organizing Multitasking Analytical Negotiation Ability to set goals and create plans to meet those goals Admitting when you are wrong Training for staff and parents Networking Analyzing and evaluating trends Ability to make learning fun Source: Modified from the Knowledge, Information and Skills Needed by Head Start Directors, Migrant Seasonal Head Start Quality Improvement Center

Knowledge, Information, and Skills Needed to Support the Role of Head Start and Early Head Start Directors. HHS/ACF/OHS/MHSQIC. n.d. English.

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