Mississippi State University
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Job no:
509741 Position type:
Full-Time 12-Month Department:
012102 - Human Sciences- Early Childhood Location:
Hancock County Categories:
Professional, Head Start Positions Position Open Date:
Sep 8 2025 Overview
The position will serve as the educational lead for one center in the Head Start program. Mississippi State University-Extension is committed to programs that directly impact young children and their families. MSU-Extension has established itself as Mississippi’s premier infrastructural support of high-quality early childhood education. Anticipated Appointment Date:
October 2025. Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Ensure full implementation of all aspects of the MSU-Extension early learning system, policies/procedures and tools, with the goal of supporting all children to achieve School Readiness Goals. Onboard, supervise, and support all teaching staff (lead teachers, assistant teachers, and floaters). Provide ongoing coaching to teaching staff to support effective practices in CLASS, Teaching Strategies Gold, curriculum, and child assessment. Work with families and support services; act as a positive ambassador for the MSU-Extension Early/Head Start program. Maintain program confidentiality at all times. Serve as education lead for the center, overseeing implementation of all aspects of education services and providing teachers with supervision, training, coaching and monitoring. Support the effective implementation of the education content area, including relevant policies and procedures. Collaborate with teachers to implement program curriculum that meets MSU-Extension standards in compliance with Head Start standards and best practices. Assist the Assistant Director of Education with oversight and approval of weekly lesson plans, including individualization and required elements. Ensure teachers integrate goals from Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for children with disabilities, in consultation with the Assistant Director of Education, Local Education Agency/School District, and other support services. Work with the Center Operations Coordinator to ensure completion of required child screenings and assessments, including 45 and 90-day requirements for new children and quarterly progress assessments for all children. Participate in team meetings, home visits, and community events as needed. Provide coaching and support for quality improvement and professional growth through regular observation and feedback. Support Family Advocates to implement family services, including Shine On, Families curriculum. Engage parents in developing the program’s curriculum and approach to child development and education through regular meetings with Policy Council members and others. Model strong, positive relationships with families. Collaborate with the Center Operations Coordinator to supervise staff, complete HR activities, and ensure compliance with policies and annual performance evaluations. Lead regular team meetings to ensure effective communication and service coordination. Ensure families receive a monthly newsletter. Participate in Head Start/Early Head Start community activities, including staff trainings and meetings, some evening activities. Collaborate with the Center Operations Coordinator to implement MSU-Extension recordkeeping and reporting systems for child and family files, timekeeping, and supplies. Review weekly MBI and monthly MBI+ reports and address concerns promptly. Review quarterly MBO reports and address concerns promptly. Review quarterly and annual child outcomes data and oversee teacher planning to support developmental gains. Participate in annual program self-assessment and implement required monitoring systems. Serve on the leadership team and participate in annual and quarterly planning to set and monitor program goals. Support organizational change efforts and help others manage change effectively. Attend parent committees, Policy Council and board meetings as needed. Maintain confidentiality and ensure safety and quality in all processes; comply with applicable policies and procedures. All other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a field related to children and families. Experience:
Two years of experience directly related to: teaching in an early childhood setting; managing an infant/toddler or preschool program; and collaborating with community partnerships. Licensures:
Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation. Physical exam and background checks are required. Substitutions:
An equivalent combination of related education and related experience may be considered. Preferred Qualifications
• Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field (preferred). • Experience with supervision, management, and/or coaching in an early childhood setting. • Experience with Creative Curriculum, Teaching Strategies Gold, and CLASS, ITERS-R and/or ECERS-R proficiency. • Background in special education/inclusion or leadership in a center-based program. • Bilingual in Spanish-English. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Ability to interact effectively with people from diverse backgrounds. • Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing. • Computer literacy in MS Office and data systems; internet navigation. • Honest, dependable, and able to meet deadlines; self-motivated and able to work independently. • Knowledgeable of MS Child Care Licensing Standards and Head Start Performance Standards; CLASS proficient. • Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, etc.). Working Conditions and Physical Effort
Physical Requirements:
Stand, walk, bend; repetitive wrist/hand/finger movements; close visual work; ability to communicate orally; ability to lift up to 40 pounds. All applicants MUST apply online at www.jobs.msstate.edu to be considered. Required documents: Cover Letter, Resume, three professional references, and current unofficial transcript (with SSN removed). Official transcript required if selected. Screening Date
Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding. Equal Employment Opportunity
Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status protected by law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance. Accommodations
In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and need accommodation to apply, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or adaat hrm.msstate.edu. If you have questions regarding this policy, contact HRM at the same number or email. Sections of this listing are available in large print. Readers are available for the visually impaired. Advertised:
Sep 08 2025 Central Daylight Time Applications close:
Mississippi - Not located on main campus
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Job no:
509741 Position type:
Full-Time 12-Month Department:
012102 - Human Sciences- Early Childhood Location:
Hancock County Categories:
Professional, Head Start Positions Position Open Date:
Sep 8 2025 Overview
The position will serve as the educational lead for one center in the Head Start program. Mississippi State University-Extension is committed to programs that directly impact young children and their families. MSU-Extension has established itself as Mississippi’s premier infrastructural support of high-quality early childhood education. Anticipated Appointment Date:
October 2025. Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Ensure full implementation of all aspects of the MSU-Extension early learning system, policies/procedures and tools, with the goal of supporting all children to achieve School Readiness Goals. Onboard, supervise, and support all teaching staff (lead teachers, assistant teachers, and floaters). Provide ongoing coaching to teaching staff to support effective practices in CLASS, Teaching Strategies Gold, curriculum, and child assessment. Work with families and support services; act as a positive ambassador for the MSU-Extension Early/Head Start program. Maintain program confidentiality at all times. Serve as education lead for the center, overseeing implementation of all aspects of education services and providing teachers with supervision, training, coaching and monitoring. Support the effective implementation of the education content area, including relevant policies and procedures. Collaborate with teachers to implement program curriculum that meets MSU-Extension standards in compliance with Head Start standards and best practices. Assist the Assistant Director of Education with oversight and approval of weekly lesson plans, including individualization and required elements. Ensure teachers integrate goals from Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for children with disabilities, in consultation with the Assistant Director of Education, Local Education Agency/School District, and other support services. Work with the Center Operations Coordinator to ensure completion of required child screenings and assessments, including 45 and 90-day requirements for new children and quarterly progress assessments for all children. Participate in team meetings, home visits, and community events as needed. Provide coaching and support for quality improvement and professional growth through regular observation and feedback. Support Family Advocates to implement family services, including Shine On, Families curriculum. Engage parents in developing the program’s curriculum and approach to child development and education through regular meetings with Policy Council members and others. Model strong, positive relationships with families. Collaborate with the Center Operations Coordinator to supervise staff, complete HR activities, and ensure compliance with policies and annual performance evaluations. Lead regular team meetings to ensure effective communication and service coordination. Ensure families receive a monthly newsletter. Participate in Head Start/Early Head Start community activities, including staff trainings and meetings, some evening activities. Collaborate with the Center Operations Coordinator to implement MSU-Extension recordkeeping and reporting systems for child and family files, timekeeping, and supplies. Review weekly MBI and monthly MBI+ reports and address concerns promptly. Review quarterly MBO reports and address concerns promptly. Review quarterly and annual child outcomes data and oversee teacher planning to support developmental gains. Participate in annual program self-assessment and implement required monitoring systems. Serve on the leadership team and participate in annual and quarterly planning to set and monitor program goals. Support organizational change efforts and help others manage change effectively. Attend parent committees, Policy Council and board meetings as needed. Maintain confidentiality and ensure safety and quality in all processes; comply with applicable policies and procedures. All other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a field related to children and families. Experience:
Two years of experience directly related to: teaching in an early childhood setting; managing an infant/toddler or preschool program; and collaborating with community partnerships. Licensures:
Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation. Physical exam and background checks are required. Substitutions:
An equivalent combination of related education and related experience may be considered. Preferred Qualifications
• Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field (preferred). • Experience with supervision, management, and/or coaching in an early childhood setting. • Experience with Creative Curriculum, Teaching Strategies Gold, and CLASS, ITERS-R and/or ECERS-R proficiency. • Background in special education/inclusion or leadership in a center-based program. • Bilingual in Spanish-English. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Ability to interact effectively with people from diverse backgrounds. • Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing. • Computer literacy in MS Office and data systems; internet navigation. • Honest, dependable, and able to meet deadlines; self-motivated and able to work independently. • Knowledgeable of MS Child Care Licensing Standards and Head Start Performance Standards; CLASS proficient. • Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, etc.). Working Conditions and Physical Effort
Physical Requirements:
Stand, walk, bend; repetitive wrist/hand/finger movements; close visual work; ability to communicate orally; ability to lift up to 40 pounds. All applicants MUST apply online at www.jobs.msstate.edu to be considered. Required documents: Cover Letter, Resume, three professional references, and current unofficial transcript (with SSN removed). Official transcript required if selected. Screening Date
Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding. Equal Employment Opportunity
Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status protected by law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance. Accommodations
In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and need accommodation to apply, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or adaat hrm.msstate.edu. If you have questions regarding this policy, contact HRM at the same number or email. Sections of this listing are available in large print. Readers are available for the visually impaired. Advertised:
Sep 08 2025 Central Daylight Time Applications close:
Mississippi - Not located on main campus
#J-18808-Ljbffr