Episcopal Community Services
Area Manager - Head Start, Early Head Start & State Preschool
Episcopal Community Services, National City, California, United States, 92180
About ECS/ Why work for us?
We want you to apply because we believe everyone can make a positive impact. By joining ECS, you will directly improve the lives of children and their families and those facing homelessness, mental health challenges, and substance use disorders in San Diego. Your unique skillset will be embraced as we work to break systemic barriers and create a moreequitablesociety. Join us in making a meaningful difference in the lives of others!
Mission: Our mission is to break barriers and transform communities through programs rooted in our tradition of action and faith in God.
Purpose: Our purpose is to cultivate a strong, vibrant, and just San Diego region.
Vision: Our overall vision is to have an abundant andequitablesociety where all have unlimited potential.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Reporting to the Director of Early Education & Family Services, the Area Manager leads operations across multiple Early Head Start, Head Start, and State Preschool centers. This role ensures full compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards, Title 22 Community Care Licensing, and Title 5 California State Preschool regulations. The Area Manager champions staff development, operational excellence, family engagement, and program consistency across assigned sites. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Program, Licensing & Operations Oversight Ensure operational compliance with Head Start performance standards, Title 22, Title 5, and relevant licensing agencies. Maintain meticulous licensing documentation and promptly respond to inspections or audits. Conduct regular site reviews focused on safety, curriculum fidelity, and proactive facilities maintenance. Oversee inventory, supply orders, budgets, and efficient resource allocation across sites as necessary. Staff Development & Supervision Support Support Site Supervisors in developing, monitoring, and updating individual professional development plans for their staff. Ensure professional development events are relevant, effective, and responsive to staff needs. Provide coaching and mentoring to Site Supervisors to strengthen their leadership and management practices. Facilitate ongoing professional learning opportunities aligned with program goals, licensing, and best practices. Onboarding & Orientation Oversee the onboarding and orientation process for new hires assigned to Area Manager’s sites. Ensure new staff receive consistent training in ECS policies, Head Start standards, and licensing regulations. Partner with HR and training teams to ensure thorough and effective orientation experiences. Leadership, ERSEA & Collaboration Partner with Site Supervisors to ensure programs remain fully enrolled at all times, supporting all aspects of ERSEA (Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment, Attendance). Facilitate communication between central office and site-level staff, ensuring consistency across centers. Lead regular site visits, meetings, and trainings to align staff with program goals and compliance expectations. Collaborate with internal and external partners to ensure quality services for children and families. Ensure parent involvement in and the provision of medical, dental, nutrition and mental health education programs for parents and families. Health & Safety Compliance Monitor health and safety practices at all assigned sites to ensure compliance with licensing, Head Start, OSHA, and agency standards. Conduct regular site safety reviews, including classroom, playground, and facility checks. Review and follow up on health and safety incident reports, ensuring corrective actions are completed promptly. Ensure emergency drills, safety plans, and health protocols are implemented consistently. Provide coaching to Site Supervisors on maintaining safe and healthy environments for children, staff, and families. Administrative & Reporting Review and approve site-level expenditures, reports, and documentation. Review and track supply orders and site budgets to ensure accuracy, accountability, and cost-effective practices. Support implementation of quality improvement initiatives across centers. Recommend changes in procedures, staffing, and instructional practices as needed to meet standards. This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive, and employee will also perform other reasonable related business duties as assigned by immediate supervisor and other management as required. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Minimum of: Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field. Masters preferred. Three (3) plus years’ experience in early childhood education, Head Start or or comparable programs.
Strong understanding of Title 22, Title 5, Head Start Program Performance Standards, and licensing protocols. Experience supporting professional development, ERSEA, and site-level budget oversight.
Must be able to obtain a State of California Child Development Site Supervisor Permit. Good ability with Microsoft Office computer applications. One year or equivalent experience in working with preschool children in a classroom environment. Bilingual English/Spanish preferred. OTHER/SPECIAL
Must pass criminal background check, including Live Scan fingerprinting and Sex Offender Registry check. Valid California driver’s license and automobile insurance required for personal car usage; MUST have access to reliable transportation. Must have CPR certification or be willing to acquire on the job. Must have medical clearance certifying absence of TB. Free from debarment. Capacity to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings or weekends. Ability to conduct numerous visits to clientele’s homes at various locations in San Diego’s South County Area. Very strong organizational skills, strong written and verbal communications, demonstrated leadership abilities, basic computer literacy skills and the ability to work effectively and efficiently with individuals and groups, both internal and external. Familiarity with or experience in operating in a collective bargaining environment desirable.
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Reporting to the Director of Early Education & Family Services, the Area Manager leads operations across multiple Early Head Start, Head Start, and State Preschool centers. This role ensures full compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards, Title 22 Community Care Licensing, and Title 5 California State Preschool regulations. The Area Manager champions staff development, operational excellence, family engagement, and program consistency across assigned sites. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Program, Licensing & Operations Oversight Ensure operational compliance with Head Start performance standards, Title 22, Title 5, and relevant licensing agencies. Maintain meticulous licensing documentation and promptly respond to inspections or audits. Conduct regular site reviews focused on safety, curriculum fidelity, and proactive facilities maintenance. Oversee inventory, supply orders, budgets, and efficient resource allocation across sites as necessary. Staff Development & Supervision Support Support Site Supervisors in developing, monitoring, and updating individual professional development plans for their staff. Ensure professional development events are relevant, effective, and responsive to staff needs. Provide coaching and mentoring to Site Supervisors to strengthen their leadership and management practices. Facilitate ongoing professional learning opportunities aligned with program goals, licensing, and best practices. Onboarding & Orientation Oversee the onboarding and orientation process for new hires assigned to Area Manager’s sites. Ensure new staff receive consistent training in ECS policies, Head Start standards, and licensing regulations. Partner with HR and training teams to ensure thorough and effective orientation experiences. Leadership, ERSEA & Collaboration Partner with Site Supervisors to ensure programs remain fully enrolled at all times, supporting all aspects of ERSEA (Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment, Attendance). Facilitate communication between central office and site-level staff, ensuring consistency across centers. Lead regular site visits, meetings, and trainings to align staff with program goals and compliance expectations. Collaborate with internal and external partners to ensure quality services for children and families. Ensure parent involvement in and the provision of medical, dental, nutrition and mental health education programs for parents and families. Health & Safety Compliance Monitor health and safety practices at all assigned sites to ensure compliance with licensing, Head Start, OSHA, and agency standards. Conduct regular site safety reviews, including classroom, playground, and facility checks. Review and follow up on health and safety incident reports, ensuring corrective actions are completed promptly. Ensure emergency drills, safety plans, and health protocols are implemented consistently. Provide coaching to Site Supervisors on maintaining safe and healthy environments for children, staff, and families. Administrative & Reporting Review and approve site-level expenditures, reports, and documentation. Review and track supply orders and site budgets to ensure accuracy, accountability, and cost-effective practices. Support implementation of quality improvement initiatives across centers. Recommend changes in procedures, staffing, and instructional practices as needed to meet standards. This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive, and employee will also perform other reasonable related business duties as assigned by immediate supervisor and other management as required. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Minimum of: Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field. Masters preferred. Three (3) plus years’ experience in early childhood education, Head Start or or comparable programs.
Strong understanding of Title 22, Title 5, Head Start Program Performance Standards, and licensing protocols. Experience supporting professional development, ERSEA, and site-level budget oversight.
Must be able to obtain a State of California Child Development Site Supervisor Permit. Good ability with Microsoft Office computer applications. One year or equivalent experience in working with preschool children in a classroom environment. Bilingual English/Spanish preferred. OTHER/SPECIAL
Must pass criminal background check, including Live Scan fingerprinting and Sex Offender Registry check. Valid California driver’s license and automobile insurance required for personal car usage; MUST have access to reliable transportation. Must have CPR certification or be willing to acquire on the job. Must have medical clearance certifying absence of TB. Free from debarment. Capacity to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings or weekends. Ability to conduct numerous visits to clientele’s homes at various locations in San Diego’s South County Area. Very strong organizational skills, strong written and verbal communications, demonstrated leadership abilities, basic computer literacy skills and the ability to work effectively and efficiently with individuals and groups, both internal and external. Familiarity with or experience in operating in a collective bargaining environment desirable.
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