Job Summary The Program Lead oversees all programmatic and staffing operations of an early care and education center, ensuring high-quality services for infants, toddlers, and/or school-age children. This role is responsible for program planning, implementation, assessment, and continuous improvement while maintaining a safe, healthy, and inclusive environment. The Program Lead serves as a classroom and program leader, providing coaching, mentoring, observation, and feedback to teaching staff to ensure consistent, high-quality programming. The role also supports center operations such as enrollment, attendance, staffing, purchasing, and community engagement. Program Leads spend approximately 33% of their time working directly in ratio, based on center needs. Essential Job Functions Program Quality • Communicate program vision, mission, philosophy, and curriculum approaches to staff, families, schools, and community partners • Ensure consistent and high-quality documentation practices, including observations, lesson plans, assessments, and reviews • Support and mentor teaching staff in developing, implementing, and evaluating program action plans • Collaborate with staff to create enriched, culturally responsive indoor and outdoor learning environments that meet industry standards • Assess program quality, curriculum implementation, health and safety practices, and licensing compliance; implement continuous improvement strategies • Lead and participate in quality rating and improvement systems for applicable programs • Maintain knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices and relevant curriculum frameworks • Use observations and assessment tools to support individualized child growth plans • Support positive behavior approaches in partnership with families and staff • Maintain classroom coverage in ratio as required Managing, Coaching & Supporting Staff • Manage and support a team of teaching staff based on center size and enrollment • Provide ongoing coaching, mentoring, and performance feedback • Conduct timely performance evaluations and professional check-ins • Facilitate effective team meetings that promote collaboration and accountability • Observe classroom practices and provide immediate, constructive feedback • Provide on-site modeling and mentoring to support curriculum and instructional quality • Support onboarding, orientation, and retention of new staff • Develop professional growth plans and align individual and team goals with organizational priorities • Address performance concerns through corrective action plans when needed Leadership • Commit to continuous professional growth in leadership, curriculum, and child development • Participate in and lead professional development initiatives and share best practices • Act as a change leader to support organizational improvements and initiatives • Foster team engagement, morale, and a positive workplace culture • Mentor staff for future leadership opportunities • Support recruitment efforts through strong relationships with families, schools, and community partners Family & Community Partnerships • Build authentic, culturally responsive relationships with children, families, and community partners • Support family engagement opportunities and advisory participation • Serve as a representative in school and community activities • Assess community needs and adjust programming to better serve families • Maintain open, two-way communication with families regarding child development and program activities • Provide parent education and connect families to community resources • Participate in advocacy efforts supporting children and families Compliance • Ensure compliance with all applicable policies, procedures, licensing regulations, and funding requirements • Maintain required staff-to-child ratios and health and safety standards • Protect organizational assets and resources Business Management • Forecast staffing needs and support hiring and onboarding efforts • Support staff scheduling, purchasing, and operational planning • Maintain enrollment and attendance goals • Identify opportunities to improve program performance, enrollment, and operational efficiency • Support budget oversight and purchasing guidelines Education & Experience Education • High School Diploma or GED with required early childhood education units, or • Associate or Bachelors degree with required ECE/CD, administration, and adult supervision units • Site Supervisor Permit preferred or willingness to obtain upon hire • Ongoing professional development required Experience • 2–3 years of experience in an early childhood education or child development setting • Minimum of 1 year of experience mentoring, coaching, or supervising adults Other Qualifications • Ability to complete required orientation and mandated training • Ability to meet background clearance and health screening requirements • Strong understanding of child development, cultural responsiveness, and inclusive practices • Excellent interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills • Strong initiative, motivation, and strategic thinking abilities • Ability to coach, mentor, and manage staff effectively • Strong organizational, budgeting, and planning skills • Commitment to high-quality program implementation and continuous improvement • Bilingual or multilingual skills preferred