Center Director (Liaison)

RECAP is a mission-driven organization dedicated to supporting children and families through high-quality early childhood education and comprehensive family services. As a Center Liaison Coach, you will play a vital role in ensuring that our Head Start and Early Head Start centers meet the highest standards of care, education, and compliance. This position serves as a key connection between program leadership and center operations, providing guidance, coaching, and support to staff, children, and families. If you are passionate about early childhood education, value collaboration, and are committed to making a positive impact in your community, we encourage you to apply.

Responsibilities

• Ensure center compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS), New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) regulations, and agency policies.
• Provide coaching, guidance, and support to teaching and family service staff in implementing curriculum and best practices.
• Assist with classroom coverage and conduct classroom observations, offering constructive feedback to staff.
• Support family service staff in engaging families, achieving family partnership agreements, and meeting enrollment and attendance requirements.
• Monitor and support health screenings, immunizations, physicals, and nutrition records for children.
• Ensure compliance with Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) requirements and monitor food service delivery.
• Support the inclusion of children with disabilities and ensure services are provided in accordance with IEPs or IFSPs.
• Assist with mental health referrals and collaborate with mental health consultants to promote social-emotional development.
• Monitor recruitment, eligibility, selection, enrollment, and attendance (ERSEA) processes and documentation.
• Encourage staff participation in Policy Council and parent engagement activities, and act as a liaison between program leadership and center staff.
• Model professionalism, punctuality, and reliability, and maintain confidentiality in all interactions.
• Attend required trainings, staff meetings, and participate in leadership meetings and committees as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Early Head Start/Head Start Director.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of three years’ experience in early childhood education or a related field.
• Demonstrated leadership, supervisory, and coaching skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse families, staff, and community partners.
• Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards and OCFS regulations preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation for travel between sites.
• Ability to pass a physical examination, background check, and fingerprinting screen.
• Ability to lift up to 40–50 pounds as needed.
• Proficiency in basic computer applications (email, word processing, internet navigation) and understanding of video equipment use.
• Ability to work in busy classroom environments, travel between sites, and ride the bus as needed to maintain staff-to-child ratios.

Physical Demands / Work Environment

• May involve exposure to inclement weather, noise, and active classroom settings.
• May require lifting children or equipment weighing up to 40–50 pounds.
• Travel between sites using a personal vehicle may be required.
• Consistent punctuality and reliable attendance are essential.
• Must be able to ride the bus, if necessary, to ensure ratios are maintained when transportation staff is absent.
• Employees are expected to adhere to all safety policies, regulations, and procedures.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

RECAP is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.