Pre-K Associate Director

Exempt : No

Type : Regular Full-Time

Department : ECE

Location : 121

PRE K ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR:

Under the direction of the ECE Senior Associate Director, provides oversight and support for all NM Pre K funded classrooms at YDI, including classrooms fully funded by NM PreK and those with dual NM PreK and Head Start funding. The Associate Director ensures alignment with the NM PreK Program Standards and works closely with YDI Head Start Managers to support consistency across program policies and procedures. The NM PreK Associate Director leads program monitoring, data management, community collaboration, recruitment, and quality improvement efforts to ensure full enrollment and high-quality services.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in early childhood education, Education Administration, Child Development, or a related field. Minimum of four (4) years of responsible administrative experience to include experience as documented by past employment relating to supervision of staff, program operations and functions; or any combination of education and experience to equal ten (10) years).

• Ability to exercise judgment and discretion in interpreting department policy and staff supervision matters.

• Ability to organize personnel and operations to accomplish program goals within established time limitations.

• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft programs and other database software systems.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience supporting Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) processes

• Knowledge of NM PreK Program Standards and Head Start Performance Standards

• Experience in program compliance, data monitoring, and reporting

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Not Inclusive):

• Ensure all classrooms comply with current NM PreK Program Standards, licensing requirements, and YDI Early Childhood policies.

• Develop and implement annual program goals, objectives, and timelines aligned with division-wide priorities or monitoring guidance as directed by ECECD NM PreK staff.

• Support budgeting, resource allocation, supply management, and contract compliance for all PreK-related funding streams.

• Oversee ongoing monitoring systems for instructional quality, safety, and regulatory compliance.

• Oversee data accuracy in EPICS and related databases; coordinate with MIS for corrections and staff retraining.

• Prepare and submit all required state and internal reports, including enrollment, attendance, monitoring results, and CQI updates.

• Coordinate and/or deliver PreK-specific training, including curriculum implementation, assessment, documentation, and family engagement.

• Ensure all PreK classrooms meet family engagement requirements, including home visits, family conferences, and 90+ hours of engagement opportunities.

• Maintain strong community partnerships, including collaboration with other NM PreK providers to reduce duplication and maximize enrollment.

• Support recruitment and outreach activities, including events outside of standard business hours, to maintain fully funded enrollment.

• Develop and update of a CQI Plan with SMART goals and data-informed strategies.

• Prepare programs for state monitoring visits; oversee follow-up action steps.

• Participate in statewide PreK meetings, training, and workgroups as required by ECECD.

• Serve as program liaison with state PreK staff, community partners, and internal departments.

• Support grant planning, program proposals, and performance development initiatives as assigned.

• Other duties as assigned.

JOB CHARACTERISTICS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

This position is exempt from overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act. This is a professional position which requires strong leadership, organization, communication, and judgment skills, along with tact and diplomacy in interactions with staff, families, community partners, and state monitors.

Travel within the service area to include Bernalillo, Taos, Rio Arriba, Eddy, and Chaves counties is required. Must have valid driver's license and proof of satisfactory car insurance.

Background investigation to include fingerprinting is required.

Good general health. Physical and TB screening is required at offer of employment and every five (5) years. Occasional evening or weekend hours may be required to support community outreach and recruitment.

SUPERVISION GIVEN: Directly responsible for supervising assigned staff.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Direct supervision by the YDI ECE Senior Associate Director.