Job Summary:

The Division Director of Early Education and Care provide strategic leadership, oversight, and administrative management for all early education programs within the organization. This role ensures compliance with state and federal regulations, drives program quality, and fosters environments that promote school readiness, family engagement, and child well‑being. Ensures interpretation and implementation of all aspects of Head Start Performance Standards, DEEC regulations, funding source requirements and policies/practices. Work in partnership with management team for the common goal of programs excellence.

Responsible for the administration and management of all aspects of the Head Start and Early Head Start Programs in accordance with state and federal regulations, as well as oversight of the Perrault Childcare Center and the Child and Family Community Engagement (CFCE) grant through EEC. Collaborate with the agency’s senior management team to lead and align early learning initiatives with the agency's mission, ensuring that all policies and procedures demonstrate integrity and ethical behavior.

iEssential Functions and Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Vision 

• Provide strategic direction, oversight, and leadership for all Early Learning Programs, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, mission, and long‑term growth. 

• Lead division wide planning, budgeting, and resource allocation to ensure highquality service delivery. 

• Develop and implement innovative strategies that promote school readiness, child development, and family engagement.  Develop, implement, and ensure compliance with policies, procedures, and regulations aligned with federal and state laws.

• Lead program planning in collaboration with staff, Policy Council, and Board.

• Ensure mandatory reporting of child abuse and neglect in accordance with legal requirements.

• Maintain regular and effective communication with the Board and Policy Council.

• Build and maintain partnerships with community organizations.

• Represent the program in external meetings, coalitions, and community forums.

• Maintain membership and participation with the Mass Head Start Association

Operational & Administrative Management 

• Oversee program budgets, grants, contracts, and financial compliance, ensuring responsible stewardship of resources. 

• Support the development of policies, procedures, and systems that improve efficiency and accountability. 

• Ensure effective communication across the division and with organizational leadership. 

Program Oversight & Quality Assurance 

• Oversee the design, implementation, and evaluation of early education programs, ensuring they meet or exceed quality standards. 

• Monitor program performance using data-driven systems, continuous quality improvement practices, and evidence‑based models. 

• Ensure environments support children’s cognitive, social‑emotional, and physical development. 

• Oversee a management system that ensures Quality Mentoring; Teaching and Learning practices which support professional development for achieving positive teacher outcomes. 

• Conduct Community Needs Assessments to inform program design and services.

• Guide strategic planning efforts and ongoing program evaluation.

• Build and maintain partnerships with community organizations

Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management 

• Ensure full compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including licensing, health and safety standards, and applicable early education policies. 

• Oversee internal audits, monitoring visits, and corrective action plans to address findings and mitigate risk. 

• Maintain detailed documentation and reporting for all regulatory and funding entities. 

Staff Leadership & Development 

• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate program managers, coordinators, and other key staff within the division. 

• Lead workforce planning, recruitment, and professional development initiatives and plans to maintain a highly skilled early childhood team. 

• Foster a positive, collaborative, and inclusive workplace culture. 

• Provides oversight for the Child Development Coaches, including design, implementation, and training.  

• Lead and supervise staff within the Early Learning Division to ensure high-quality education and comprehensive services for children and families.

• Ensure open communication with parents and families, promoting empowerment by connecting them with resources that address their needs and concerns.

Professional Development & Continuous Improvement

• Attend and participate in trainings, conferences, and other professional development activities.

• Remain current on Head Start policies, procedures, and evidence-based best practices to support program excellence.

Family & Community Engagement 

• Promote strong family engagement strategies that support parents as partners in their children’s education and well‑being. 

• Strengthen partnerships with school districts, community agencies, funders, and state/local early education systems to enhance programming. 

• Represent the organization at community events, coalitions, and advisory groups related to early childhood education. 

Data, Reporting & Accountability 

• Utilize data systems to track outcomes, monitor trends, and inform decision‑making. 

• Prepare and present reports to executive leadership, the board of directors, and regulatory bodies. 

• Lead the division’s efforts to achieve and maintain accreditation, performance standards, and quality benchmarks. 

• Responsible for the overall analysis of data for School Readiness and submission of summary report.

• Support governance bodies by providing data-driven insights to inform decision-making

Financial Oversight

• Work closely with the agency’s fiscal team to develop and maintain a balanced budget.

• Manage the program budget and ensure fiscal integrity and accountability.

• Meet non-federal share requirements and seek supplemental funding opportunities.

• Prepare funding applications and ensure accurate monitoring and reporting to funding sources, as required.

• Equity, Inclusion & Child Well‑Being 

• Champion equitable practices and ensure culturally responsive programming for children and families. 

• Safeguard the physical, emotional, and developmental well‑being of all children enrolled in early education programs. 

• Promote trauma‑informed care practices and support social‑emotional learning frameworks. 

Skills and Qualifications:

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s Degree (Master’s preferred) in Early Childhood Education or related field to administer a comprehensive early childhood program required,

• Minimum of five years in supervision of staff, fiscal management, and administration.  

• Ability to serve as the Head Start director as defined by federal regulations.

• Ability to prepare, monitor, and report on funding applications.

• Department of Early Education & Care (DEEC) Director II qualifications required (knowledge of DEEC & Head Start regulations a plus).   

• Excellent communication, organizational, leadership, and grant writing skills.  

• Flexible schedule is required to meet the needs of our children and families, including some evenings/weekends. 

• CPR and First Aid certificates preferred or ability to maintain CPR/ FA within 30 days of hire. 

• Show documented proof of current physical exam, negative TB test and proof of MMR immunity.  (Hepatitis B immunity is advisable).   

• Must have a suitable CORI, SORI & DCF background check on file prior to employment. 

• Must have a suitable fingerprint check completed prior to employment. 

• Ability to work effectively with and meet the needs of people from a wide range of backgrounds, identities, cultures, nationalities and languages that make-up the rich complexity of GLCAC employees, partners in the community, and clientele. Everyone is responsible for supporting the agency’s mission of building an environment of fairness and opportunity where people are valued for their unique contributions.

Other:

Supervisory Responsibility:   CFCE Coordinator, Head Start Content Managers, Childcare Center Director, Early Learning Fiscal Team, Transportation Manager

Travel: Required

Physical Demands: This job regularly requires the employee to sit, walk and stand as well as use hands repetitively to handle or operate standard office equipment.

Work Environment: This job operates in a professional office environment and uses standard office equipment, such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, fax machines.