Education Manager

Position Overview

The Education Manager oversees full and effective implementation of evidence-based instructional practices to continuously improve teaching and learning with the aim of accelerating children’s learning. The Education Manager provides leadership to classroom teaching teams by direct supervision and management of Early Head Start and Head Start Charter classrooms and classroom staff.

Responsibilities/Duties/Functions/Tasks

Be committed to the vision and mission of Next Door and Early Head Start/Head Start in the state of Wisconsin.  Monitor assigned classroom staff based on their job performance requirements, collaborate on individual goal planning with each staff and/or teaching team, provide ongoing feedback on performance and towards individualized goals on each of the following:

• Reviews and critiques weekly lesson plans submitted by the teaching staff and monitors the daily implementation of them on an on-going basis to ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, State Licensing and curriculum guidelines.
• Randomly reviews all students’ developmental file folders and confirms that lesson plans incorporate activities to strengthen areas of individual weaknesses identified. 
• Maintains attendance records on teaching staff and adjusts work schedules or classroom assignments as necessary.
• Monitors classrooms to ensure an attractive, safe and healthy learning environment that is age-appropriate to the developmental level of all children enrolled. 
• Monitors classrooms to ensure active supervision and child-tracking procedures are implemented throughout the daily routine.
• Supervises the daily job performance of all members of the teaching staff and classroom volunteers/interns.  
• Reviews assigned weekly, end-month, and as needed paperwork for completeness and accuracy including staff time and attendance; children’s attendance; CACFP meal counts; child’s developmental screenings, Individual Curriculum Plans, Data Action Plans, Wednesday Folder Activities, supplies, field trips, or training requests; etc.
• Evaluates assigned classroom staff annually using Next Door’s performance evaluation tools.
• Monitors classroom education staffs’ use of child outcomes measurement tools quarterly including complete, accurate assessment data for all children and parent report documents.
• Ensures all Head Start/Early Head Start performance standards, state and local licensing requirements, MPS Charter School, YoungStar/accreditation, and other funder requirements related to education are met.
• Participates in continuous quality improvement, following Next Door’s Ongoing Monitoring Plan.
• Co-facilitates or coordinates CCM’s for teachers to unpack early learning and development standards, discuss children’s progress, examine practice and together design innovative learning experiences that embed CLASS teaching behaviors in the study.
• Conducts CLASS observations and participates in the CLASS observation debrief with the Instructional Coach and the teachers.
• Seeks out and participates in opportunities for professional growth.
• Actively participates in staff meetings, advisory committees, and work groups to assist in developing, implementing and fulfilling the goals and strategic plans of EHS/HS, including Family/Child Reviews (FCRs), Special Education eligibility meetings, and Human Resources recruitment events.
• Assumes responsibility of Site Director during times of Site Director absences.
• Facilitates reflective supervision for direct reports on a consistent basis.
• Education Managers assigned to Educare classrooms will also collaborate with the Local Evaluation Partner in the design and implementation of a Research Program Partnership Agreement.
• Directly supervise eight to ten classroom education staff depending on enrollment. Is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of this unit.
• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.
• Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Accountability and Performance Requirement

All staff members are accountable for knowing and performing the responsibilities associated with their individual position in an efficient and effective manner, understanding that each of us plays an integral role in the success of our mission.  All staff will support the agency mission, vision, standards of conduct/code of ethics and strategic directions and support administrative decisions.  This must demonstrated by maintaining a positive work environment, and by behaving and communicating in an appropriate manner with children, families, coworkers, supervisors and the public while achieving performance expectations.

Preferences

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood, Elementary Education, Human Services, or a related field.
• Five years related work experience.
• Registry Level 16.
• DPI early childhood education certification preferred (For Education Manager of children age’s K4/K5). 
• Three years of supervisory experience preferred.
• Master’s degree preferred.

Special Position Requirements

• Maintain CLASS Reliability
• Communication Skills – Oral and Written
• Cooperation/Teamwork
• Customer Service – Internal and External  
• Dependability
• Personal Responsibility
• Ability to  meet time lines and exercise good judgment while working in a dynamic Environment
• Leadership/Supervision

Work Requirements

• Other duties as assigned.

Safety and Health

Next Door is committed to providing a safe work environment and to fostering the well-being and health of its employees. An essential part of each employees’ job is the development of safe working practices and the observance of safety rules, including:

• Following safety warnings and directions at all times.
• Using personal safety devices when required.
• Reporting any unsafe conditions to supervisor.
• Following process for reporting suspected child abuse and neglect.
• Reporting unsupervised children, after ensuring child’s safety.
• Implement and monitor for active supervision practices at all times, including transition times.
• Monitor for weekly implementation of Active Supervision.
• Monitor child-tracking procedures.
• Monitor indoor and outdoor zone requirements.
• Ensure medication is stored according to licensing regulations (DCF 251) and Next Door policies and procedures.
• Follow emergency preparedness and evacuation procedures.

Physical Demands   

• Primarily active work; occasionally lifting up, holding or moving up to 50 lbs.
• A biannual physical exam, drug screen and TB test are required as a condition of initial employment and continued employment.
• Must be able to physically interact with children, including bending, kneeling, sitting on the floor, climbing and walking.

Physical Activity      

• Bending, stooping, kneeling, walking/transporting, handling, feeling reaching, climbing, balancing, crouching, talking and speaking clearly, hearing conversation level, smelling and seeing.

Work Environment

• Mainly classroom setting and travel to various sites for meetings.

Personal/Physiological

• Ability to respond quickly and competently to an emergency or crisis situation in order to keep children and staff safe.