United Community Center
Licensing and Compliance Manager
United Community Center, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States, 53244
Job Details
Job Location UCC - Early Learning Center - Milwaukee, WI
Position Type Full Time
Education Level 2 Year Degree
Job Shift Day
Job Category Education
Description
The Licensing and Compliance Manager is responsible for ensuring that the organization consistently meets or exceeds all regulatory and quality standards in early childhood education. This includes compliance with Wisconsin State Licensing (DCF 251/250), Head Start Performance Standards, Young Star, and maintaining and initiating national accreditation, such as NAC. The manager ensures that the program sustains a 5-Star Young Star rating and remains in a state of continuous readiness for licensing visits, monitoring reviews, and accreditation processes. This individual works closely with leadership and site teams to promote safe, high-quality early learning environments.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Regulatory Compliance & Monitoring: Ensure ongoing compliance with Wisconsin State Licensing regulations across all sites. Prepare for and coordinate licensing inspections, ensure all documentation is current, and address any citations or recommendations promptly. Implement internal monitoring systems to maintain continuous compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards, NAC, and other governing entities. Oversee preparation for OHS monitoring, including Focus Area reviews, CLASS assessments, and data validation. Accreditation & Quality Ratings:
Maintain current NAC accreditation at all applicable sites, including submission of renewals, staff training, and documentation. Initiate and lead the accreditation process for new programs or facilities. Ensure program readiness and compliance with Young Star assessments, maintaining a consistent 5-Star quality rating. Collect, organize, and analyze data required for accreditation, quality improvement, and grant reporting. Policy, Training & Systems Development:
Develop and update organizational policies and procedures to align with evolving licensing and accreditation requirements. Provide technical assistance and training to site leadership and classroom staff regarding compliance, licensing, and quality standards. Partner with program leadership to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective action plans. Documentation & Reporting:
Maintain complete and accurate records, including incident reports, health and safety checklists, licensing logs, and compliance documentation. Submit required reports to state and federal agencies and ensure transparency and accuracy in data systems. Track deadlines for licensing renewals, Young Star evaluations, and accreditation submissions. Collaboration & Communication:
Serve as the point of contact for licensing specialists, Head Start monitors, Young Star raters, and accrediting bodies. Collaborate with administrative, instructional, and support staff to foster a culture of high-quality early childhood education and accountability. Support site directors with ongoing coaching related to compliance expectations and quality benchmarks. COMPLIANCE AND POLICY ADHERENCE
Ensure compliance with all Head Start Program Performance Standards, including child safety, documentation, supervision, and classroom quality standards. Adhere to all State Licensing regulations (DPI and DCF), including mandated ratios, health and safety protocols, and staff training requirements. Support and uphold Young Star quality standards by implementing developmentally appropriate practices, continuous quality improvement, and family engagement. Maintain program quality in accordance with the National Accreditation Commission (NAC) criteria, including curriculum implementation, assessments, and teacher-child interactions. Follow the guidelines and expectations outlined in the Early Learning Staff Handbook, including attendance, communication, professional conduct, and daily responsibilities. Comply with all UCC Personnel Policies, including confidentiality, workplace expectations, and team collaboration. Participate in required professional development and training hours to meet federal, state, and accreditation requirements. Ensure active supervision of children at all times, as required by Head Start, licensing, United Community, and NAC guidelines. Accurately complete and submit required documentation (e.g., lesson plans, child observations, incident reports) in a timely manner. Demonstrate cultural competency and uphold program values of equity, inclusion, and respect in all interactions with children, families, and colleagues. Check and respond to emails to ensure timely communication with supervisors, team members, and families, in alignment with agency expectations and professional responsibilities. Qualifications
Education & Experience:
Bachelor's degree in early childhood education, associate's degree, or equivalent. Deep working knowledge of: Wisconsin State Licensing Rules (DCF 251/250) Head Start Program Performance Standards Young Star quality improvement system NAC (National Accreditation Commission) accreditation standards Experience leading compliance audits, internal monitoring systems, and accreditation/review preparation. Skills & Competencies:
Detail-oriented with strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills. Effective communicator and trainer; able to lead and influence diverse teams. Strong documentation, policy development, and project management abilities. Familiarity with data systems such as The Registry, CCPP, and other early learning compliance platforms. Ability to travel to program sites and occasionally work evenings/weekends as needed. Preferred Credentials:
Wisconsin Registry Level 14 or higher. CPR/First Aid certification trainer status preferred. Familiarity with environmental rating scales (ERS) and CLASS observation tool Experience as a Head Start, Young Star, or NAC reviewer is a plus. Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
Strong leadership and organizational skills. Excellent communication, both written and verbal. Proficiency in MS Office, data systems, and documentation protocols. Ability to work independently, solve problems, and manage multiple priorities. Commitment to equity, inclusion, and respectful family engagement. Ability to build positive relationships with children, families, staff, and the community Work Environment:
Office, classroom, and outdoor environments. Frequent walking, standing, bending, going up and down stairs, and sitting. Exposure to moderate noise levels. Use of standard office and classroom equipment. Ability to engage in repetitive movement of wrists, hands, and fingers, typing and/or writing.
Job Location UCC - Early Learning Center - Milwaukee, WI
Position Type Full Time
Education Level 2 Year Degree
Job Shift Day
Job Category Education
Description
The Licensing and Compliance Manager is responsible for ensuring that the organization consistently meets or exceeds all regulatory and quality standards in early childhood education. This includes compliance with Wisconsin State Licensing (DCF 251/250), Head Start Performance Standards, Young Star, and maintaining and initiating national accreditation, such as NAC. The manager ensures that the program sustains a 5-Star Young Star rating and remains in a state of continuous readiness for licensing visits, monitoring reviews, and accreditation processes. This individual works closely with leadership and site teams to promote safe, high-quality early learning environments.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Regulatory Compliance & Monitoring: Ensure ongoing compliance with Wisconsin State Licensing regulations across all sites. Prepare for and coordinate licensing inspections, ensure all documentation is current, and address any citations or recommendations promptly. Implement internal monitoring systems to maintain continuous compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards, NAC, and other governing entities. Oversee preparation for OHS monitoring, including Focus Area reviews, CLASS assessments, and data validation. Accreditation & Quality Ratings:
Maintain current NAC accreditation at all applicable sites, including submission of renewals, staff training, and documentation. Initiate and lead the accreditation process for new programs or facilities. Ensure program readiness and compliance with Young Star assessments, maintaining a consistent 5-Star quality rating. Collect, organize, and analyze data required for accreditation, quality improvement, and grant reporting. Policy, Training & Systems Development:
Develop and update organizational policies and procedures to align with evolving licensing and accreditation requirements. Provide technical assistance and training to site leadership and classroom staff regarding compliance, licensing, and quality standards. Partner with program leadership to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective action plans. Documentation & Reporting:
Maintain complete and accurate records, including incident reports, health and safety checklists, licensing logs, and compliance documentation. Submit required reports to state and federal agencies and ensure transparency and accuracy in data systems. Track deadlines for licensing renewals, Young Star evaluations, and accreditation submissions. Collaboration & Communication:
Serve as the point of contact for licensing specialists, Head Start monitors, Young Star raters, and accrediting bodies. Collaborate with administrative, instructional, and support staff to foster a culture of high-quality early childhood education and accountability. Support site directors with ongoing coaching related to compliance expectations and quality benchmarks. COMPLIANCE AND POLICY ADHERENCE
Ensure compliance with all Head Start Program Performance Standards, including child safety, documentation, supervision, and classroom quality standards. Adhere to all State Licensing regulations (DPI and DCF), including mandated ratios, health and safety protocols, and staff training requirements. Support and uphold Young Star quality standards by implementing developmentally appropriate practices, continuous quality improvement, and family engagement. Maintain program quality in accordance with the National Accreditation Commission (NAC) criteria, including curriculum implementation, assessments, and teacher-child interactions. Follow the guidelines and expectations outlined in the Early Learning Staff Handbook, including attendance, communication, professional conduct, and daily responsibilities. Comply with all UCC Personnel Policies, including confidentiality, workplace expectations, and team collaboration. Participate in required professional development and training hours to meet federal, state, and accreditation requirements. Ensure active supervision of children at all times, as required by Head Start, licensing, United Community, and NAC guidelines. Accurately complete and submit required documentation (e.g., lesson plans, child observations, incident reports) in a timely manner. Demonstrate cultural competency and uphold program values of equity, inclusion, and respect in all interactions with children, families, and colleagues. Check and respond to emails to ensure timely communication with supervisors, team members, and families, in alignment with agency expectations and professional responsibilities. Qualifications
Education & Experience:
Bachelor's degree in early childhood education, associate's degree, or equivalent. Deep working knowledge of: Wisconsin State Licensing Rules (DCF 251/250) Head Start Program Performance Standards Young Star quality improvement system NAC (National Accreditation Commission) accreditation standards Experience leading compliance audits, internal monitoring systems, and accreditation/review preparation. Skills & Competencies:
Detail-oriented with strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills. Effective communicator and trainer; able to lead and influence diverse teams. Strong documentation, policy development, and project management abilities. Familiarity with data systems such as The Registry, CCPP, and other early learning compliance platforms. Ability to travel to program sites and occasionally work evenings/weekends as needed. Preferred Credentials:
Wisconsin Registry Level 14 or higher. CPR/First Aid certification trainer status preferred. Familiarity with environmental rating scales (ERS) and CLASS observation tool Experience as a Head Start, Young Star, or NAC reviewer is a plus. Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
Strong leadership and organizational skills. Excellent communication, both written and verbal. Proficiency in MS Office, data systems, and documentation protocols. Ability to work independently, solve problems, and manage multiple priorities. Commitment to equity, inclusion, and respectful family engagement. Ability to build positive relationships with children, families, staff, and the community Work Environment:
Office, classroom, and outdoor environments. Frequent walking, standing, bending, going up and down stairs, and sitting. Exposure to moderate noise levels. Use of standard office and classroom equipment. Ability to engage in repetitive movement of wrists, hands, and fingers, typing and/or writing.