Assistant Center Manager

Description:

JOIN THE ECS4Kids TEAM

At ECS4Kids (formerly Episcopal Children’s Services), we honor young children’s immense potential by helping them enter school ready to learn. We cultivate lifelong learners by immersing children in enriching guided experiences and discovery-oriented approaches. Through programs like Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK), Head Start, School Readiness, Child Care Resource & Referral (CCRR), and more, our dedicated professionals work with families and caregivers to promote children’s well-being. These enable us to strengthen key areas including motor development, cognitive development, social and emotional development, language and communication skills, and problem-solving skills.

Partner with us to help empower communities to rise above generational poverty with comprehensive early childhood education and holistic family support. We have career opportunities available in several counties throughout the Savannah River Region.

ECS4Kids offers a competitive benefit package which includes:

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• 403(b) plan with 5% employer match
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Long-term & short-term disability insurance
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Paid holidays
• Generous paid time off
• Career development
• Qualifying employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Assistant Center Manager supports the Center Manager in overseeing the daily operations of the early childhood center. This role ensures compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, Georgia Bright from the Start (DECAL) regulations, and ECS4Kids policies. The Assistant Center Manager plays a key role in maintaining high-quality learning environments, supporting staff, and fostering strong relationships with families and the community.

Key Responsibilities:

Operational Support & Staff Coordination

• Assist in managing daily center operations, ensuring adherence to licensing, health, and safety standards.
• Support staff scheduling, substitute coordination, and coverage planning.
• Maintain accurate and compliant staff files, including credentials, training hours, and screenings.
• Track inventory and coordinate purchases for food service, classroom, and health supplies.
• Manage petty cash and complete monthly reconciliation reports.

Educational Quality & Classroom Support

• Support teachers in curriculum implementation, child observations, and data analysis.
• Ensure classrooms meet standards for high-quality learning environments.
• Model positive child guidance techniques and assist with classroom support as needed.
• Maintain systems for classroom records, assessments, and attendance tracking.

Family Engagement & Communication

• Greet and assist families and visitors with professionalism and warmth.
• Collaborate with the Center Manager and Family Advocate to prepare and distribute monthly newsletters.
• Assist in handling parent concerns with a solution-oriented approach and timely documentation.
• Maintain an informative and up-to-date Parent Board.

Compliance & Documentation

• Ensure ongoing compliance with licensing regulations, ECS4Kids policies, and accreditation standards.
• Coordinate and maintain USDA food program records.
• Complete administrative tasks such as health and safety checklists, food forms, and documentation logs.
• Support in-kind contribution tracking and reporting.

Professional Development & Collaboration

• Assist in planning and conducting monthly staff meetings and training for new staff.
• Participate in professional development and pursue ongoing education goals.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming office environment.

(These job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of duties. Employees will be required to perform other related duties as required.)

Requirements:

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate’s degree preferred; 1–3 years of related administrative experience required.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and digital documentation tools.
• Organizational skills with attention to detail and confidentiality.
• Ability to prioritize, multitask, and manage time effectively.

CERTIFICATIONS:

• Complete TB screening & physical before having direct contact with children. Renew every 2 years.
• Must have current First Aid and Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training.
• At least 10 hours of state-approved training completed within the first 90 days of employment.
• 25 hours of annual training?(January–December) in topics related to child development, health and safety, curriculum, and program operations.
• Completion of Georgia DECAL-approved Director’s Credential program (if applicable)

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

• Indoor classroom, office and outdoor playground settings
• Tolerance for noise and high activity levels

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS:

1.Mobility & Stamina

• Ability to?stand, walk, bend, kneel, and sit on the floor?for extended periods.
• Move quickly in response to emergencies or to assist children.

2. Lifting & Carrying

• Lift and carry children up to?50 pounds?as needed.
• Move classroom equipment, supplies, and materials.

3. Fine & Gross Motor Skills

• Use hands and fingers for writing, typing, and handling small objects.
• Engage in physical play or assist with activities requiring coordination.

4. Visual & Auditory Acuity

• Monitor children’s safety and behavior visually and audibly in a busy environment.
• Read printed materials and computer screens; hear conversations and alarms.

5. Speech & Communication

• Speak clearly and effectively with children, staff, and families.
• Use expressive language to model communication for children.

6. Environmental Tolerance

• Work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Tolerate noise levels typical of a childcare setting.