Head Start Preschool Center Supervisor

Sieda is currently accepting applications for a full-time (40 hrs/wk) Center Supervisor for the Mahaska, Jefferson, Keokuk County's Preschool/Sieda Head Start Partnership.

QUALIFICATIONS:

The Center Supervisor position has the overall responsibility for assuring a quality Head Start Program that meets state licensing regulations, and Head Start Program Performance Standards through regular, consistent monitoring of day-to-day operations. Is responsible for providing resources, support, supervision, and coaching for county staff, including teachers, teacher assistants, nutrition assistants, and substitutes. Sieda Community Action is an EEO/AA employer.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge skill, and/or ability required to be considered for this position.

• FORMAL EDUCATION:
  • Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or in a related field.  Coursework equivalent to a major relating to Early Childhood Education, preferred.
    
  
  
• EXPERIENCE:
  • The Head Start Center Supervisor position requires previous experience in a Preschool or Child Care setting.
  • Minimum of two years of leadership experience required.
    

TECHNICAL PROFICIENCY:

• Requires moderate level computer knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office programs, Google docs, and Gmail.  
• Requires moderate level computer knowledge and experience with Windows based operating system.  
• Must collect, enter, and update data into ChildPlus.net an existing Head Start management program with minimal training.
• Must collect, enter, and update data into Teaching Strategies GOLD an existing online early childhood assessment program with minimal training.
• Must perform simple maintenance to keep computers operational.

OTHER:

• Must be able to pass a criminal background check and complete a physical examination
• Salary range for this position is $20.53-$24.12 based on education and experience.

The deadline for applications is October 30, 2026. Sieda requires resumes for all positions in the organization. Please be certain your resume is complete, up-to-date, and includes dates of employment for past positions. 

For additional information please contact:

Ranae Banicky

Assistant Director-Child Development 

rbanicky@sieda.org  ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Full Job Description

JOB TITLE:      Head Start Center Supervisor                                       UNIT: Child Development

REPORTS TO:    Child Development Assistant Director                      FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

SUMMARY:

The Center Supervisor position has the overall responsibility for assuring a quality Head Start Program that meets state licensing regulations, and Head Start Program Performance Standards through regular, consistent monitoring of day-to-day operations. Is responsible for providing resources, support, supervision, and coaching for county staff, including teachers, teacher assistants, nutrition assistants, and substitutes.  

DUTIES:  ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Performs complex duties requiring advanced skills as follows:

• Comprehends and follows state licensing regulations, SIEDA and Child Development Division Policies and Procedures, and Head Start Performance Standards to assure compliance in all areas of Head Start center operations.
• Provides support, resources, and supervision to all classroom and nutrition staff.
• Conducts reflective supervision sessions at least quarterly with all staff under his/her supervision to discuss performance and progress toward identified goals.
• Completes annual performance evaluations, onboarding, and corrective action plans (if needed) for each staff under his/her supervision.
• Monitors supervision of volunteers and practicum students in classrooms under their supervision.
• Monitors paperwork/documentation required of staff he/she supervises to ensure compliance with all regulations such as Agency, Division, and Head Start Policies and Procedures, Licensing Regulations, and Performance Standards.
• Assists the Education Coordinator, Assistant Director, and/or Director in identifying training needs and potential resources.
• Works with all Coordinators/Specialist to ensure full compliance in all Head Start service delivery areas.
• Completes all center documentation and checklist as required, including bussing, if applicable.
• Serves as a substitute in the classroom when staff is absent and no substitute is available.
• Meets with parents individually as needed/requested to discuss child’s participation in the program, includes attending SOD or IEP meetings. 
• Refers families to appropriate community resources when need is identified.
• Serves as a member of all applicable Head Start committees.
• Demonstrates professional behavior within job responsibilities; including mentoring to county staff appropriate work ethics, communications, team building skills, conflict resolution, problem solving skills, and positive attitude.
• Maintains an attractive environment, keeping an orderly and functioning office area.
• Generates, collects, and enters in-kind in to ChildPlus.net an existing Head Start management program for assigned sites/centers.
• Responsible for participation and facilitation of our Head Start coaching model with staff not under direct supervision. 
• Other duties determined necessary to support the Child Development Team in achieving the goals of the Head Start Program. 

INDEPENDENT ACTION: 

• Receives minimal supervision regarding task guidelines and completion

DECISION-MAKING AUTHORITY:

• Limited independent decision-making authority.   

ADDITIONAL TRAINING:

• Obtain Management Acceleration Program (MAP) certificate which does not require ongoing CEUs.

• Must obtain and maintain CLASS reliability certification, which does not require ongoing CEUs. 

• Must complete required training hours annually, per Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS) Child Care Center regulations & Head Start Performance Standards.
• All staff are considered mandatory reporters of child abuse and required to hold a valid training certificate.
• All staff coming in contact with children are required to have up to date training in CPR, First Aid and Universal Precautions.
• Participates in pre-service, in-service/other trainings, AEA staffing, staff meetings, and committee work as required.
• Seeks out professional development through education, role modeling, mentoring, and by utilizing available resources and training opportunities.

PROGRAM REPRESENTATION:

• Requires expansive levels of interaction with staff, customers, other agencies or funders in a role where they represent the Head Start program.  

PROGRAM DESIGN AND PLANNING:

• Involved in the planning of the Head Start program reflective of his/her job responsibilities.  

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

• Provides limited supervision with moderate accountability for select Head Start program personnel.  

OTHER REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES:

ORGANIZATIONAL EXPECTATIONS: ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Supports and models the agency’s and unit’s mission, vision, and values.
• Maintain a regular attendance pattern to assure continuity of services and adequate staff coverage.
• Demonstrate professional behavior at all times including appearance and maintaining an orderly functioning classroom and office areas.
• Treat all individuals in a courteous, non-judgmental, reasonable and confidential manner.
• Must uphold the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Code of Ethics and Head Start Standards of Conduct.
• Accepts responsibility as a member of the team and works cooperatively with all staff for the benefit of children and their families to meet identified goals.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

• Ability to speak comfortably and effectively one-to-one or in group settings.

• Ability to demonstrate good listening skills. 
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret most complex documents.
• Ability to respond effectively to customer/staff complaints.

REASONING ABILITY:

• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and take appropriate action based on compliance with established rules, regulations, policies and procedures.  
• Ability to convey information to staff, parents and members of the local community.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.   

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, stand, walk, move quickly, use hand to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms.  
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move 50 pounds, climb stairs, pick up and move children and/or equipment.
• Vision abilities required by this job include close, distant and peripheral vision.
• Head Start employees must pass a Pre-Employment Physical and TB Screen, then successfully pass a physical exam and TB screen every 3 years while employed in the Head Start Program.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  

• The work environment is both inside and outside.
• The noise level of the work environment is usually moderate.

OTHER:

• Head Start employees must pass a Pre-Employment state criminal record check, then successfully pass a state criminal record check every 2 years while employed in the Child Development unit.
• Head Start employees must pass a federal criminal record check with-in 6 weeks of employment, then successfully pass a federal criminal record check every 4 years while employed in the Head Start Program.
• Travel is required both in and outside the service area.  Proof of auto insurance and valid driving license is required. 

PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to be considered for this position.  

FORMAL EDUCATION:

• Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or in a related field.  Coursework equivalent to a major relating to Early Childhood Education, preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

• The Head Start Center Supervisor position requires previous experience in a Preschool or Child Care setting.
• Minimum of two years of leadership experience required. 

TECHNICAL PROFICIENCY:

• Requires moderate level computer knowledge and experience with Google docs, and Gmail.  
• Requires moderate level computer knowledge and experience with Windows based operating system.  
• Must collect, enter, and update data into ChildPlus.net an existing Head Start management program with minimal training.
• Must collect, enter, and update data into Teaching Strategies GOLD an existing online early childhood assessment program with minimal training.
• Must perform simple maintenance to keep computers operational.