Director of Education, Curriculum and Professional Development

Join a mission-driven organization dedicated to providing high-quality early childhood education and family support services in Orange and Sullivan Counties.

The Director of Education, Curriculum, and Professional Development is responsible for ensuring high-quality educational services and OCFS compliance across all Head Start and Early Head Start classrooms in Orange and Sullivan Counties in accordance with the Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS), New York State child day care regulations, the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework (ELOF), coordination of School Readiness with Local Education Agencies (LEA’s), implementation of Universal Pre-K and agency mission. This leadership role guides curriculum implementation, management, planning, and sharing of child outcomes, instructional practices, teacher performance, professional development, and classroom quality. The Director will lead the integration of developmentally appropriate practices, individualized learning, inclusion, trauma-informed care, and school readiness goals into every aspect of the early learning program.

Essential Job Responsibilities

Planning

• Develop and oversee a comprehensive professional development plan for all education staff, including orientation, in-service training, credentialing, and ongoing support.

• Support the development, implementation, and evaluation of program-wide school readiness goals and instructional strategies.

• Lead efforts to support dual language learners, children with disabilities, and children with challenging behaviors through inclusive and supportive education practices.

• Ensure fidelity to the Creative Curriculum and alignment with the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework (ELOF) and NYS Early Learning Guidelines.

• Plan for transitions across age groups and into kindergarten, including interagency coordination and collaboration.

Program Implementation

• Provide vision, leadership, and supervision to ensure research-based, culturally and linguistically responsive education programming.

• Support staff in achieving school readiness for all children.

• Supervise implementation of the Coaching Protocol in compliance with HSPPS 1302.92(c).

• Monitor documentation in Aspire Registry through participation in QualitySTARSNY.

• Monitor compliance with OCFS training requirements and ensure training and credentialing progress is communicated with Human Resources and other appropriate departments.

• Recognize staff who complete higher education and credentialing achievements.

• Ensure all staff have individualized professional development goals aligned to job responsibilities and agency school readiness goals.

• Oversee the development of individualized transition plans, classroom preparation strategies, and coordination with LEAs and receiving schools.

• Travel regularly between program sites for monitoring, meetings, and direct support, with occasional overnight travel for training, conferences, or professional development events.

• Track and maintain Universal Pre-K partnerships with LEAs.

Family Partnerships

• Lead family engagement efforts around transitions to support informed school choices and successful enrollment.

• Support teaching teams in identifying meaningful family and volunteer engagement opportunities.

• Coordinate and share information on families’ preferred school options to support successful transitions and enrollment.

Coordination and Communication

• Serve as a key member of the agency’s Early Childhood Leadership Team.

• Collaborate closely with the Director of Comprehensive Services to ensure integrated service delivery across education, health, family engagement, mental health, and disabilities.

• Facilitate clear and consistent communication across teaching teams, center-based leadership, and program administration.

• Ensure smooth coordination with LEAs, community providers, and families during transitions.

• Participate in regular coaching updates with the Senior Director of Early Childhood Development.

Record Keeping and Reporting

• Use data systems (e.g., Teaching Strategies GOLD, Go Engage) to monitor child progress, classroom quality, and teacher effectiveness.

• Maintain records and data tracking related to child outcomes, professional development, coaching, and transition outcomes.

• Submit accurate monthly in-kind reports in collaboration with the fiscal and administrative teams.

Ongoing Monitoring and Self-Assessment

• Assign and conduct ongoing monitoring to ensure classrooms are in full compliance with HSPPS, NYSOCFS childcare regulations, CACFP requirements, and internal quality standards.

• Aggregate and analyze child assessment data and classroom observation data (e.g., CLASS, ECERS/ITERS) to guide coaching priorities and identify areas for growth.

• Prepare and present educational data for diverse audiences.

• Lead internal CLASS observations and prepare for and participate in federal reviews and monitoring events.

Human Resources and Supervision

• Supervise Education Managers, Mentor Teachers, and Center Liaison/Coaches, Center Liaison/Lead Coach in implementing curriculum, assessment, and family engagement practices.

• Lead recruitment, hiring, onboarding, supervision, and evaluation of education staff in coordination with Human Resources.

• Ensure coaching, supervision, and professional development systems support staff retention and continuous improvement.

• Monitor staffing needs to ensure ratio compliance and effective instructional coverage.

• Provide staff with resources on educational partnerships at hire and when pursuing higher education.

Program Governance and Leadership

• Participate in agency planning, self-assessment, and leadership team meetings as a core member of the Head Start Leadership Team.

• Provide expert guidance to program governance groups (Policy Council, Board of Directors) regarding education services, curriculum fidelity, and school readiness progress.

• Represent the education component during program reviews, community meetings, and interagency planning efforts.

• Recruit and supervise volunteers within the education service area, ensuring proper documentation of in-kind contributions.

• Perform additional duties as requested by Supervisor.

Head Start Employee Expectations

• Uphold the shared values of the center.

• Cooperate with co-workers, provide assistance, and build positive relationships to ensure quality service to children and families.

• Actively participate in the Head Start community, including meetings, trainings, committee work, and program-wide functions.

• Adhere to personnel policies, including confidentiality, child abuse reporting, attendance, professional dress, customer service, prudent use of resources, and safety practices.

• Demonstrate integrity, professionalism, and responsibility through honest, ethical actions and accountability.

• Continue professional growth through training, goal setting, feedback, and participation in local, state, and regional initiatives.

• Show flexibility, openness to new strategies, and initiative by anticipating needs and addressing them proactively.

• Stay familiar with Head Start Performance Standards and NYS regulations.

• Remain informed about community needs, services, and agency resources.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or a closely related field required.

• Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education preferred; NYS SBL preferred.

• NYS teaching certification in Birth–Grade 2, or equivalent preferred.

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in early childhood education, including supervisory or administrative roles.

• Strong knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards, NYS OCFS Child Day Care Regulations, early childhood assessment tools, and best practices in early care and education.

• Demonstrated leadership in coaching, supervision, curriculum implementation, and continuous quality improvement.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, data analysis abilities, and comprehensive service coordination.

• Experience with service delivery for diverse populations, including low-income families, children with disabilities, and English-language learners.

• Experience with CLASS, TS GOLD, ECERS/ITERS, and ELOF strongly preferred.

• CLASS observer reliability at hire is preferred; certification must be obtained within 6 months of employment and maintained.

• Proficiency in relevant software systems for data management and reporting.

• Ability to work professionally both independently and collaboratively.

• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.

• Physical requirements include lifting up to 40 pounds, extended sitting and standing, and repetitive hand/wrist motions.

• Must pass physical exam, background check, and fingerprinting screen.

• Valid and clean driver’s license required.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Regional Economic Community Action Program, Inc. (RECAP) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.