Job Description

JOB TITLE: Great Start Readiness Program Director

REPORTS TO: Wayne RESA/Superintendent

Who are we?

CEN is a mission- and values-driven organization committed to being Child Centered, Caring, Transformative, Accountable, and Anti-Racist .

The mission of CEN is to build a system of remarkable neighborhood schools in traditionally under-resourced communities using a trauma-informed, whole-child approach to education — ensuring college, career, and life success for all children.

Why Join CEN?

At CEN, we provide a wealth of professional learning, as well as opportunities for professional growth and advancement. We are committed to the health and wellness of our employees. Moreover, CEN offers one of the most comprehensive compensation and benefits packages in the city of Detroit. CEN employees earn competitive salaries and a robust benefits package, including:

• United Healthcare PPO including vision and dental with employer covering 80%
• 401K with match options
• Free Short- and Long-Term Disability, Basic Life Insurance, and Basic AD&D
• Supplemental insurance plans are available
• Wellness benefits, including up to $250 annual reimbursement
• Paid time off, varying by role
• Performance Bonuses
• Annual Retention Bonus that grows year over year
• Free membership in employee discount program.

Who are we looking for?

We are seeking tenacious staff members who operate with empathy and will settle for nothing less than academic and life success for all students. Professionals with a passion for urban education and the city of Detroit align best with our needs and goals. Our top performers are focused on building positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues, and are driven by data and student outcomes.

What are the major job responsibilities?

The Center Director/Administrator is responsible for the overall leadership and management of a Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) childcare center, ensuring compliance with Michigan Department of Education (MDE) guidelines, state and local licensing requirements, Wayne RESA policies, and high-quality early childhood standards. This role requires strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills to foster positive relationships with families, staff, and the community, while ensuring a nurturing, child-centered environment.

The Director is the primary representative of the program and plays a vital role in ensuring an outstanding experience for children, families, and staff.

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Program & Family Enrollment

• Conduct prescreening to confirm family eligibility based on GSRP income guidelines.
• Complete intake interviews with families and support enrollment of eligible children.
• Collaborate with local Head Start programs to coordinate placements for Head Start–eligible families.
• Maintain accurate family records and documentation in accordance with GSRP requirements.
• Manage child data entry, including daily attendance and required state reporting (MICR, pupil accounting).

Curriculum & Instructional Oversight

• Review and approve lesson plans to ensure fidelity to the HighScope Curriculum.
• Conduct classroom observations to support curriculum implementation and developmental appropriateness.
• Provide instructional feedback and collaborate with the Early Childhood Specialist and Consultant to maintain program quality.

Staff Leadership & Development

• Recruit, interview, hire, and onboard qualified staff.
• Ensure staff meet all educational, professional development, and licensing requirements.
• Maintain complete and accurate personnel records, including electronic files.
• Plan and lead monthly staff meetings and provide ongoing coaching, support, and performance feedback.

Family & Community Engagement

• Prepare and distribute a monthly parent newsletter and other parent-facing communications.
• Facilitate parent advisory committee meetings and create meaningful parent engagement opportunities.
• Serve as the primary contact for families, addressing questions, concerns, and feedback in a timely and supportive manner.

Administration & Compliance

• Develop, monitor, and manage the program budget, including monthly ledgers, amendments, mid-year review, carryover funds, and required reports.
• Submit payroll, timesheets, and other program-related documentation accurately and on schedule.
• Coordinate maintenance and technology requests to ensure a safe and effective learning environment.
• Conduct and document monthly fire drills and quarterly disaster preparedness drills.
• Attend required director meetings, budget meetings, and professional development sessions.
• Respond promptly to program-related emails and ensure timely communication with RESA, MDE, and other partners.

Other Duties

• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned to ensure smooth and effective program operations.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education - required.
• Minimum of 5 years of successful preschool teaching experience, preferably in GSRP
• Effective organization, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Flexibility and desire to work as part of a team.
• Will successfully pass a criminal background check
• We ask our team to believe in, deliver on, and embody the following values: Be Child-Centered, Be Caring, Be Transformative, Be Accountable, and Be Anti-Racist

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

CEN does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations.

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