Head Start Education Coordinator

The Position

The City of Oakland is an equal opportunity employer that values workforce diversity, inclusion, and equity. Oakland has a long history of activism around issues of justice and equity. Both oppression and this resistance to oppression have shaped the city’s historical roots and the lives of its residents to this day. As public servants in one of the most diverse cities in the nation, we strive to develop employees who understand the harm and impacts of systemic inequity to create lasting, meaningful outcomes for everyone. Oakland strives to establish an environment that embraces the richness of culture, community, and individualism of employees.

Why join the City of Oakland Human Services Department, Head Start Division?

The City of Oakland Head Start program is dedicated to providing high-quality early childhood education that fosters the growth and development of young children while supporting families in our diverse community. As a Head Start Education Coordinator, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the learning experiences of children, ensuring program excellence, and supporting educators in delivering impactful instruction. You will also be a part of a collaborative and mission-driven team focused on equity, inclusion, and excellence in early learning. You will play a key role in advancing initiatives such as:

• Enhancing curriculum and instructional quality to align with Head Start Performance Standards, State mandates, and best practices
• Expanding professional development opportunities for teachers to strengthen classroom engagement and child outcomes
• Promoting culturally responsive education that reflects the diversity of Oakland’s families and communities
• Using data-driven strategies to improve program effectiveness and ensure continuous quality improvement

We are looking for someone who is:

• Knowledgeable of Early Childhood Education. You are an expert in child development, curriculum planning and oversite, child assessments, and quality service.
• Committed to Equity and Inclusion. You have a passion for serving diverse communities and ensuring culturally responsive education.
• Skilled in managing multiple priorities, analyzing program needs, and implementing solutions.
• Experienced using assessment tools and data to improve educational outcomes.
• Willing to embrace new strategies and continuously improve program quality.
• Able to engage with educators, families, content area leads, and stakeholders effectively.

What you will typically be responsible for:

• Providing feedback on quality educational documentation and ensuring timelines are met.
• Ensuring compliance with state and federal early childhood education regulations.
• Developing and implementing high-quality curriculum and assessment strategies to support child development.
• Analyzing program data to evaluate and improve educational outcomes.
• Leading professional development workshops for educators and staff as needed.
• Working closely with program leadership, content area leads, administrators, and community partners to strengthen early learning initiatives.

Read the complete job description by clicking below:

Head Start Education Coordinator Classification Spec

• Click on the link below to see a video on what it's like to work for the City of Oakland!

Working for the City of Oakland

A few reasons you might love this job:

• You will be making a meaningful impact on the lives of young children and families.
• You will have access to mentorship, networking, and resources to grow as an expert in early childhood education.
• You will enjoy a workplace that prioritizes work-life balance, employee wellness, and professional fulfillment.

A few challenges you might face in this job:

• Navigating complex and sometimes conflicting state, federal, or licensing regulations, timelines and compliance requirements in early childhood education.
• Balancing multiple priorities while ensuring program quality and effectiveness.
• Adapting to changing policies and funding structures that impact program operations.

Competencies Required:

• Analyzing & Interpreting Data: Drawing meaning and conclusions from quantitative or qualitative data
• Critical Thinking: Analytically and logically evaluating information, propositions, and claims
• General Physical Ability: Using strength, endurance, flexibility, balance, and coordination
• Legal & Regulatory Navigation: Understanding, interpreting, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations
• Professional & Technical Expertise: Applying technical subject matter to the job
• Adaptability: Responding positively to change and modifying behavior as the situation requires
• Learning Agility: Seeking learning opportunities and applying the lessons to one’s work
• Professional Integrity & Ethics: Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability
• Writing: Communicating effectively in writing
• Building & Maintaining Relationships: Establishing rapport and maintaining mutually productive relationships
• Assessing Talent: Identifying performance capabilities and potential of others
• Leadership: Guiding and encouraging others to accomplish a common goal

Minimum Requirements for Application

This recruitment will produce two eligible lists. The restricted list will be for full-time, permanent part-time, or part-time City and Port of Oakland employees who maintain employment for the duration of the recruitment and pass all stages of the recruitment process. The open list will be for all other applicants who pass all stages of the recruitment process.

Any combination of education and experience that is equivalent to the following minimum qualifications may be acceptable.

Education: A Bachelor's or advanced degree from an accredited college or university in early childhood education OR a Bachelor's or advanced degree and equivalent coursework in early childhood education.

Experience: Two years of progressively responsible work experience in early education teaching.

License or Certificate / Other Requirements

Successful incumbents in this job are expected to operate an automotive vehicle in the performance of the assigned duties. Due to the nature of the assignment and the hours worked, public transportation may not be a cost-effective method for traveling to the various locations required. Individuals who are appointed to this position will be required to maintain a valid California Driver's License throughout the tenure of employment OR demonstrate the ability to travel to various locations or transport equipment in a timely manner as required in the performance of duties.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Depending on nature of assignment candidates who receive offers of employment will be required to submit fingerprints, undergo a criminal record clearance, and have a physical examination including a TB (tuberculosis) screening.