Job Summary:

The Family & Center Specialist oversees the daily operations of the Early Head Start (EHS) center, managing staff, ensuring the implementation of educational and developmental programs, and fostering strong family partnerships to support child and family well-being. They are responsible for maintaining compliance with Head Start standards, coordinating family engagement activities, and ensuring the provision of quality services to enrolled children and families.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Manage daily operations, addressing issues with parents, children, and staff.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate center policies and programs.
  
  
• Monitor staff performance, child assessments, classroom programs, and care.
  Build community partnerships, support families with resources and goal-setting

• Engage parents in child development and offer parenting education.
  
  
• Ensure full enrollment and compliance with health documentation.
  
  
• Collaborate with recruitment to promote enrollment and manage waitlists.
  
  
• Provide orientation, inform families about attendance benefits, and address absenteeism.
  
  
• Ensure Creative Curriculum implementation, lesson plans, and Head Start standards.
  
  
• Promote positive behavior guidance, conduct screenings/assessments, and meet timelines. Substitute as needed and provide caregiving duties during staff absences.
  
  
• Maintain a safe and healthy environment, ensuring compliance with health and licensing standards. Promote family health education, assist with health requirements, and conduct screenings. Ensure center cleanliness, safety protocols, and food service compliance.
  
  
• Organize Family Engagement activities and workshops with education staff.
  
  
• Conduct home visits, develop Family Partnership Goals, and support family objectives.
• Link families with resources, promote Head Start programs, and maintain communication.
• Serve as the liaison for program transitions and support children with disabilities.
• Participate in hiring, staff training, and ensure performance evaluations.
  
• Complete professional development plans and provide staff coaching.
  
  
• Monitor staff training records and ensure 24 hours of annual training.
  
  
• Ensure accurate completion of employee files, training, and certifications.
  
  
• Use ChildPlus for program management and maintain confidentiality.
  
  
• Attend meetings and professional development sessions.
  
  
• Collaborate with Site Coordinator to address concerns and promote staff safety.

• Education and Experience:
  Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education/Child Development preferred.

Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education/Child Development or Bachelor's degree in a related field, plus 18 semester hours in Early Childhood Education/Child Development and 480 hours of experience.