Head Start Quality Assurance/Compliance Manager

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.

Essential Duties and 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.

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 Westmoreland County as required.

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.

Work Environment

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.