Center Manager

Summary

WACOG is the Head Start Grantee for Mohave, La Paz and Yuma Counties. Our programs focus on school readiness for all children and families. As a leader in quality early childhood programs in the area, WACOG is a champion of developmentally appropriate practices. Under general direction, the Center Manager ensures Head Start goals, objectives and activities are implemented at the Center level in accordance with Federal Head Start Performance Standards and established WACOG policies, procedures and guidelines.

The Center Manager is responsible for daily center operations, including safety, compliance, and record retention, promoting the mission and philosophy of WACOG Head Start.

• Oversee center staff to ensure classroom operations are safe, compliant, and promote a safe, nurturing, stimulating, and enjoyable environment with constant supervision during all activities.
• Implement family engagement strategies that foster parental confidence and skills, and offer activities that support parent-child relationships and child development including language, dual language, literacy, and bi-literacy.
• Support, supervise and coordinate center staff; implement performance measures, monitor, and evaluate staff performance per Head Start Standards and WACOG policies; document performance in a timely professional manner.
• Mentor and lead staff to promote a professional, collaborative, learning, and informative environment.
• Review, ensure accuracy, and approve timesheets; manage leave requests to maintain required staffing levels.
• Work with Head Start Administration to ensure programs, services, files, data tracking, and reporting systems are implemented and maintained in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards and Arizona State Licensing.
• Lead, facilitate, or attend meetings, work groups, and trainings, ensuring an adequate flow of information so families, staff, and management are well informed; promote Head Start's mission and active parent engagement.
• Complete accurate data entry, monitoring, and review in client-related software programs including MTS and Child Plus, and train others as necessary.
• Ensure implementation of high quality and engaging instructional programs that align with the Head Start Framework and the school readiness plan.

• Oversee site visits and audits; ensure files are complete and current at all times.
• Abide by and ensure staff, consultants, contractors, and volunteers implement positive strategies to support children’s well-being and address challenging behavior.
• Ensure center staff meet deadlines as established with Content Area Specialists.
• Work with FDAs in recruiting and enrolling eligible children, including driving to canvas neighborhoods, accepting and reviewing applications, collecting documentation, and interviewing.
• Oversee applications, enrollment, goals, and attendance of Head Start/Early Head Start children; maintain compliance with all health and developmental screening requirements.
• Implement family engagement strategies that foster parental confidence and promote learning; support parent-child relationships and child development in language, dual language, literacy, and bi-literacy.
• Consistently increase knowledge and understanding of the teaching role to provide higher level support.
• Facilitate, coordinate speakers, and/or lead parent classes that promote Head Start's mission.
• Provide all services as required by the Head Start Program Performance Standards and the Management Team.
• Prepare and maintain accurate and timely records while maintaining confidentiality.
• Understand and adhere to all WACOG and applicable external regulations, policies and procedures, and safety standards.
• Perform the role of FDA or other center staff as needed.
• Remain prepared and organized with necessary forms and documentation.
• Order and/or request supplies in a timely manner.
• Ensure Parent, Health, and Staff boards are up to date and visible.
• Develop professionally by taking educational training or workshops as required.
• Travel within WACOG service area, including overnight stays if needed; additional travel may be required.
• Maintain reliable and predictable attendance; work outside standard…