Head Start Center Manager

EPIC Early Learning is seeking a dedicated and experienced Center Manager to join our team. As a private, nonprofit organization, EPIC has been working hand-in-hand with children and families to provide early childhood educational services that strengthen our Central Washington communities for over 35 years. Our mission is to ensure that every child has the best possible start in life by creating a nurturing and supportive environment that promotes their emotional, social, and intellectual growth.

As the Center Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing the daily operations of our Head Start program at the Seedlings Center in Ellensburg. This includes managing the center's staff, maintaining a safe and engaging learning environment, and ensuring the delivery of comprehensive services to children and families. You will collaborate with a team of professionals to develop and implement educational programs that meet the needs of the children and families served by EPIC. Additionally, you will work closely with parents and community partners to build strong relationships and provide support for the overall well-being of the children and families in your center.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the center, including staff management and program implementation
• Ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, state licensing regulations, USDA requirements, and agency policies and procedures
• Collaborate with teachers and other staff to develop and implement high-quality early childhood education programs that promote school readiness
• Collaborate with key partners including ESD 105, school districts, Departments of Children Youth and Families (DCYF), health agencies, and others.
• Conduct regular staff evaluations and provide ongoing support and professional development opportunities
• Coordinate with community partners and agencies to provide comprehensive support services for children and families
• Build strong relationships with parents and actively involve them in their child's education and development
• Monitor program performance and outcomes, and develop strategies for continuous improvement
• Ensure accurate and timely documentation of program activities and outcomes
• Be committed to characterizing a culture of safety within our centers, playgrounds, buses, and anywhere that children may be present. Be familiar with and encourage EPIC's culture of "See Something, Say Something".

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in early childhood education, child development, or a related field OR equivalent combination of experience and/ or training in Early Childhood which demonstrates the required knowledge skills and abilities.
• Meet the State of Washington minimum licensing requirement for a center director.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in early childhood education, with at least 1 year in a supervisory or management role
• Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards, state licensing regulations, and early childhood education best practices
• Strong leadership and team management skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with parents, staff, and community partners
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and data entry
• Experience with low-income families preferred.
• Bilingual/ Bicultural (English/Spanish) preferred
• Willingness and ability to travel alone to all of EPIC's sites and to conferences and meetings outside of EPIC's service area.
• Valid Washington State Driver's License, own transportation and required auto insurance.

Pay Level

$65,500 to 73,500 Exempt (Year-Round)

Work Location: 220 E Helena Ave Ellensburg, WA 98926

Benefits

• Medical/Dental/ Vision Plans
• Sick Leave (5 hours per payroll)
• Annual Leave (4 hours per payroll)
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Seedling Scholarship Available
• Employee Assistance Program
• Basic Life Insurance
• 403 B (Employer match after 1 year or 1,000 hours)
• Short/Long Term Disability Insurance

Conditions of Employment:

1. Prior to employment, complete a pre-employment drug screen, Tb skin test by an EPIC approved healthcare provider at no cost to the employee.
2. Pre-employment basic physical by an EPIC healthcare provider (obtain within (30) days of employment and no cost to the employee).
3. Must pass an initial and periodic background check through the Washington State Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF).
4. Provide proof of MMR vaccination and/ or resistance to Measles, Mumps & Rubella.
5. Current Food Handlers card (obtain the training within 30 days of employment).
6. Current First Aid/CPR card (obtain within thirty 30 days of employment).
7. Complete Child Abuse and Neglect training and all other mandated training.
8. CEO Approval.