Center Director – Head Start

Location: Pagosa Springs, Colorado
Schedule: Full-Time, Year-Round
Pay: $61,401 - $76,710 annually, depending on education and experience

Lead a Center. Support a Team. Make an Impact.

We are looking for a collaborative and organized Center Director to lead our Pagosa Springs Head Start center.

This is a great opportunity for an experienced early childhood professional who enjoys supporting staff, building strong relationships with families, and creating a safe, welcoming environment where children can learn and thrive.

As Center Director, you’ll oversee the day-to-day operations of the center while working closely with teaching staff, families, and Tri-County Head Start’s leadership and program support teams.

What You’ll Do

• Provide leadership and day-to-day oversight of center operations.
• Supervise, coach, and support center staff.
• Promote a positive, collaborative, and professional workplace culture.
• Ensure compliance with Colorado child care licensing requirements, Head Start Program Performance Standards, and TCHS policies and procedures.
• Monitor classroom staffing, schedules, attendance, ratios, health and safety, and other center operations.
• Partner with families and help create a welcoming, family-centered environment.
• Lead the center’s enrollment and recruitment strategy, partnering with staff and community organizations to reach eligible families, maintain funded enrollment, and support strong attendance. 
• Coordinate with Education, Health, Family & ERSEA, Human Resources, Facilities, and other program teams.
• Support staff development, onboarding, training, and performance management.
• Help maintain accurate documentation and prepare for licensing, monitoring, and program reviews.
• Step in where needed to support children, staff, and smooth center operations.

What We’re Looking For

• A supportive and confident leader.
• Organized and able to manage multiple priorities.
• Experienced in early childhood education and/or child care center operations.
• Comfortable supervising and coaching employees.
• Knowledgeable about child care licensing, health and safety, and regulatory requirements.
• A strong communicator who builds positive relationships with staff, children, families, and community partners.
• Comfortable using technology and maintaining accurate records and documentation.
• Responsive to community needs with the capacity to pivot effectively. 

Minimum Qualifications

• Meets or can meet Colorado Large Child Care Center Director qualification requirements through the Colorado Department of Early Childhood.
• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, Human Development, or a related field preferred.
• Relevant experience working in early childhood education or a licensed child care setting.
• Previous supervisory or leadership experience preferred.
• Ability to meet all TCHS, Colorado licensing, and Head Start background check, training, and health requirements.

Why Tri-County Head Start?

Our employees make a meaningful difference for children and families throughout Southwest Colorado. We also believe the people doing this work deserve opportunities to grow, recharge, and build rewarding careers.

Eligible employees receive benefits that may include:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid sick, vacation, and personal leave
• Over 4 weeks of paid holidays
• Paid professional development and training
• 403(b) retirement savings plan

Join Our Team

If you’re an early childhood professional who enjoys leading people, solving problems, and helping a center run successfully, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply online: tchs4c.org/careers/

Tri-County Head Start is an Equal Opportunity Employer.