Description

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
 

Requirements

Education & Experience
Education

High School Diploma or GED with required early childhood education units, or
Associate or Bachelor’s 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