Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) Director - Hastings Area School System

Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) Director

Position: Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) Director

District: Hastings Area School System

Reports to: Assistant Superintendent / Superintendent

Employment: Full-time - beginning January 4, 2027

Work Schedule: Varied schedule with some summer days required

Position Summary

Hastings Area School System is seeking a knowledgeable, collaborative, and student-centered GSRP Director to lead and oversee the district's Great Start Readiness Program. The director will provide leadership for high-quality preschool programming that supports children's academic, social, emotional, and developmental growth and prepares them for a successful transition to kindergarten.

The successful candidate will ensure program compliance with Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) requirements, applicable state and federal regulations, district policies, and grant requirements. The director will work collaboratively with teachers, support staff, families, community partners, and district administrators to provide an inclusive, developmentally appropriate early childhood experience for all children.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Program Leadership and Administration

● Oversee the daily operations, planning, implementation, and evaluation of the district's GSRP program.

● Develop and monitor program goals aligned with district priorities and Michigan's early childhood education expectations.

● Establish procedures to ensure consistent, high-quality instructional practices across classrooms.

● Monitor enrollment, eligibility, attendance, student transitions, and program participation.

● Coordinate preschool-to-kindergarten transition activities with elementary principals and kindergarten staff.

Curriculum, Instruction, and Student Outcomes

● Support the implementation of developmentally appropriate, evidence-based early childhood curriculum and instructional practices.

● Ensure instruction supports language and literacy development, early mathematics, social-emotional learning, physical development, and school readiness.

● Monitor child progress through appropriate assessment practices and use data to guide program improvement.

● Support inclusive practices and coordinate services for children with disabilities and other identified needs.

● Conduct classroom observations and provide feedback, coaching, and professional learning opportunities for staff.

Staff Supervision and Professional Development

● Supervise, evaluate, and support GSRP teachers, associate teachers, paraprofessionals, and other assigned personnel.

● Monitor staffing assignments, qualifications, professional development, and required training.

● Develop a collaborative professional culture focused on continuous improvement and positive outcomes for children.

● Assist with recruitment, interviewing, onboarding, scheduling, and staff performance management.

Compliance, Funding, and Reporting

● Ensure compliance with current MiLEAP GSRP implementation requirements, licensing requirements where applicable, and district procedures.

● Monitor grant expenditures, budgets, purchasing, and documentation to ensure funds are used appropriately.

● Maintain accurate program records and complete required state reporting, assessments, and grant documentation.

● Coordinate program monitoring, audits, and corrective action plans as needed.

● Ensure compliance with applicable health, safety, emergency preparedness, supervision, and child-protection requirements.

Family and Community Engagement

● Establish positive, ongoing partnerships with families and caregivers.

● Coordinate family engagement activities, conferences, referrals, and community resources.

● Collaborate with the Barry Intermediate School District, local early childhood providers, community agencies, and other partners as appropriate.

● Promote a welcoming, inclusive, and culturally responsive environment for children and families.

● Communicate program expectations, policies, and student progress effectively.

Qualifications

Required qualifications

● Bachelor's degree in early childhood education, child development, education, or a closely related field.

● Demonstrated knowledge of early childhood development, developmentally appropriate instruction, and school readiness.

● Experience working with preschool-aged children and families.

● Strong organizational, communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.

● Ability to manage multiple responsibilities, maintain accurate records, and meet reporting deadlines.

● Ability to work collaboratively with district staff, families, and community partners.

● Ability to meet all applicable Michigan certification, qualification, and program requirements for the assigned position.

Work Environment and Expectations

The director must be able to work effectively in a school-based early childhood setting, visit classrooms regularly, sub if necessary, communicate with families and staff, and respond to program needs. The position requires professional judgment, confidentiality, flexibility, and a commitment to the safety and well-being of young children.

Application Process

Interested candidates should apply online at https://jobs.redroverk12.com/org/hassk12 or email Beth Stevens at [email protected]

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