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Competency Area
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Responsibilities
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Key Behaviors
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Program Leadership & Vision
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- Lead center operations in alignment with the Head Start Act and HSPPS
- Communicate program goals, expectations, and outcomes to staff and families
- Support school readiness goals across all program areas
- Serve as the primary decision-maker for center-level operations
- Lead change initiatives based on monitoring and assessment results
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- Communicates a clear vision aligned with Head Start outcomes and values
- Leads with integrity, cultural responsiveness, and accountability
- Promotes equity, inclusion, and family-centered practices
- Makes informed decisions grounded in data and Head Start requirements
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Education & Child Development Oversight
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- Oversee implementation of approved Head Start curricula and assessments
- Conduct classroom observations and support instructional quality
- Ensure compliance with child screening, assessment, and IFSP/IEP requirements
- Collaborate with education specialists and coaches
- Support transitions to pre-kindergarten and other early learning programs
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- Supports evidence-based curricula and teaching practices
- Monitors classroom quality and child outcomes
- Ensures compliance with education and assessment standards
- Promotes inclusive practices for children with disabilities
- Supports smooth transitions for children and families
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Family & Community Engagement
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- Ensure implementation of family engagement and family partnership processes
- Support family goal-setting and access to community resources
- Collaborate with Policy Council and parent leadership groups
- Build partnerships with schools, health providers, and social service agencies
- Address family concerns and complaints promptly
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- Promotes family engagement and shared decision-making
- Communicates respectfully with diverse families
- Responds effectively to family concerns and needs
- Strengthens community partnerships
- Represents the program positively in the community
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Staff Supervision & Professional Development
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- Supervise education, family services, and support staff
- Ensure staff qualifications and credentials meet HSPPS requirements
- Conduct performance evaluations and reflective supervision
- Support professional development plans and coaching efforts
- Maintain appropriate staff-to-child ratios at all times
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- Recruits and retains qualified Head Start staff
- Provides coaching, feedback, and performance evaluations
- Supports ongoing professional development
- Addresses performance concerns constructively
- Promotes staff wellness and collaboration
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Compliance, Monitoring & Risk Management
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- Ensure compliance with HSPPS, licensing, and funder requirements
- Conduct internal monitoring and follow-up on corrective actions
- Oversee health, safety, and emergency preparedness practices
- Ensure timely reporting, documentation, and record maintenance
- Lead responses to monitoring reviews and audits
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- Maintains strong knowledge of HSPPS and related regulations
- Conducts ongoing monitoring and corrective actions
- Promotes health, safety, and child protection
- Ensures accurate documentation and recordkeeping
- Responds promptly to incidents and findings
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Fiscal & Enrollment Management
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- Monitor center budgets and expenditures in coordination with fiscal staff
- Support enrollment, attendance, and recruitment efforts
- Ensure full enrollment and compliance with eligibility requirements
- Review financial and enrollment reports regularly
- Support audits and fiscal reviews
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- Understands Head Start funding and fiscal requirements
- Monitors budgets and enrollment data
- Uses data to guide fiscal and operational decisions
- Ensures responsible stewardship of funds
- Identifies risks and resource needs
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Data-Informed Decision Making & Continuous Improvement
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- Review child outcomes, CLASS, ERSEA, and program data
- Participate in program self-assessment and planning
- Implement quality improvement plans at the center level
- Monitor progress toward goals and outcomes
- Share data insights with staff and leadership
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- Analyzes data from assessments, monitoring, and report
- Uses data to identify strengths and areas for improvement
- Engages staff in reflective practices
- Adjusts strategies based on results
- Supports a culture of learning and improvement
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