Job Description:
Job Summary
The Program Lead oversees all programmatic and staffing operations of an early care and education center, ensuring high-quality services for infants, toddlers, and/or school-age children. This role is responsible for program planning, implementation, assessment, and continuous improvement while maintaining a safe, healthy, and inclusive environment. The Program Lead serves as a classroom and program leader, providing coaching, mentoring, observation, and feedback to teaching staff to ensure consistent, high-quality programming. The role also supports center operations such as enrollment, attendance, staffing, purchasing, and community engagement. Program Leads spend approximately 33% of their time working directly in ratio, based on center needs.
Essential Job Functions
Program Quality
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Communicate program vision, mission, philosophy, and curriculum approaches to staff, families, schools, and community partners
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Ensure consistent and high-quality documentation practices, including observations, lesson plans, assessments, and reviews
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Support and mentor teaching staff in developing, implementing, and evaluating program action plans
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Collaborate with staff to create enriched, culturally responsive indoor and outdoor learning environments that meet industry standards
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Assess program quality, curriculum implementation, health and safety practices, and licensing compliance; implement continuous improvement strategies
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Lead and participate in quality rating and improvement systems for applicable programs
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Maintain knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices and relevant curriculum frameworks
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Use observations and assessment tools to support individualized child growth plans
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Support positive behavior approaches in partnership with families and staff
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Maintain classroom coverage in ratio as required
Managing, Coaching & Supporting Staff
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Manage and support a team of teaching staff based on center size and enrollment
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Provide ongoing coaching, mentoring, and performance feedback
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Conduct timely performance evaluations and professional check-ins
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Facilitate effective team meetings that promote collaboration and accountability
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Observe classroom practices and provide immediate, constructive feedback
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Provide on-site modeling and mentoring to support curriculum and instructional quality
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Support onboarding, orientation, and retention of new staff
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Develop professional growth plans and align individual and team goals with organizational priorities
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Address performance concerns through corrective action plans when needed
Leadership
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Commit to continuous professional growth in leadership, curriculum, and child development
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Participate in and lead professional development initiatives and share best practices
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Act as a change leader to support organizational improvements and initiatives
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Foster team engagement, morale, and a positive workplace culture
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Mentor staff for future leadership opportunities
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Support recruitment efforts through strong relationships with families, schools, and community partners
Family & Community Partnerships
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Build authentic, culturally responsive relationships with children, families, and community partners
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Support family engagement opportunities and advisory participation
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Serve as a representative in school and community activities
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Assess community needs and adjust programming to better serve families
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Maintain open, two-way communication with families regarding child development and program activities
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Provide parent education and connect families to community resources
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Participate in advocacy efforts supporting children and families
Compliance
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Ensure compliance with all applicable policies, procedures, licensing regulations, and funding requirements
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Maintain required staff-to-child ratios and health and safety standards
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Protect organizational assets and resources
Business Management
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Forecast staffing needs and support hiring and onboarding efforts
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Support staff scheduling, purchasing, and operational planning
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Maintain enrollment and attendance goals
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Identify opportunities to improve program performance, enrollment, and operational efficiency
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Support budget oversight and purchasing guidelines
Education & Experience
Education
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High School Diploma or GED with required early childhood education units, or
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Associate or Bachelors degree with required ECE/CD, administration, and adult supervision units
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Site Supervisor Permit preferred or willingness to obtain upon hire
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Ongoing professional development required
Experience
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2–3 years of experience in an early childhood education or child development setting
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Minimum of 1 year of experience mentoring, coaching, or supervising adults
Other Qualifications
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Ability to complete required orientation and mandated training
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Ability to meet background clearance and health screening requirements
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Strong understanding of child development, cultural responsiveness, and inclusive practices
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Excellent interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills
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Strong initiative, motivation, and strategic thinking abilities
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Ability to coach, mentor, and manage staff effectively
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Strong organizational, budgeting, and planning skills
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Commitment to high-quality program implementation and continuous improvement
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Bilingual or multilingual skills preferred