Early Learning Site Administrator

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Job description

Start Early Lake County provides high-quality care, best-in-class education, and a stimulating learning environment to children from birth to five years old. As a program that serves low-income families, Start Earlys research-based program helps children develop the literacy, language, early math, and social-emotional skills they need to succeed in kindergarten and beyond.

We are recruiting individuals who want to join us in this mission and share a commitment to our core values of appreciation & respect, empowerment, diversity, excellence, learning, and communication.

The Site Administrator is responsible for managing the daily operations of Lake County early learning sites, including overseeing the daily care of young children ages 0-5 years, ensuring the emotional and physical safety and wellbeing of all enrolled children, and directly supervising all site staff. The Site Director is also responsible for ensuring compliance with all policies and procedures of Head Start Performance Standards, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)/Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and Illinois State Board of Education (Preschool for All and Prevention Initiative)

This role involves extensive collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, advocating for equitable early childhood practices, and utilizing data-driven insights to enhance program outcomes.

When you join our team as a Site Administrator, you will:

Ensure adequate systems are in place to maintain the highest quality of EHS services to children and families in compliance with all funding sources (Head Start, Prevention Initiative, Preschool for All).

Leads the development and evaluation of planning and monitoring activities, program policies and procedures, and program curriculum, ensuring that the program meets all grant, contract, and funder requirements.

This position will be responsible for staff performance and personnel management, center enrollment, program operations, budget management, facilities and transportation management of the center.

Monitors and reviews all assigned site services/paperwork in order to maintain compliance with funders. Analyzes child and family data on a monthly basis for continuous program improvement and prepares reports and recommendations based on data.

Collaborate with Early/Head Start Network and submits renewal application to DCFS every three years and ensures the center remains in compliance with all DCFS regulations.

Ensure consistency in service delivery across all Lake County Early Learning Sites with attention to inclusive practices and integration of component areas; encourage continuous improvement of systems and interacts with staff, children and families in a respectful, supportive, and positive manner ensuring individuals feel safe and that their voices are heard in the learning process and daily activities.

Work collaboratively with the Healthy Parents & Babies Program to ensure resource materials are culturally and linguistically appropriate.

Participate in the development of collaborations and facility development for future expansion of families and/or services.

Prepare annual Program Information Report (PIR) and other program reports as it relates to EHS.

Perform other job-related duties as requested.

Qualifications:

Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education or Social Services (or related field).

Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education preferred.

Minimum of 5 - 7 years of supervisory experience is required.

Minimum of 7 yrs of experience working in early childhood is required.

Minimum of 5 years of experience working in early childhood center-based setting is required.

Previous experience managing an infant/toddler or preschool program, along with the ability to: Serve as an education lead for the center, overseeing implementation of all aspects of education services and providing education coordinators with supervision, training, coaching and monitoring.

Must have a proven track record of successfully managing complex projects in a changing and fast-paced environment

Knowledge of Head Start performance standards, philosophy, and mission desirable.

Demonstrated ability to interpret policies and regulations to answer questions appropriately.

Strong analytical, organizational, communication (both written and verbal), interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.

Ability to communicate and work with diverse families and professionals.

Sustained concentration on detail and accuracy, including utilizing the ability to prioritize workloads.

Salary: $120,000 - $135,000

We believe that all employees should be paid fairly and equitably. As of the time of this posting, this is the expected base annual salary range. The base annual salary will be based on a wide range of factors, including skills, qualifications, experience, as well as business needs and limitations.

Our generous benefit plan includes: Comprehensive Health Plans, Commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, Holistic Wellness Program, Professional Development Program, 401k Contribution, Paid Volunteer Days, 6-months paid parental leave and much more.

Start Early is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to our core values by creating an inclusive environment for all staff.

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