Early Learning Principal - Washington, PA

QUALIFICATIONS & EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field (Master’s degree preferred).


• Minimum of 3–5 years of supervisory/leadership experience in early childhood education.


• Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards, Pennsylvania State regulations, developmentally appropriate practice, and school readiness frameworks.


• Strong skills in coaching, mentoring, and staff development.


• Ability to analyze and use data for program planning and improvement.


• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.


• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a diverse, multicultural environment.

WORK WEEK:

• Monday – Friday 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM (May vary to meet program needs)

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

• Provide instructional leadership to ensure high-quality, comprehensive early learning environments that promote the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of children.


• Lead and support Education Managers, EHS & HS EC Specialists, Practice-Based Coach, and educational / DSS support staff through coaching, observation, feedback, and professional development.


• Oversee curriculum implementation to fidelity, lesson planning approval process, Screenings and child assessment practices in alignment with Head Start Performance Standards, PA Early Learning Standards, and best practices in early childhood education.


• Monitor program data, child outcome data / school readiness goals; CLASS and TPOT/TPITOS data to guide continuous program improvement.


• Collaborate with family services, health, mental health, and disabilities staff to ensure coordinated support for children and families.


• Ensure EHS/HS Ed Manager, EC Specialists, and Coach obtain and remain current on CLASS / TPITOS/TPOT reliability/certification.


• Ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, state licensing regulations, and other applicable guidelines.


• Lead and support staff in creating culturally responsive, inclusive, and trauma-informed classrooms.


• Coordinate with Education Management Team and Director of Early Learning to plan and facilitate staff meetings, training sessions, and family engagement events as appropriate.


• Participate in program self-assessment, monitoring, and external reviews.


• Promote and model positive, respectful communication and teamwork.


• Address performance concerns, including disciplinary actions, in collaboration with HR.


• Oversees the launch and continuation of the Education Learning Lab, develop and monitor the on-boarding and professional development processes for all education staff.


• Maintains and monitors systems that hold education management staff accountable and support the continuous, progressive quality improvement of the Education and DSS units of EHS/HS and PreK-Counts.


• Develops a tactical approach to leading the team, forecasts expectations, engages in problem solving, and solves logistical problems.


• Provides the Early Learning Director with information pertaining to all elements of grant requirements for all renewals, requests, updates, and applications.


• Provides information and assistance in the completion of all annual updates of necessary unit plans, procedures, PIR, self-assessment, etc.


• Collaborate with local community partners to spread awareness of EC initiatives, school readiness goals, ELOF, support children transitioning to kindergarten. (i.e. School Readiness Committee meetings)


• Perform other duties as assigned.