What Success Looks Like In This Job

Direct, manage, supervise, and coordinate the programs and activities of the Adams County Head Start Program within the Human Services Department. Coordinate assigned activities with other County departments, divisions, and outside agencies. Provide highly responsible and complex administrative support to the Human Services Department Director.

Examples of Duties for Success

• Assume management responsibility for all services and activities of the Adams County Head Start Program.
• Provide support to and develop the Head Start Policy Council to ensure effective development of policies, long term goals, staff hiring, selection criteria, and involvement of parents in a shared decision-making model.
• Manage and participate in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for assigned programs including Education, Health, Nutrition, Disability, and Family Support; recommend, within Departmental policy, appropriate service, and staffing levels; recommend and administer policies and procedures.
• Continuously monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assess and monitor workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identify opportunities for improvement and review with the Human Services Department Director; direct the implementation of improvements.
• Select, train, motivate, and evaluate Head Start Program personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline and termination procedures.
• Plan, direct, coordinate, and review the strategy for the Head Start Program; meet with staff to identify and resolve problems; assign work activities, projects, and programs; monitor workflow; review and evaluate work products, methods, and procedures.
• Manage and participate in the development and administration of the Head Start Program annual budget; direct the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; direct the monitoring of and approve expenditures; direct and implement adjustments as necessary; write grant applications.
• Serve as liaison for the Head Start Program with other County departments, divisions, and outside agencies.
• Provide responsible staff assistance to the Human Services Department Director; prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
• Conduct a variety of organizational studies, investigations, and operational studies; recommend modifications to Head Start programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate.
• Participate on a variety of boards and commissions; attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of educational administration.
• Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive inquiries and complaints.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings and program events as requested.
• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as required.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Exercises direct supervision over staff.

Qualifications for Success

• Knowledge of operational characteristics, services, and activities of a Head Start program.
• Knowledge of organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of programs, policies, and operational needs.
• Knowledge of modern and complex principles and practices of education program development, administration, and leadership.
• Knowledge of education administration theory, principles and practices, and their application to a wide variety of services and programs.
• Knowledge of education principles and practices.
• Knowledge of principles of child development theory and early childhood education.
• Knowledge of advanced principles and practices of budget preparation and administration.
• Knowledge of principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
• Knowledge of pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Knowledge of computerized information systems.
• Knowledge of government practices and policies.
• Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment.
• Manage, direct, and coordinate the work of management, supervisory, professional, and technical personnel.
• Select, supervise, train, and evaluate staff.
• Provide administrative and professional leadership and direction for the Head Start Program.
• Recommend and implement goals, objectives, and practices for providing effective and efficient Head Start Program services.
• Prepare and administer large and complex budgets.
• Prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports.
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, and project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
• Interpret and apply Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
• Communicate and work with low income and diverse parent groups.
• Learn and apply the policies/procedures of the Head Start program and Head Start Performance Standards.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

More Qualifications for Success

• Experience: Six (6) years of increasingly responsible experience in Early Childhood Administration/Management or a closely related field in Education or Human Services Management.  

• Education and Training:

  • Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctorate in Child Development, Child Psychology, Early Childhood Education, Special Education, Educational Leadership, Family Studies, or related fields qualify as fully director qualified.
  • OR Associate’s Degree in ECE/Child Development: Requires completion of 10 specified ECE courses and 455 hours of experience.
  • OR Bachelor’s in Unrelated Field: Must complete 30 semester credit hours in specified ECE courses and gain 455 hours of experience.
  • OR Persons with no degree must have completed all of the thirty (30) semester credit hours/ten (10) required three (3) semester hour courses from an accredited college or university and obtain the required amount of experience (910 hours).
  • All coursework must have a grade of “C” or better in ALL the following courses. Transcripts are required):
    1. Intro to ECE
    2. Intro to Early Childhood Professions/Lab Techniques
    3. Guidance Strategies or Colorado Pyramid Plus Approach Training
    4. Health, Safety, and Nutrition
    5. Admin of ECE Programs
    6. Admin: Human Relations or Intro to Business
    7. Curriculum Development: Methods and Techniques
    8. Child Growth and Development
    9. The Exceptional Child
    10. Infant and Toddler Theory and Practice or Expanding Quality Infant/Toddler Training (EQIT)
  • License or Certificate: 
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  • Must have a current Director qualification letter or certificate issued by the Colorado Office of Early Childhood, Division of Early Care & Learning
  • OR a current Early Childhood Professional Level 3 or higher in version 3.0
  • Possession of, or the ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver's license. A Motor Vehicle record check will be conducted.
  • Background Check:
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  • Must pass multiple criminal background checks.
  • Must also pass FBI background check and Central Registry check.
  • A fingerprint may be conducted.
  • Other: Must complete physical examination and TB test upon hire.