Quality CDS Manager

Responsible for supporting continuous quality oversight and improvement initiatives within the CDS programs. Ensures the implementation of consistent policies and procedures in alignment with California and Federal regulatory requirements and the terms and conditions of funders. Works closely with various teams to enhance program quality, compliance, and continuous improvement across Head Start, state preschool, and other funded programs. Manages and supervises a small staff, and is accountable for their performance and conduct.

Starting Pay Range: $100k - 109k/yr

• Leads efforts to guarantee program quality and compliance by supporting the development and execution of monitoring cycles, self-assessments, and audit or mock audit processes.
• Supports compliance efforts with regulations set forth by the Department of Health and Human Services under the Head Start Act, as well as California Department of Education Title 5 Funding Terms and Conditions and California Department of Social Services Title 22.
• Utilizes the management information system to generate integrity reports, data-use dashboards, and monitor interventions.
• Partners with Area Directors to support the development of management reports and to help ensure accuracy in enrollment, eligibility, and required data collection.
• Engages with the CDS team in the development and execution of state and federal grant and contracts.
• Supports Director of Quality to assure timely and accurate communications with entities including not limited to California Department of Education, California Department of Health and Human Services, state and federal offices of Head Start and Agency for Child and Families.
• Works with the CDS team on the development and interpretation of needs assessments and plans accordingly.
• Evaluates the effectiveness of staff training to determine the data needs to inform future trainings.
• Assists the CDS team with the financial monitoring process in collaboration with CDS Finance department.
• Assures a data-informed approach in the development of region-wide activities to support continuous quality improvement in all child development services.
• Enhances and ensures program quality, compliance, and continuous improvement across Head Start, state preschool, and other funded programs by leading the design and execution of monitoring cycles, self-assessments, and audit/mock audit processes.
• Becomes proficient in the ChildPlus management information system to generate integrity reports, data-use dashboards, and monitor interventions.
• Analyzes findings from monitoring, CLASS, ERS, PIR, and other tools then translating them into actionable Corrective Action Plans and sustainable improvement initiatives.
• Ensures 100% compliance with Head Start Performance Standards (45 CFR §1302, et seq.), California State Preschool regulations, plus all local/funder-specific requirements.
• Leads efforts to enhance program quality through continuous improvement initiatives and best practices.
• Collaborates with program teams to integrate "what we learn" into staff training, procedures, and communications pathways.
• Reports out trends, compliance metrics, and impact stories to Leadership, Policy Council, funders, and the Board.
• Ensures consistent application of policies and procedures in alignment with regulatory requirements and funder terms.
• Oversees and provides guidance to a small team, ensuring accountability for both performance outcomes and professional conduct.

• Minimum 5 years leadership in early childhood, education, or non-profit programs, including quality/compliance oversight and data-driven continuous improvement (aligns with similar Head Start QA roles).
• Experience in Head Start or state preschool systems—but not required.
• Excellent interpersonal, training, and communication skills.
• Strong analytic, reporting, and technical writing abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to assure compliance within a highly regulated environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience implementing a Continual Quality Improvement system.
• Knowledge of policies and procedures of the Head Start Performance Standards, California Education, Child Development Division and the Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing program regulations, funding terms and conditions (Title 5 and Title 22a).
• Proficient in ChildPlus or similar data systems—or demonstrated ability to learn.
• Demonstrated leadership ability; ability to communicate effectively, through oral and written skills, and to motivate others to work cooperatively toward a common goal.
• Executive presentation skills to present data and trends in a concise and engaging manner.
• Demonstrated ability to properly interpret and implement policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, establish and meet timelines.
• Ability to obtain fingerprint clearance per California and/or program requirements.
• Ability to pass post-offer medical examination.
• Possession of pediatric (infant/toddler) CPR and first aid certificate.