Head Start Quality Assurance/Compliance Manager

Description:

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Head Start Quality Assurance Manager is responsible for ensuring that all Head Start, Early Head Start, and Pre-K Counts services operated by Westmoreland Community Action are fully compliant with Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS), Pre-K Counts guidance, applicable federal and state regulations, and agency policies. This position provides leadership for the program’s ongoing monitoring system, continuous quality improvement (CQI) initiatives, and data integrity practices. The Manager directly oversees Head Start Data, CACFP, Administration, and ERSEA Supervisors and serves as a key partner to program leadership in promoting accountability, excellence, and child safety.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Compliance & Ongoing Monitoring
• Implement and maintain ongoing monitoring systems in alignment with Head Start federal and state requirements (45 CFR §1302.102(b)(1)).
• Conduct regular monitoring reviews, site visits, and comprehensive file audits across all program service areas.
• Ensure compliance with governance, CACFP, ERSEA, education, health, and family engagement standards.
• Monitor and assess active supervision practices and child safety procedures to ensure adherence to 45 CFR §1302.47.
• Coordinate preparation activities for federal and state reviews, including PRI, FA1, FA2, and CLASS reviews.
• Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI)
• Lead the program’s continuous quality improvement process in accordance with 45 CFR §1302.102(b)(2).
• Collect, analyze, and interpret program data to identify trends, risks, strengths, and areas for improvement.
• Collaborate with leadership and supervisors to develop, implement, and track quality improvement and corrective action plans.
• Monitor progress to ensure corrective actions are completed accurately and within required timelines.
• Data Management & Reporting
• Ensure accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of data entry and reporting within ChildPlus and other required systems.
• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and program operations recordkeeping requirements (45 CFR §1302.101(b)(4)).
• Prepare regular updates for Policy Council, Board of Directors, and leadership teams on compliance, quality assurance activities, and the annual Program Information Report (PIR).
• Participate in site safety reviews, CACFP reviews, annual self-assessments, and other program planning and evaluation activities.
• Training & Technical Assistance
• Provide training, coaching, and technical assistance to staff on HSPPS, monitoring requirements, and quality assurance practices.
• Support onboarding processes and ongoing professional development for program staff (45 CFR §1302.92).
• Develop and maintain tools, guidance documents, and resources that support consistent compliance and program quality.
• Policy & Procedure Development
• Review, update, and recommend program policies and procedures to ensure compliance with federal regulations (45 CFR §1302.101(b)(1)).
• Promote consistent implementation of policies and procedures across all program sites and service areas.
• Any other duties as assigned by the Supervisor.

Professional Expectations

• Maintain current knowledge of Head Start, Pre-K Counts, and CACFP regulations and guidance.
• Demonstrate strong organizational, analytical, and written communication skills.
• Exercise sound judgment, professionalism, and confidentiality.
• Promote a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement.
• Travel between program sites throughout

REQUIREMENTS NECESSARY TO SAFELY PERFORM THE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION OF Head Start Quality Assurance/Compliance Manager:

This position requires a combination of office-based work and regular on-site presence at program locations throughout Westmoreland County. Travel and flexibility in scheduling may be required to meet program and compliance needs.

Physical requirements: Push/pull, lift/move up to 25 pounds.

Manual dexterity: Perform moderately difficult manipulation – typing, filing, writing.

Coordination: Perform tasks requiring foot and/or hand/eye coordination – driving, data entry.

Mobility: Walk, stand, sit for prolonged periods, drive.

Speech: Articulate with accuracy – employee/client interaction, phone communication.

Vision: Read small print, use a computer, drive a car.

Hearing: Receive verbal instructions, answer phones, communicate clearly.

Concentration: Able to concentrate with some interruptions.

Attention span: Able to attend to tasks for more than 60 minutes.

Conceptualization: Able to understand and relate to concepts behind crisis and housing support services.

Memory: Able to recall multiple tasks and assignments over extended periods.

Environmental Conditions: Primarily indoor work in an office setting.

Westmoreland Community Action is a non-profit organization that works to connect individuals and families to opportunities and resources throughout the community to improve their quality of life and help to reduce poverty in the community. This is accomplished through housing, counseling, support, education, intervention, collaborations, partnerships, information, referrals, and networking.

Full-time Benefits:

Employer-employee cost share for dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, and long-term disability polices,

ICHRA health plans – Using an allowance, choose the best plan for you,

16 paid holidays,

10 days of vacation in first year of employment,

8% retirement match after 1 year and 1000 hours of service,

Mileage reimbursement,

Time and a half for holidays worked.

Shift differential for evening and overnight shifts.

Hourly pay rate based on experience: $29.66 to $33.69 or $61,693.00 to $70,637.00 Yearly

Westmoreland Community Action (WCA) is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce that reflects our community and those that we seek to serve. If you, in good faith, believe that you are qualified to succeed in this position, we encourage you to apply. Please include a cover letter to tell us about your unique qualifications for the position. Our hiring manager will review your application and, if interested, will contact you regarding next steps.

Requirements:

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A bachelor’s degree is required.
• Minimum of three to five years of experience in a Head Start or PKC program.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Head Start Program Performance Standards and monitoring systems.
• Experience with ChildPlus or similar data management systems is strongly preferred.
• Acts 33, 34, 114, and sex offender registry clearances.
• Valid PA driver’s license, mandated Agency auto insurance coverage, and reasonably clean driving record.