Director of Early Childhood Programs
1 day ago
Miami
This role presents a significant leadership opportunity for an experienced early childhood professional to oversee a comprehensive portfolio of education and family services programs, including Head Start, Early Head Start, Voluntary Pre-K, School Readiness, and Court Care initiatives. The Director of Early Childhood Programs will provide strategic and operational leadership to ensure the delivery of high-quality, outcomes-driven services that align with the organization's mission and values. With a strong emphasis on regulatory compliance, staff development, and continuous quality improvement, this position plays a critical role in advancing school readiness and family engagement across multiple sites. Key Responsibilities • Provide day-to-day operational and strategic oversight of all early childhood education and family services programs, ensuring alignment with federal, state, and local regulations and funder requirements., • Lead implementation and monitoring of Head Start Performance Standards across all program components, including education, family engagement, health, mental health, and disabilities services., • Build, lead, and sustain high-performing, multidisciplinary teams across multiple locations, fostering collaboration, accountability, and professional growth., • Oversee curriculum implementation, program enhancements, and school readiness initiatives to ensure consistent, high-quality learning experiences., • Partner with the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer to develop, manage, and monitor program budgets; ensure fiscal accountability and sustainability across all funding sources., • Prepare, submit, and monitor grant applications, annual program applications, corrective action plans, self-assessments, training and technical assistance plans, and required funder reports., • Drive continuous quality improvement through data collection, analysis, trend reporting, and outcome-based program planning., • Ensure staff credentialing, licensing, and professional development requirements are met and maintained; develop and implement ongoing training programs to support compliance and excellence., • Serve as a key liaison with community partners, school districts, funders, and regulatory agencies to support families, staff, and program growth., • Oversee recruitment, onboarding, supervision, coaching, and performance management of program leadership and site-based staff., • Provide oversight of Court Care and KidSpace programs, including enrollment management, revenue monitoring, budget oversight, and funder reporting., • Conduct regular site visits to ensure safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate environments for children and families. Qualifications & Experience • Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Education, Child Development, or a closely related field, including a minimum of 18 credits in early childhood coursework., • Three to five years of progressive leadership and supervisory experience in early childhood or child-focused programs, preferably within a nonprofit environment., • Master's degree strongly preferred., • Demonstrated experience with Head Start and/or Early Head Start programs highly preferred., • Proven experience managing multi-site operations, large teams, budgets, and complex compliance requirements., • Knowledge of federal, state, and local early childhood regulations, including Head Start, Early Learning Coalition, VPK, and related funding streams., • Ability to obtain Florida Director's Credential within 90 days of hire, if not already held. Key Competencies & Attributes • Strategic and operational leadership, • Regulatory compliance and risk management, • Team building, coaching, and staff development, • Fiscal stewardship and budget management, • Data-informed decision-making and continuous improvement, • Strong written and verbal communication, • Cultural competence and community engagement, • Alignment with organizational values of courage, commitment, and compassion Work Environment & Benefits This is an in-person leadership role overseeing multiple program sites within a mission-driven, community-focused organization. The work environment is collaborative, fast-paced, and deeply impact-oriented, with a strong emphasis on professional integrity, accountability, and service to children and families. A comprehensive benefits package is offered, consistent with full-time exempt leadership roles.