Oak Harbor Head Start is accepting applications for Center Manager/Teacher (ECPS4). Head Start/Early Head Start (HS/EHS) promotes the school readiness of young children from low-income and vulnerable families by providing comprehensive services in early learning, health, and family well-being. HS/EHS teachers and staff look at the child holistically, individualizing for the needs of each child.
The Head Start Center Manager provides leadership of the day-to-day operations of a center which provides Head Start and/or Early Head Start classes. Center Managers are leaders in the program, modeling values of openness and respectful, brave communication as they support the center teams. Center Managers work with the Administrative Services Program Manager to help ensure the facility remains in good condition. They also work closely with the Program Managers for support as needed for themselves and their team.
This position will be assigned to an initial primary center location within the specified area, and may be moved on a temporary basis, or reassigned to a different primary location within that same specified area if required to support program operations and effective centers. The Center Manager may perform the tasks of any subordinate position as needed due to staff absence. Travel to other locations will be required for some pre-scheduled meetings and trainings. May require occasional alternate work schedule to support needs of families, such as Parent Nights and Activities. This position ensures compliance with the Office of Head Start Program Performance Standards and the Head Start Act.
Center Managers are a critical link between the program leadership and the center teams. They must model a curious, learning mindset, giving and receiving feedback in clear and honest conversations, whether with staff or family members. They interact with other professionals in a positive, solution-focused, and respectful manner. Center Managers are also frequently collaborators with School District and Special Education partners, and demonstrate these skills in those relationships as well.
This is a classified, grant-funded 12 month full-time position, working 40 hours per week. This position is eligible for excellent employer-sponsored benefits. The incumbent will usually work Monday through Friday. These positions are dependent upon continued grant funding. Applications submitted may be considered for future vacancies that occur.
The Location: Skagit Valley College is on the traditional and unceded territories of the Coast Salish People’s, especially on Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, Upper Skagit Indian Tribe, Samish Indian Nation, Nooksack Indian Tribe and Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe. Located in a geographically diverse region between the dynamic metropolitan hubs of Seattle and Vancouver, BC, SVC is never far from world-class outdoor recreation, urban arts scenes, and local cultural events. SVC serves our local communities with a campus in Mount Vernon, Oak Harbor on Whidbey Island, and centers in Friday Harbor, a Marine Technology Center in Anacortes, and a Brewing Academy in Burlington.
Mission: Skagit Valley College cultivates student learning and achievement; contributes to the educational, personal, and economic success of students; and promotes equitable and thriving communities.
Vision: The primary focus of Skagit Valley College is student-centered teaching and learning. We are committed to:
- Equitable student outcomes in access, achievement, and community;
- Our Guiding Principles;
- Decisions based on strategy and evidence;
- The development of our employees;
- A diverse and inclusive college community where everyone belongs.
Guiding Principles: Respect, Integrity, Open and Honest Communication, Collaboration,
and Compassion.
About SVC: Established in 1926, Skagit Valley College is a comprehensive community college within the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) providing associates and bachelor’s degrees, as well as certificates, in high-quality academic transfer pathways, workforce training, basic education for adults, and lifelong learning opportunities. Our equity goals align with SBCTC’s Vision statement; “Leading with racial equity, our colleges maximize student potential and transform lives within a culture of belonging that advances racial, social, and economic justice in service to our diverse communities.”
SVC's commitment to equity and social justice drives our collective work to increase access to higher education, inspire student learning and achievement, and strengthen our diverse community. We embrace equity through our core themes of access, achievement, and community by pursuing the continuous examination and revision of norms, policies, and practices to foster the success of all.
SVC aspires to reflect the diverse racial, ethnic, and linguistic demographics in the district, particularly a growing Latinx population. As an emerging Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) SVC seeks equity minded leadership, faculty, and staff that are committed to inclusive practices and to diverse environments where students from all backgrounds can thrive via multidisciplinary collaboration and the implementation of an array of services. Candidates representing all aspects of diversity are encouraged to apply. Skagit Valley College offers:
- An unrelenting focus on our mission to improve the lives of our students and to strengthen our diverse community.
- Support for innovative teaching, learning, and scholarship.
- Exciting opportunities for personal and career growth.
- Diverse cultural and environmental benefits of rural, suburban and urban lifestyles.
- Friendly, supportive, and diverse work environments.
- Excellent benefits including competitive leave packages and an array of health, dental, vision, and retirement plans to meet your current and future needs.
Duties and Responsibilities
General Center Management
- Complete monthly checklists on time and accurately.
- Manage center budget and procure supplies following program policies
- Maintain inventory of furniture, materials and supplies.
- Assist with collection of, and submit monthly in-kind paperwork
- Facilitate recruitment, interviewing, and onboarding of hourly aides, volunteers, and interns/practicum students.
- Create and develop a yearly center calendar to ensure compliance with required annual class hours.
- Coordinate facility maintenance.
- Collaborate with partner organizations for shared services (transportation, food services, etc.).
- Collaborate with center staff to develop, monitor and document progress towards center goals.
- Welcome children, parents, staff and all visitors to the center.
Engage proactively in program planning, leadership and development
- Communicate regularly with program managers.
- Participate in program training and professional development activities.
- Participate in opportunities for program information sharing and planning.
- Meet regularly with administrative services manager/supervisor to discuss center operations, staff concerns, and items on monthly checklists.
- Enter, collect, analyze, and share accurate and relevant center and program data
Supervise, oversee the work of, and nurture the professional growth of center staff. Respond to and effectively handle stressful, adverse, difficult, or sensitive situations in ways that reduce or minimize potential conflict, helps to calm others, and maintains good working relationships (be familiar with conflict management and de-escalation strategies). Actively contribute to a work environment that embraces diversity, equity and inclusion. Use the expertise and support of the Program Managers and/or Director as needed to support success.
- Ensure staff understand and perform job roles consistent with program expectations and seek support when needed.
- Ensure staff requirements are up-to-date.
- Arrange coverage for staff absences.
- Report unusual absences or substitute usage to Administrative Services Manager.
- Complete yearly performance evaluations for center staff according to program and college expectations.
- Meet regularly with all staff to discuss professional goals and goal progress as defined in performance evaluations (PDPs).
- Track progress on any education plans.
- Coordinate, conduct and document team gatherings/meetings at the center
Assist in implementing center component practices under the guidance of program managers.
Health, safety and nutrition tasks
- Ensure Active Supervision plan is in place and used consistently.
- Promote and advocate for staff wellness at the center and within program.
- Oversee USDA/CACFP food program requirements in collaboration with food service staff.
- Ensure monthly drills (fire, earthquake, flood, etc) are conducted and documented in collaboration with teaching staff.
Education and child development tasks include:
- Dedicate time monthly to support teachers in their work plan, including MDT / IEP (Special Education) meeting.
- Facilitate a review of child outcomes.
- Work collaboratively (communicate) with Lead Educational Agencies (Part B/C), school district and other community partners (Special Education providers, e.g., SPARC, Steps, B=pre, C=early) with the disability lead as needed.
Family engagement tasks include:
- Coordinate bi-lingual communication as needed.
- Schedule and coordinate family reviews with center staff and coordinate follow up with family services staff.
ERSEA tasks include:
- Support program recruitment in coordination with ERSEA program manager.
- Complete intake and program orientation with families.
- Coordinate with family service staff to develop attendance improvement plans for children with a pattern of absenteeism.
Knowledge or understanding of:
- Early childhood education theory and NAEYC best practices, including child development, developmentally appropriate practices for typically developing children and children with special needs, naturalistic and formal means of assessment, individualizing, planning, special services, referrals, developing and maintaining a classroom environment and routines and classroom management.
- Applicable safety laws, regulations, and other standards to establish and/or maintain a safe work environment.
- Family systems and dynamics relating to families in crises (example: child neglect or abuse; drug abuse; domestic violence; etc.) and experience working with families in crisis and with community resources in protecting children and supporting families in crisis.
- Working knowledge of computer use including word processing, worksheets, email, and internet.
Skill in:
- Resourcefulness in Problem Solving: Use intelligence, common sense, hard work and tenacity to solve particularly difficult or complicated challenges.
- Results Orientation & Initiative: Focus on results and desired outcomes and how best to achieve them. Identify what needs to be done and proactively take appropriate action. Know when to reach out to leadership for information and support
- Relationship Building: Build constructive working relationships characterized by a high level of acceptance, cooperation and mutual regard.
- Fiscal Accountability: Responsibly and accurately handle the public’s money when processing financial transactions and/or committing fiscal resources. Consistently follow applicable fiscal guidelines, regulations, principles and standards.
Ability to:
- Read, understand and interpret official federal, state and local documentation including, but not limited to, Head Start Performance Standards and Skagit/Islands Head Start Policies and Procedures.
- Effectively organize multiple assignments, sometimes of a complex nature or involving competing priorities, to produce work products that are accurate, thorough, complete and on time.
- Effectively communicate information for the purpose of having others learn, understand, and apply specific principles, techniques, or information.
- Clearly communicate job role expectations, positively confront performance issues and support needed changes, and implement disciplinary action according to college procedures when needed.
- Effectively handle highly stressful or adverse situations associated with center management, making good decisions, working calmly and accurately, and helping to calm others.
- Respond to difficult, stressful or sensitive interpersonal situations in ways that reduce or minimize potential conflict and maintains good working relationships among internal and external customers.
- Actively take steps to build a cohesive and results-oriented team that is able to respond to changes, needs and challenges associated with helping children from low-income families in a rural setting become school ready.
- Treat everyone with respect; respect the talents and contributions of all individuals. Decisiveness: Make timely decisions without sacrificing quality even under ambiguous circumstances or when data is limited.
- Demonstrate an ongoing commitment to learning and self-improvement.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
- Associate’s Degree or higher in Early Childhood Education (ECE), Human Services, Education or related field with four (4) years experience in early childhood settings, inlcuding experience in administration, leadership, management or supervision.
Desired Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Early Childhood Education (ECE), Human Services, Education or related field ith four (4) years experience in early childhood settings, inlcuding experience in administration, leadership, management or supervision
- Knowledge of or familiarity with the Head Start program.
- Multilingual in English and Spanish.
Candidates who do not meet the minimum educational requirement must successfully complete a Professional Development Plan to attain the educational requirement in accordance with the timeline outlined in the plan;
- Meet all federally mandated requirements related to the Head Start program, including but not limited to continuing educational requirements and all Washington State laws and College policies related to the Head Start program and SVC employment;
- Have, or ability to obtain by the time of hire, a Washington State driver's license or equivalent, and proof of auto insurance;
- Prior to employment, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.
Apply through the Skagit Valley College website at https://www.skagit.edu/human-resources/