Director, Curriculum and Instruction

JOB DESCRIPTION

Title: Director, Curriculum and Instruction

Reports to: Assistant Vice President, Education, Training

& Ancillary Services

FLSA: Exempt

Position Summary:

The Director, Curriculum and Instruction is responsible for the oversight of the education component in all three (3) program areas.

Responsibilities:

• Learns and adheres to the philosophy and mandates of Head Start and Early Head Start (HS/EHS) as outlined in the Performance Standards, licensing requirements, and the Policies and Procedures of Greater Bergen Community Action (GBCA).
• Assists the Head Start Leadership with planning and designing programs and systems to accommodate current needs and future expansion.
• Serves as an advocate for quality programs for children and families.
• Oversight for and on-going monitoring of the education component of the program to ensure policy and procedures, Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS) and state licensing requirements are met.
• Supervises Associate Directors, Education and monitors the completion of assigned tasks.
• Collaborates with Head Start Leadership and directors of component areas to help ensure that services are integrated into one comprehensive program.
• Ensures the consistency of monitoring tools and documentation used across all program areas.
• Collaborates with the Director, Professional Development to facilitate practice-based coaching.
• Oversees the process to select and adapt a curriculum that is consistent with the Head Start/Early Head Start Performance Standards and early childhood development theory. Reviews and updates annually.
• Demonstrates a commitment to and understanding of the School Readiness Plan and the Education Content Plan by serving as a resource to staff.
• Leads regularly scheduled individual/group education staff meetings and completes performance evaluations of direct reports.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with management, clients, representatives of community organizations, local districts and other staff members.
• Analyzes children outcomes reports and provides feedback to Head Start Leadership on training needs, curriculum instruction and program design.
• Responsible for the submission of monthly report to Assistant Vice President, Training, Education & Ancillary Services.
• Conducts regular onsite visits to program areas.
• Reviews and approves program expenses under purview of responsibilities; seeks additional approval as required.

• Responsible for the overall safety of each child in the GBCA HS/EHS program.
• Other relevant duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices involving the implementation of a developmentally appropriate curriculum.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations relating to preschools and childcare.
• Cultural and socio-economic issues relevant to providing appropriate services to special population groups.
• How student learning is influenced by individual experiences, talents, and prior learning, as well as language, culture, family, and community values.
• Characteristics, uses, advantages, and limitations of different types of assessments.
• Head Start Performance Standards

Qualifications:

• Bachelors in early childhood education or a related field with a New Jersey Teaching Certificate for Elementary, Nursery, or Pre-School through Third Grade.

• Minimum of two years supervisory and teaching experience in Head Start/Early Head Start or related program with emphasis on curriculum planning, staff training and program development.
• Communicates clearly and effectively.
• Must demonstrate English proficiency - both oral and written

• Demonstrates good computer skills and a working knowledge of database systems.
• Ability to physically care for the needs of the children in the classroom. This includes being able to sit, stand, bend, and lift up to fifty (50) pounds.

• Valid NJ driver’s license preferred and use of own vehicle for self-transportation; local travel is required.

Ability to:

• Organize, set priorities, and exercise sound independent judgment within areas of assigned responsibility.
• Interpret, apply, explain, and reach sound decisions in accordance with regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Exercise tact, objectivity, sensitivity, strategy and judgment in dealing with volunteers, parents and staff.

Mandated Reporting:

As per New Jersey mandated reporting guidelines, any person having reasonable cause to believe that a child has been subjected to abuse or acts of abuse should immediately report this information to the State Central Registry (SCR). If the child is in immediate danger, call 911 as well as 1-877 NJ ABUSE (1-877-652-2873).”

EEO Statement

Greater Bergen Community Action, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.