Manager of Early Childhood Education

Since 1946 Ability KC  mission is to build brighter futures for children and adults with disabilities by providing comprehensive educational, vocational, and therapeutic services.

The Manager of Early Childhood Education Services provides visionary leadership and operational oversight for the therapeutic preschool program and related early childhood initiatives. This role ensures the delivery of high-quality, developmentally appropriate educational services that align with organizational standards, regulatory requirements, and best practices in early childhood education . The manager serves as a key liaison between families, staff and community partners to promote inclusive, holistic child development.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Strategy

• Develop and implement a comprehensive early childhood education  program that integrates therapeutic services and individualized learning plans. 
• Establish short-and long-term goals for program growth, quality improvement, and innovation.
• Ensure curriculum aligns with state standards, accreditation requirements, and evidence-based practices.

• Recruit, train, and supervise a multidisciplinary team of educators, therapist, and support staff.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide coaching to foster professional growth. 
• Promote a collaborative, inclusive, and positive work environment.

• Maintain compliance with all licensing, accreditation, and safety standards.
• Monitor program performance through audits, data analysis, and stakeholder feedback.
• Implement corrective actions and continuous improvement strategies as needed.

• Build strong partnerships with families to support active involvement in their child's education and therapy.
• Represent the organization in community outreach, advocacy, and partnership initiatives.
• Provide resources and guidance to families on child development and educational best practices.

• Develop and manage program budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility and sustainability.
• Oversee procurement and allocation of educational materials, technology, and classroom resources.
• Identify and support grant opportunities and funding sources to support program needs.

• Collect and analyze program data to measure outcomes and inform strategic decisions.
• Prepare reports for leadership, stakeholders, and regulatory agencies.

• Achievement of program enrollment and retention rates.
• Compliance with all regulatory and accreditation standards.
• Positive staff engagement and retention rates. 
• Demonstrated improvement in child developmental outcomes.

•  Maintain current knowledge of best practices in early childhood education and therapy integration.
• Participate in ongoing leadership training and professional conferences.
•  Foster a culture of continuous learning within the team.

• Strong understanding of early childhood development, inclusive education practices, and therapeutic integration. 
• Familiarity with state licensing and accreditation standards. Ability to obtain a Missouri childcare director license for up to 99 children (90 college credits(18 child-related) or 36 months experience and 18 child related credits). 
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage budgets and resources effectively. 
• CPR certification or eligible.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Ability to work comfortably in a variety of positions including seated on the floor, standing for long periods of time and lift at least 30 pounds with weight ranging up to 60 pounds.