EARLY CHILDHOOD PRINCIPAL

Job Title:  Early Childhood Principal

Wage/Hour Status:  Exempt

Reports to: Director of Head Start & Early Childhood Development

Service Area: Head Start & Early Childhood Development

Component: Head Start

Location: Nelson Street

Date Revised: March 5, 2024

Primary Purpose:

To manage the daily operations and staff of a licensed childcare center.  To provide supervision, educational leadership, and support to early childhood staff.  To comply with all federal guidelines (Head Start Performance Standards, Transmittal Notices, etc.), Day Care Minimum Standards, and local Head Start policies in providing children and families with Head Start services.  

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

• Master’s degree in education or related field required
• Current mid-management or administrative certification required
• Holds daycare director license or is willing to obtain required

Special Knowledge/Skills/Experience:

• Supervisory experience required
• Experience working with early childhood preferred
• Experience working with economically disadvantaged families preferred
• Demonstrated ability to problem-solve situations, motivate staff, and develop employees
• Strong organizational skills required

Working Conditions:

• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard classroom and nursery equipment such as toys, playgrounds, multiple-rider strollers, etc.; Standard office equipment including personal computer and peripherals

• Posture: Must be physically able to tolerate prolonged sitting, frequent standing, kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting

• Motion: Must be physically able to participate in moderate to high levels of physical activity, such as, but not limited to, standing for moderate to lengthy periods of time, frequent walking, and overhead reaching, occasional driving; repetitive hand motions, frequent keyboarding and use of mouse
• Lifting: Must be physically able to tolerate regular light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); may require occasional heavy lifting and carrying (45 pounds or more)

• Environment: Must be physically able to tolerate cleaning products and sanitizers, work inside and outside (exposure to sun, heat, cold, and inclement weather); regular exposure to noise; frequent exposure to bodily fluids; Must be able to tolerate frequent regionwide travel and occasional statewide travel

• Mental Demands: Must be able to work with frequent interruptions, maintain emotional control under stress and self-control in the presence of children; work prolonged or irregular hours on occasion

• Regular Attendance is an essential function 

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

1. Engages in respectful goal-oriented partnerships with families to promote student success and family well-being.
2. Acts as a member of the comprehensive services team to problem solve potential barriers.
3. Manages the daily operations, maintenance, and safety of the Nelson Street Center according to established policy.
4. Supervises and evaluates assigned staff at Nelson Street Center 
5. Provides educational and instructional leadership and evaluates classroom activities.
6. Promotes collaborative practices with teachers and staff in order to enhance overall educational outcomes and create a positive and supportive learning environment for staff and students.
7. Assists in analysis of child assessment data to determine programmatic, curriculum, and staff training needs.
8. Mentors and supports assigned staff at the Head Start central office. 
9. Works with Coordinator, Education and Early Childhood Principal, and Cleveland Street to create training and staff events for staff and children.
10. Maintains an awareness of Head Start standards, ESC policies, and other regulations influencing Head Start and disseminates information to support staff, classroom staff, and ISDs.
11. Maintains documentation required by Day Care Minimum Standards.
12. Maintains required certifications and licenses.
13. Maintains the CLASS Certification and keeps up with the documentation and process to ensure recertification is accomplished prior to expiration.
14. Ensures that center staff receive all training as required by Day Care Minimum Standards for center staff and other training as needed.
15.  Assists with any and all documentation required by the Office of Head Start.  
16. Facilitates all parent involvement training in coordination with the FSAs for the center including parent meetings, attends and assigns center staff to help.
17. Validates time sheets and travel reimbursement requests for assigned staff.
18. Assists with the documentation and implementation of the USDA meal service.
19. Assists with recruitment efforts including media spokesperson as needed.
20. Maintains a functioning cell phone and is accessible through this phone as deemed appropriate by the Director.  A functioning cell phone means that it is charged, activated, messages checked, and mailbox emptied regularly.
21. Reports for work ready to perform responsibilities.
22. Performs duties that directly and/or indirectly impact student performance in Region 16.
23. Maintains a professional level of confidentiality regarding all ESC matters.
24. Supports the mission, goals, and objectives of the ESC strategic plan.
25. Upholds and adheres to safety rules and policies of the ESC safety program.
26. Performs professional responsibilities as required by ESC policies, processes, and procedures.
27. Manages time, calendar, and job responsibilities to meet deadlines. 
28. Meets proficiency levels of required technology skills as outlined by supervisor.
29. Incorporates appropriate technology in daily work and exhibits continual growth in technologies as outlined by supervisor.
30. Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Supervises and evaluates the performance of the following:

• Administrative Assistant II
• Teachers, Head Start
• Instructional Assistants, HS
• Family Services Assistants
• Substitutes

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

Evaluation of the performance of this job will be based on a combination of self-evaluation and the supervisor’s evaluation according to the procedures developed for all Education Service Center personnel.  Employment in this position is contingent on performance, need, and funding.

I have read and received a copy of my job description.  I understand this overrides anything I have been given or told in the past.  I further understand that I am expected to follow my job as outlined above and if I have any questions concerning what is expected of me, I will speak with my immediate supervisor.

  Received and Acknowledged by Employee Date

Supervisor Date