Head Start Center Manager (Early Childhood Program Specialist 4) - Mount Vernon

Head Start Center Manager

Head Start is a federal program that has been serving vulnerable children and families for more than half a century. We serve people experiencing homelessness, poverty, involvement in the foster system or child protective system, or any other family stressors that qualifying families may be experiencing. Head Start classrooms do not expel or exclude children due to behavioral issues or disabilities and special needs of any kind. We recognize instead that individualizing for the specific needs of every child in a nurturing and supportive environment is how we best help all children reach kindergarten healthy and ready to learn. Center staff will have a responsibility to support the needs of all children in their classrooms.

The Opportunity : Does making a difference in the lives of young children and their families sound like your calling? Do you have experience providing leadership in an Early Learning setting? If you're interested in taking your Early Learning career to the next level, we encourage you to learn more about the Head Start Center Manager, Early Childhood Program Specialist 4 (ECPS4) position. Jefferson Head Start is accepting applications for Center Manager (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. This center for this position is Jefferson Head Start located at 1801 E. Blackburn Road Mount Vernon, WA 98274. Applications submitted may be considered for future vacancies that occur.

This position is grant-funded. The extension of the position is dependent on the continuation of funding.

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.

Skagit Valley College cultivates student learning and achievement; contributes to the educational, personal, and economic success of students; and promotes equitable and thriving communities.

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.

Respect, Integrity, Open and Honest Communication, Collaboration, and Compassion.

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 :

Duties and Responsibilities

General Center Management

Engage proactively in program planning, leadership and development

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.