Manager of Center Operations presso ECS4KIDS

Description

*Will support either the Northern or Southern Savannah River Region*

JOIN THE ECS4Kids TEAM

At ECS4Kids (formerly Episcopal Children’s Services), we honor young children’s immense potential by helping them enter school ready to learn. We cultivate lifelong learners by immersing children in enriching guided experiences and discovery-oriented approaches. Through programs like Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK), Head Start, School Readiness, Child Care Resource & Referral (CCRR), and more, our dedicated professionals work with families and caregivers to promote children’s well-being. These enable us to strengthen key areas including motor development, cognitive development, social and emotional development, language and communication skills, and problem-solving skills.

Partner with us to help empower communities to rise above generational poverty with comprehensive early childhood education and holistic family support. We have career opportunities available in several counties throughout the Savannah River Region.

ECS4Kids offers a competitive benefit package which includes:

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• 403(b) plan with 5% employer match
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Long-term & short-term disability insurance
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Paid holidays
• Generous paid time off
• Career development
• Qualifying employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Manager of Center Operations oversees the planning, daily operations, and evaluation of assigned Head Start centers. This role ensures compliance with program standards and supports high-quality educational programming. The Manager directly supervises Center Managers, Site Supervisors/Lead Teachers, and Education Specialists, integrating operational leadership with educational excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Supervision

• Supervise and support Center Managers, Site Supervisors/Lead Teachers, and Education Specialists across assigned locations.
• Develop professional development plans and conduct performance reviews for direct reports.
• Coordinate recruitment, onboarding, and training of center-based staff.
• Foster a collaborative and mission-driven work environment.

Educational Oversight

• Ensure fidelity in curriculum implementation and adherence to Head Start Start Performance Standards and other regulatory guidelines.
• Support Education Specialists and Center Managers in analyzing child assessment data to inform instruction and improve learning outcomes.
• Evaluate classroom environments using tools such as CLASS, ECERS, and applicable assessments.

Coaching & Training

• Collaborate with the Education Specialists to plan and facilitate training for center staff.
• Monitor and support in-class coaching efforts, providing feedback and ensuring consistency across sites.
• Conduct regular site visits and observations to assess coaching quality and classroom practices.

Operational Management

• Oversee center operations in the absence of Center Managers.
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting in ChildPlus and other systems.
• Monitor budgets and take corrective action on variances.
• Address parent and community concerns in collaboration with HR and Regional Director.

Collaboration & Communication

• Work closely with the Regional Director of Head Start and Management Team to align goals and strategies.
• Represent ECS4Kids programs to families, community partners, and stakeholders.
• Maintain timely and professional communication, including a 24-hour response time during business hours.

(These job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of duties. Employees will be required to perform other related duties as required.)

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Education Administration, or related field required; Master’s preferred.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in Head Start or center operations.
• Experience with CLASS, curriculum implementation, and coaching preferred.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES:

• Strong leadership and team development skills.
• Knowledge of early childhood education best practices and regulatory standards.
• Ability to analyze data and use it to inform instruction and operations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ChildPlus.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.

CERTIFICATIONS:

• Complete TB screening & physical before having direct contact with children. Renew every 2 years.
• Must have current First Aid and Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training.
• 15 hours of annual training?(January–December) in topics related to child development, health and safety, and program operations.
• Valid driver’s license and proof of automobile coverage
• Satisfactory Driving Record (as outlined in Vehicle Driving Policy.
• All required curriculum courses within six months of employment.
• CLASS Preschool within nine months of employment and successfully renewed annually
• GOLD Inter-Rater Reliability certification in Preschool within nine months of employment and successfully renewed annually
• Lastinger Coaching Certification within one year of employment and successfully renewed annually

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

• Works in office and classroom settings.
• Frequent travel to multiple sites required.
• Occasional evening or out-of-town work may be required.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS:

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods, with frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, and stretching required to interact with young children at their level and to support classroom activities.
• Sufficient hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills to operate a computer, telephone, copier, and other standard office and classroom equipment.
• Normal or corrected vision and hearing required to observe children’s behavior, assess developmental progress, and communicate effectively with staff and families.
• Ability to speak clearly and effectively in both one-on-one and group settings, and to write detailed reports, assessments, and documentation.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds occasionally, including lifting children or classroom materials as needed.
• Comfortable working in a variety of settings including classrooms, offices, and outdoor environments, with the ability to transition between them throughout the day.
• Ability to travel locally between program sites, with occasional out-of-town travel for training or meetings.