Associate Executive Director, Education Services

Overview

At the Y in Central Maryland, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth. Enjoy flexible schedules, competitive pay, and generous paid time off, alongside medical, dental and vision benefits, as well as dependent care FSA. We offer a generous employer contribution to the Y retirement fund, and opportunities for career advancement. Our commitment to fostering a positive work environment means you ll have access to training and development programs that align with our mission to empower individuals and strengthen communities.

The Associate Executive Director, Education provides leadership and oversight for the education component of the Y Head Start program. This role directly supervises Head Start Site Directors and Early Learning Coaches and is responsible for planning, implementing, monitoring, and continuously improving curriculum and instructional practices across all program sites. The AED, Education ensures that curriculum, instructional materials, learning environments, and staff practices align with Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS), the mission of the YMCA, and evidence-based early childhood education best practices.

This leader collaborates closely with service area directors, consultants, and internal partners to ensure strong child outcomes for children of all abilities, including those with disabilities and developmental needs.

This position is primarily responsible for the following core functions and performs other duties as assigned:

Core Functions

• Program Implementation
• Family Engagement
• Communication and Service Coordination
• Record Keeping and Reporting
• Ongoing Monitoring/Supervision and Self-Assessment
• Human Resources and Supervision
• Program Governance and Leadership

Essential Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Curriculum Oversight

• Collaborate with Head Start Site Directors, Early Learning Coaches, and service area leadership to implement the designated curriculum and ensure compliance with federal Head Start requirements and the Y’s mission.
• Review externally developed curriculum content and resources and collaborate with vendors to ensure materials, supplies, and equipment are developmentally appropriate and aligned to program standards.
• Provide leadership and guidance to ensure the curriculum is implemented with fidelity in classrooms and home learning environments.
• Guide Head Start Site Directors and key associates in designing high-quality classroom environments that support development and learning.
• In collaboration with Head Start Site Directors, plan and coordinate orders for classroom supplies, materials, and equipment, as well as field trip logistics (including transportation).

Associate Recruitment, Training & Supervision

• Lead recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and training for Early Learning Coaches and Head Start Site Directors.
• Support Site Directors with recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and training of teachers, assistant teachers, resource aides, and substitutes, as needed.
• Coordinate and support tiered professional development and coaching systems to strengthen instructional quality and classroom practices.
• Coordinate associate training and learning opportunities in collaboration with consultants and service area leaders.
• Participate in developing the Training and Technical Assistance (T/TA) budget.
• Provide input to Head Start Site Directors, based on classroom observations and documentation, during associate performance evaluations as needed.
• Facilitate and participate in program and education-related meetings.

Core Function Areas

Planning

• Implement education service area plans, policies, and procedures.
• Develop, deliver, or coordinate training as needed, including pre-service training, ongoing training, and training for families, volunteers, and partners.

Ensure The Written Curriculum Includes

• Clear goals for children’s development and learning
• Experiences through which children achieve goals
• Guidance for associates and parents to support learning at home and in the classroom
• Materials and resources needed to implement the curriculum effectively

Program Implementation

• Collaborate with Head Start Site Directors and Early Learning Coaches to ensure teachers:
• Provide developmentally, culturally, and linguistically appropriate learning experiences.
• Implement experiential learning activities that support intellectual and emotional development.
• Maintain print-rich environments that promote literacy, numeracy, social skills, and problem-solving.
• Use positive guidance and developmentally appropriate discipline to support school readiness.
• Establish consistent daily classroom routines.
• Integrate Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) into classroom practices in collaboration with the Site Director and Early Intervention Specialist.
• Conduct ongoing child assessment and support teachers with assessment implementation as needed.
• Gather anecdotal notes and enter required documentation into assessment software.
• Interpret observation data and…