Early Childhood Job Center

Western Arizona Council of Governments (WACOG) recognizes and appreciates the strengths of our workforce.  We strive to provide a professional and supportive environment where employees can achieve their career goals.  The WACOG workforce is encouraged to focus on their strengths and abilities to reach their full potential.

WACOG is the Head Start Grantee for Mohave, La Paz and Yuma   Counties.  Our programs focus on school readiness for all children and families.  As a leader in quality early childhood programs in the area, WACOG is a champion of developmentally appropriate practices.

Summary

Under general direction, ensure Head Start goals, objectives, activities are implemented at the Center level in accordance with Federal Head Start Performance Standards and established WACOG policies, procedures, and guidelines. This position is responsible for the daily center operations, to include safety, compliance, and record retention by ensuring the mission and philosophy of WACOG Head Start is clearly defined, understood, and integrated into the daily activities of staff, children, and families. Center Managers will provide direct supervision of center staff including Family Development Advocates (FDAs). 

Center Managers with no assigned FDAs shall perform the role of FDA according to that separate job description.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

1. Oversee center staff to ensure classroom operations are safe, compliant, and promote a safe, nurturing, stimulating, and enjoyable as well as positive behavior management techniques and constant ("Active") supervision are being maintained during all activities including instructional, playground, combined staff and child meal times, hand washing, and teeth brushing; evaluate/analyze issues, recommend and implement solutions.
2. Implement family engagement strategies that are designed to foster parental confidence and skills in promoting children's learning and development, Offer activities that support parent-child relationships and child development including language, dual language, literacy, and bi-literacy development as appropriate.
3. Support, supervise and coordinate center staff; implement performance measures and standards, monitor, and evaluate staff performance supported by Head Start Standards and WACOG policies and procedures; address and document ongoing job performance in a timely and professional manner.
4. Mentor and lead staff to promote a professional, collaborative, learning, and informative environment.
5. Review, ensure accuracy, and approve timesheets; manage leave requests in a timely manner to maintain required staffing levels while working with the Area Manager.
6. Work with Head Start Administration to ensure that all programs, services, files, data tracking, and reporting systems are implemented, completed timely, and maintained in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards and Arizona State Licensing to maintain compliance with relevant federal, state, and local laws as well as WACOG policies and procedures.
7. Lead, facilitate, or attend meetings, work groups, and trainings regularly or as needed; take responsibility for ensuring an adequate flow of information in all directions so that families, staff, and management are well informed; promote Head Start's mission and active parent engagement in the classroom/center.
8. Complete accurate data entry, monitoring, and review in client-related software programs including MTS and ChildPlus, train others as necessary; enter, schedule and submit data as appropriate.
9. Ensure implementation of high quality and engaging instructional programs that align with Head Start Framework and the school readiness plan. Oversee any site visits and audits; ensure files are complete and current at all times.
10. Abide by and ensure staff, consultants, contractors, and volunteers implement positive strategies to support children’s well-being and prevent and address challenging behavior.
11. Ensure center staff meet deadlines as established with Content Area Specialists.   
12. Work with FDAs in the recruitment and enrollment of children eligible for the Head Start program, including foster children, homeless children, and children with disabilities, within communities served by the program.  This shall include driving to canvas neighborhoods, accepting and reviewing applications, collecting and entering documentation, and interviewing.
13. Oversee applications, enrollment, goals, and attendance of Head Start/Early Head Start children; maintain compliance with all health and developmental screening requirements; take responsibility for all aspects of compliance.
14. Implement family engagement strategies that are designed to foster parental confidence and skills in promoting children's learning and development: offer activities that support parent-child relationships and child development including language, dual language, literacy, and bi-literacy development as appropriate.
15. Consistently increase knowledge and understanding of the teaching role to provide a higher level of support.
16. Facilitate, coordinate speakers, and/or lead parent classes that promotes Head Start's mission while promoting active parent engagement in the classroom/center.
17. Provide all services as required by the Head Start Program Performance Standards and Management Team of the Head Start Department.
18. Prepare and maintain accurate and timely records while maintaining the confidentiality of child, family and program information.
19. Understand and adhere to all WACOG and applicable external regulations, policies and procedures, and safety Standards to include Head Start Performance Standards, Arizona Child Care Licensing, CACFP, and all Mandated Reporters requirements regarding suspected child abuse and/or neglect.
20. Perform the role of FDA or other center staff as needed.
21. Remain prepared and organized with necessary forms and documentation for this position.
22. Order and/or request supplies in a timely matter.
23. Make sure that the Parent, Health, and Staff boards are up to date and visible.
24. Develop professionally by taking educational training or workshops as required.
25. Travel within WACOG service area, including overnight stays as needed; additional travel may be required.   
26. Maintain reliable and predictable attendance; work outside of standard business hours as needed.
27. Utilize tact and discretion to maintain confidentiality of information and a positive image of WACOG.
28. Perform other duties as necessary to carry out the administrative/ programmatic goals and objectives of WAGOG and/or department.