Location: Cambridge,MD, USA
Dorchester County Public Schools is accepting applications for a Judy Center Early Learning Hub Site Program Manager at Maple Elementary School. This is a highly skilled grant-funded position that emphasizes leadership, planning, organization, and the ability to direct multiple projects concurrently with an in-depth knowledge of the Judy Center Early Learning hub concept and component standards. The Judy Center Early Learning Hub serves expecting parents and families with children birth through five years of age by providing comprehensive early care and education services to promote continuous improvement utilizing a multigenerational approach to support child development and school readiness. Under the direction of the Supervisor of Early Childhood Education and the Judy Center Multi-Site Coordinator, the Site Program Manager is responsible for the performance and results of the Judy Center based on the five component standards, including activities/compliance, strategic planning, partnership collaboration, program implementation, and evaluation. This position is a grant funded position and contingent upon grant renewal.
DUTIES:
* Maintain Judy Center program materials, supplies, and equipment
* Maintains the same high-level of ethical behavior and confidentiality of information about students and families as is expected of teachers and all DCPS employees.
* Negotiate services with contractors, vendors, and partners for high quality programming aligned with the Maryland Early Learning Standards and Maryland Family Engagement Framework
* Direct and monitor the day-to-day activities of the Judy Center staff, including the coordination of all programs of the Judy Center, budget development, fiscal oversight, grant development, and timely preparation of grant reports in collaboration with the Judy Center Multi-Site Coordinator
* Obtain, collect, and organize pertinent data in the data collection system to monitor, analyze and achieve grant performance goals in collaboration with the Judy Center Multi-Site Coordinator
* Establish and maintain effective communication with parents, families, school community, service providers, partners, and the greater community at large, articulating the goals and objectives of the Judy Center
* Serve as a spokesperson and advocate for the needs of Judy Center families, acting as a liaison between school administration, the Judy Center, and Judy Center partners
* Prepares materials for the Maryland State Department of Education site monitoring visits.
* Monitor and assist with planning outreach and recruitment of new families in the school catchment area
* Develop strategies for increasing program visibility, expansion, and enrollment strategies including recruitment of new partners
* Collaborate with partners as needed to meet the needs of all partners and Judy Center families
* Co-chair Steering Committee and Parent Advisory Council meetings with the Judy Center Multi-Site Coordinator, including the preparation of meeting agendas, presentations, handouts, and distribution of meeting minutes.
* Co-chair monthly Service Coordination meetings with the Family Service Coordinator to discuss family survey development and results, program evaluation feedback, home visiting, and goal progress for case managed families in collaboration with community partners and health services agencies to support families while strategically avoiding duplication of services.
* In collaboration with the Judy Center Multi-Site Coordinator and Family Services Coordinator, develop strategies for increasing program visibility and expansion, including community outreach, recruiting families and new family service partners, which include:
* Outreach in the community preparing detailed plans, coordinating site logistics, identifying and analyzing needs of the community, developing agendas, and other activity materials and marketing strategies for identifying and completing the intake process with eligible Judy Center families.
* Assist with marketing efforts, such as updating/posting to social media accounts, preparing monthly newsletters, monthly calendars, creating event flyers, etc.
* Maintain ongoing, clear communication with the Judy Center Multi-Site Coordinator and other Judy Center staff to ensure any new information or needs are shared in a timely manner.
* Serve as a leader and spokesperson in advocating for the needs of Judy Center families by serving on the Dorchester Early Childhood Advisory Council and other local community-based committees to continuously articulate the goals and objectives of the Judy Center
* Attend and participate in meetings, conferences, and/or training, as required for professional learning as dictated by the grant-funded program, including but not limited to multiple days and overnights.
* Attend and participate in scheduled meetings with community partners, including IEP/IFSP and MTSS meetings as requested by parents and school administration
* Attend and participate in professional development opportunities provided by Dorchester County Public Schools
* Meet with childcare providers to ensure current availability and accreditation/EXCELS status
* Collaborate with the Supervisor of Early Childhood Education, Judy Center Multi-Site Coordinator, and Dorchester Early Childhood Advisory Council to develop and implement systemic professional development related to school readiness for teachers and private childcare providers within the school's catchment area or with children enrolled from the school's catchment area
* Performs other duties as assigned consistent with the classification and as assigned by the Early Childhood Supervisor and/or Multi-site Judy Center Coordinator
QUALIFICATIONS:
* Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education, Human Development, or related field is highly recommended; Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education, Human Development, or related field is preferred.
* Demonstrated knowledge of Judy Center Early Learning Hub concept/Component Standards, early childhood development and curriculum appropriate for children from birth through age five.
* Knowledge of Judy Center operations and ability to effectively communicate to work in partnership with community agencies, Judy Center and school staff, children, and families
* Ability to work nonstandard hours as required by program objectives and schedules including evenings and/or weekends is required
* Ability to develop effective work teams
* Ability to form and maintain effective relationships with staff, students, and their families.
* Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office software and other related computer technology.
* Excellent interpersonal and oral/written communication skills.
* Excellent planning, organizational, and presentation skills; and skills in data analysis and reporting to include instructional and behavioral issues related to school readiness
* Ability to travel to homes, schools and offices throughout the system and state-wide sometimes with little notice
* Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, and to follow through with tasks
* Experience with budget development, grant writing, grant monitoring, and management of staff/daily operations
* Ability to work under pressure and make decisions, in accordance with laws, ordinances, regulations, and established procedures
* Experience in working with culturally diverse communities and families including varying ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds to be culturally sensitive and appropriate
* Ability to work for long periods of time while standing and/or walking.
* Ability to perform, lifting to 50 lbs., carrying Judy Center equipment and manual-type labor related to set-up and break-down for Judy Center family engagement events and activities.
* Sufficient mobility to move around playgroup space to interact with children including babies, crawling infants, and toddlers.
* Possess a valid Driver's License and reliable, insured vehicle
* Excellent situational leadership skills when working across private and public agencies
* Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
* Bilingual preferred