Center Coordinator Early Childhood Education

Position Type

Full-Time | Exempt

Director of Early Childhood Education

St. Louis, Missouri

Established in 1859,
Guardian Angel Settlement Association (GASA) exists to serve under‑resourced neighbors in the St. Louis community by helping them improve their quality of life and become economically independent.

Guardian Angel provides a wide array of holistic services, including:

• Early Head Start and Head Start early childhood education
• Housing stability support
• Senior services
• Self-sufficiency workshops
• Client‑choice food pantry
• Clothing closet
• Community partner resources

Each year, these programs bring stability and hope to more than 4,000 underserved community members.

Under the direction of the Director of Early Childhood Education, the Center Coordinator is responsible for overseeing all aspects of educational programming for children and professional development for staff.

This full‑time, exempt leadership position ensures high‑quality instruction, regulatory compliance, and a nurturing, developmentally appropriate environment for children. Work hours are flexible to meet program demands and may include occasional evenings and weekends.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or closely related field (Master’s Degree preferred)
• Education must meet State licensing, accreditation standards, and Head Start Performance Standards
• Minimum of 5 years of early childhood experience
• At least 2 years of supervisory/management experience (childcare setting preferred)
• Strong leadership and management skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations
• Familiarity with Head Start Performance Standards (or willingness to obtain knowledge)
• Reliable transportation required (travel between St. Louis City sites)
• Valid driver’s license and proof of auto insurance required

• Supervise and support childcare staff, including hiring, scheduling, training, and performance evaluation
• Orient, train, and supervise program volunteers
• Ensure compliance with licensing, accreditation, and Head Start Performance Standards
• Immediately report and assist in addressing areas of noncompliance
• Promote teamwork, effective communication, and conflict resolution
• Maintain safe, clean, and healthy facilities
• Complete and submit required reports
• Implement program improvements and quality enhancement initiatives

• Serve as the subject matter expert in child development
• Support teachers in creating developmentally appropriate classrooms
• Ensure curriculum implementation and weekly lesson planning
• Supervise classroom observations and child developmental assessments
• Oversee assessment data entry and outcome reporting
• Coordinate classroom transitions and kindergarten readiness
• Support IEP/IFSP processes and collaborate with outside therapists
• Monitor home visits and parent conferences
• Oversee classroom placements
• Identify and prioritize materials and equipment needs
• Attain CLASS and GOLD Certification and lead the assessment process
• Support Family Engagement staff as needed

• Track staff training hours
• Develop annual training plans
• Support staff in acquiring appropriate teaching credentials
• Create and monitor individual professional development plans
• Provide ongoing professional development opportunities

• Assist with agency operations
• Support outreach and fundraising events
• Participate in meetings and professional development
• Represent the agency at community events
• Perform related duties as assigned

• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Strong interpersonal and mentoring abilities
• Ability to conduct effective meetings and group presentations
• Capacity to build collaborative relationships across departments
• Strong technical skills and ability to learn new systems quickly

• Paid Time Off
• 401(k) with Employer Match
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Short‑Term & Long‑Term Disability Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Tuition Reimbursement

This role operates in a dynamic, mission‑driven environment that requires flexibility and adaptability. Travel between sites in St. Louis is required.

The position involves leadership oversight as well as direct interaction within classrooms and community settings. Candidates must be able to:

• Lift 15–20 pounds as needed
• Bend, sit, stand, and move for extended periods
• Maintain a safe, clean, and healthy learning environment

Professionalism, regulatory compliance, and collaboration are essential to success in this role.