Early Learning Program Manager

The NWESD aspires to be a racially and culturally inclusive staff that reflects the diversity of those we serve. We believe this strengthens our organization, stimulates creativity, promotes the exchange of ideas, and enriches staff engagement.

Summary:
Under the direction of the Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning (T&L), the Early Learning Program Manager is responsible for overall program management and oversight of NWESD’s Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) services including but not limited to compliance with all ECEAP Contract and Performance Standard requirements. ECEAP is Washington’s pre-kindergarten program that prepares 3- and 4-year old children from families furthest from opportunity for success in school and in life. The purpose of ECEAP is to increase social-emotional, physical, and pre-academic skills; ensure each child receives medical and dental screenings so each child can fully focus on learning; and help families move toward self-sufficiency and build their capacity to support their children’s success.

Essential Functions:
Duties listed are intended to provide a summary of the major duties and responsibilities of this position. Incumbent(s) may not perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional duties not listed, but within the general scope of the position.

• Provide strategic leadership for the development and monitoring of program goals and objectives, performance measures, and continuous improvement plans.
• Develop and manage monitoring systems to ensure ECEAP Performance Standards are met.
• Develop and manage complex budgets and oversee program-related contracting, invoicing, monitoring, and reporting.
• Perform personnel administrative functions including making recommendations to hire and counseling, training, supervising, evaluating, and providing professional development opportunities to maintain appropriate staffing, enhance productivity, and ensure objectives are achieved.
• Develop long and short-range plans to ensure program objectives are achieved and sustained.
• Lead and facilitate professional learning opportunities and provide on-going technical support for program planning and implementation, prioritization and coordination of services, continuous improvement activities, and other areas related to comprehensive early learning services.
• Collect and utilize qualitative and quantitative data to assess continuous program improvement, complete an annual self-assessment, and produce community assessments as needed.
• Oversee program reporting using various web-based data systems.
• Work effectively with internal and external partners to align programs and promote a coordinated and holistic approach to PreK-21 coordinated service delivery.
• Seek funding and partnership opportunities that maintain and expand programs.
• Participate in statewide and regional efforts to improve early care and education systems, programs, and services. This may include presenting information to state and federal program partners, community organizations, school district administrators, staff, families, and constituents to provide general information regarding programs and services offered by the NWESD; and communicate significant changes, trends, and regulations related to early care and education programs.
• Represent NWESD, the T&L department, and school district partners at a variety of meetings, seminars, workshops, conferences, and trainings as required which may include those offered in partnership with inter and intra district committees, community-based organizations, and public agencies.
• Lead with the values of equity that include racial equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Embrace and implement strategies that promote equitable opportunities for children and families.
• Enlist community voice (e.g., staff, families, community partners) in the development and refinement of programs and services.
• Lead and/or facilitate innovative projects working with early learning and other NWESD staff to plan, deliver and continuously improve projects.
• Maintain files and/or records to ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and guidelines.
• Prepare a wide variety of written materials, including correspondence, memos, agendas, budgets, grant applications, training materials, outreach materials, and documentation.
• Provide directions, information, and technical interpretation concerning state and federal rules and regulations.
• Respond to problems, inquiries, and requests for information.
• Assist other personnel as may be required and necessary to ensure an efficient and effective work environment.

Required knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Ability to embody NWESD Core Values: responsive customer service, open communication, regional collaboration, flexible teamwork, adaptable professional learning, and positive relationships.
• Knowledge of and ability to apply effective leadership and supervisory techniques.
• Ability to work in programs inclusive of young children (birth-5), their families, and educators.
• Ability to share knowledge of federal, state, and local early learning programs and services.
• Ability to demonstrate project management skills with a strong understanding of workflow.
• Committed to learn and apply practices of equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Ability to inspire excitement for NWESD mission and vision and build stakeholder commitment toward common goals.
• Ability to lead with a strong focus on accountability for public resources.
• Ability to maintain a positive, solution-focused attitude and approach to challenges.
• Ability to develop and maintain positive relationships and foster trust with colleagues, subcontractors, and partners.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with diverse groups orally and in writing.
• Ability to consistently meet deadlines and schedules: set priorities, work as part of a team, be flexible in changing conditions, make quick and accurate decisions, work with multiple projects, deal with frequent interruptions, maintain confidentiality, facilitate communication between persons with frequently divergent positions.
• Ability to apply best practices for comprehensive early learning and family engagement programs.
• Ability and skill in planning and facilitating individual, small group, and large group meetings and training both in-person and using on-line formats.
• Ability to organize and follow through on multiple tasks, address concerns as they arise, meet deadlines, and plan for future needs and goals.
• Ability to maintain current knowledge of literature, trends, and developments in early learning.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree or higher in adult education, human development, human services, family support, social work, early childhood education, child development, psychology or another field directly related to their job responsibilities, and five or more years’ experience leading early learning and family engagement programs and/or services, and personnel, budget, grants, and program management experience. Successful experience managing an Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program in Washington state preferred. Equivalent education/experience can substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal or regulatory requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

WSP/FBI criminal history background clearance required. Proof of tuberculosis (TB) testing or treatment and proof of MMR immunization or immunity required. Valid Washington State driver’s license and proof of liability insurance required.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:

Work is primarily performed in office and early learning environments; however, travel may be required for district visits throughout Western Washington, workshops, or conference attendance. Extended work days and flexible hours may be necessary to meet commitments. Lifts and carries a maximum of 30 pounds. Adequate manual and finger dexterity, hearing, speech, and vision are necessary to perform the essential functions of this position.

Hazards:

Potential hazards are present based on the fact that the position requires the incumbent to drive a significant amount. Hazards may include but are not limited to traveling alone, driving in inclement weather conditions, varied road conditions, rush hour traffic, etc.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload. Changes to the position description may be made at the discretion of the employer.

It is the policy of the Northwest Educational Service District No. 189 to not discriminate against any person with regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, physical or mental disability, or citizenship or immigration status.