Director

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Announcement # 2024-142 Director Head Start Department of Human Services Hourly Wage: $39.82/Regular/Full-Time/Supervisory The position acts as the administrative director and manager of early childhood education programs, including Yakama Nation Head Start, Early Childhood Intervention Program, and the Child and Adult Care Food Program. The Director is responsible and accountable for the overall administration, direction, leadership, and evaluation of all facets of the funding and operations within the program. The position ensures all available resources are utilized to develop and sustain a dynamic educational program of high quality. The Director must have thorough knowledge of policies, regulations, and laws governing federal, state, and tribally funded education programs.
Examples of Work Performed: Overall Supervision of the Tribal Head Start Program.
Provides guidance and leadership to staff to emphasize the importance of the program achieving high standards of quality, internally and through public and private sector partnerships.
Reviews and analyzes monthly financial and statistical reports to assess the budget status and to initiate preventative measures if any problems appear to be predicated.
Oversees and monitors agreements for the purchasing of goods and services assures that bids are solicited in accordance with state and federal regulations.
Reads management and leadership materials and program-related materials to keep abreast of developments in comprehensive early childhood programs.
Works with other organizations in the community to foster collaboration.
In conjunction with the Board of Directors, staff, and Policy Committee, lead planning meetings in which long and short-term goals for improvement are established.
With input from program participants and the staff, develops a funding application every year.
Facilitates the continuing professional development of all staff as part of the commitment to excellence.
Hears and resolves community complaints about the program, seeking input from staff, parents, or the Board, as needed.
Maintains open lines of communications with the grantor personnel.
Completes and submits regular reports to the funding sources, the Board of Directors, and the Policy Committee.
Interprets Head Start requirements and reports agency activity to managers, Board of Directors, Policy Council, Community Groups, legislators, and Federal and State program officials.
Serves as liaison to the Board of Directors and Head Start Policy Council.
Prepare and coordinate program budgets, proposals for the Head Start program.
Reviews the Yakama Head Start Program mission, values & policies with staff and clients.
Demonstrates commitment to the Program mission, values, and policies in performance of daily duties.
Follows applicable policies, regulations and procedures of the Yakama Nation, Dept of Human Services, and Head Start.
Ensures compliance with applicable policies, procedures and regulations governing a Head Start Classroom.
Develop and conduct an active program of public information and public relations.
Establish and maintain a system of communicating with the staff, community and parents on matters that may have an impact on all or any part of the Head Start Program.
Develop and maintain a program designed to provide parents with information about Head Start programs and provide a variety of opportunities for parents to visit the classrooms.
Assign, direct and evaluate all Head Start personnel in coordination with all Head Start Center Supervisors and other Division of Education programs.
Standardize policies and procedures of the Head Start Program to ensure quality and comprehensive services.
Provide opportunities to promote parents as the first, most important and longest lasting teachers of their children.
Provide opportunities to assist the child and parent with early education experiences so they can have success in the public-school systems.
Supervise the pre- and post-testing of enrolled preschool children for data collection which is necessary to meet Federal requirements for Grant funds.
Develop, supervise, and maintain a teacher-training program that is competency/academic based and includes the following components: safe, healthy, learning environment, physical, cognitive, language, creative, self-concept, individual strength social, group management, home/center, and staff.
Oversee the establishment and maintenance of student files in an accurate comprehensive and sensitive manner in keeping with all applicable State and Federal guidelines and regulations.
Coordinate the continuance of the Head Start program with all available resources within the Division of Education,
tribal organization, community services.
Participate in professional improvement activities, such as college classes, seminars, workshops, conferences, individual research, etc.
Oversee the maintenance of all Head Start records and files necessary to be in compliance with governmental regulations.
Coordinate supplemental and other services provided to children (i.e., USDA/CACFP Food Service, Special Education).
Communicates effectively with other staff including Disabilities Specialist, Health/Nutrition Coordinator, Family Involvement Coordinator, and program consultants to ensure appropriate services and support are provided to parents and families.
Prepares and maintains required daily, monthly, annual reports using appropriate forms; ensures reporting timelines are met.
Ensures classroom meets all applicable health and safety standards.
Participates and completes program data collection and entry (i.e., Self-Assessment, Program Information Report, Community Assessment).
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of Early Childhood Development theories/practices.
Knowledge of Child Development Associate (CDA) competencies.
Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards.
Knowledge of the Yakama Nation Personnel Policy Manual and Procedures.
Thorough knowledge of Yakama language, culture, and traditions.
Ability to maintain standards of professionalism in terms of confidentiality.
Ability to adhere to applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Knowledge of D365 system and iSolved system.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office and ability to learn software related to program.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to accomplish administrative tasks with minimal supervision and general direction.
Ability to maintain standards of professionalism in dress, appearance, attitude, presentation, and work ethic.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with individuals or groups. Write clear and concise reports, memoranda, directives, letters using proper punctuation and grammar.
Ability to operate a computer, copier, fax, overhead projector, laminator, DVD player, and recording devices.
Ability to organize & implement all position duties and responsibilities effectively & efficiently.
Ability to be flexible in work schedule and assignments.
Ability to coordinate staff development activities.
Ability to endure long periods of standing, walking, stooping, and kneeling.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
Ability to articulate clearly, hear and see.
Ability to handle constant noise during children's activities for long periods of time.
Minimum Requirements: Minimum bachelor's degree in Education, Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Social Welfare, Public Administration, Human Resources, Day Care Administration, or one of the social sciences, and a minimum of three years pre-school management experiences.
Two years teaching experience in Early Childhood or related areas.
Two years administrative experience, supervisory experience, and fiscal management.
Must have access to personal transportation and evidence of auto insurance.
Must have experience working with children.
Must have current First Aid/CPR care or be able to obtain one within 6 months of hire.
Must have current food handler's card or be able to obtain one within 6 months of hire.
Parent Policy Council approval.
Clearance of Fingerprint check.
Requires a current medical/physical examination, including (TB) skin test.
Must possess a valid Washington State Driver's License with the ability to obtain a Yakama Nation Driving permit.
Must pass a pre-employment background check.
Required to pass a pre-employment drug test.
Preferred Requirements: Fifth year teacher certification or Master's in Education preferred.
Preference given to current or former Head Start Parent(s) and/or staff.
Enrolled Yakama Preference, but all qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.