Heather Strauss

Currently manage and provide direct oversight of 5 Head Start/California (CSPP) comprehensive family service programs the San Fernando Valley.

• Supervise , guide and evaluate Center Directors according to their job performance.
• Provide staff performance evaluations and create professional development goals.
• Monitor Head Start and State Preschool programs to ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, amendments and state regulations.
• Maintain adequate record keeping and ensure timely and accurate reporting of program to federal and state authorities.
• Ensure compliance and adherence to Title 5 and 22 regulations.
• Develop, evaluate, assess, and implement new and current policies and procedures for areas of Early Learning as well as design monitoring tools for all School Readiness policies and procedures.
• Review all agency information and share pertinent information with direct supervisor and Head Start management that deals with work progress, concerns, barriers, and success that impact program services.
• Collaborate and establish effective communication with all Head Start 0-5 program areas (Nutrition, Health, Family Engagement Education, Disabilities/Mental Health and ERSEA) to ensure program services are being provided and implemented.
• Establish effective working relationships with local school personnel, community agencies, and families
• Develop and implement strategic plans to incorporate Family Engagement initiatives from Office of Head Start into program services.

Co-Founded the company in 2006, which grew into the leading online retailer of upscale dog supplies, specializing in premium dog beds. Was the owner in charge of Operations, Customer Service/Experience, and Product Sourcing.

• Improved customer service experience by creating engaged customers.
• Facilitated organic growth by consistent evaluation and analysis of systems such as email and chat services to ensure it was being used to its maximum benefit.
• Utilized customer service and web review technologies to increase consumer satisfaction.
• Managed companies supply portfolio in collaboration with the co-founder in charge of marketing.
• Performed product & shipping cost analysis and benchmarking which lead to an improved ROI.
• Partnered with trustworthy vendors and suppliers to create a curated marketplace for dog supplies.
• Recruited , hired, trained and managed staff.
• Created a process for employee evaluation which resulted in marked customer service relations improvements.
• Implemented efficient operational processes to optimize productivity and resource allocation.

Responsible for administering contracts (Federal, State, and County) for early care and education services for children and families in Broward County, Florida.

• Identified and executed an evaluation plan that improved program quality and children's readiness for preschool in collaboration with Coalition staff members, the board and outside agencies
• Researched and analyzed ECE issues and made suggestions to ELC Board based on findings.
• Formulated and recommended strategies for support and implementation of best practices based on research findings.
• Developed contractual agreements and performance outcomes based on statues set forth by Florida's Office of Early Learning.
• Monitored and provided training/technical assistance in service systems related to ECE quality initiatives, developmental screening, and Early Head Start contracts.
• Collected, analyzed and reported on monthly service data and contract compliance review outcomes at Coalition board meetings.
• Supported and coordinated community-wide activities directed towards the Coalition's mission achievement.

Responsible for complete programmatic coordination and sustainability of a public nonprofit bilingual (Spanish/English) high-quality early education and care program serving Infants/Toddlers, Preschool and Kindergarten aged children within a diverse community.

• Managed and maintained $2,000,000 operating budget
• Provided ongoing direction and leadership for program operations.
• Recruited, trained, and supervised site supervisors, mental health consultants, health and family advocates, administrative staff and subcontractors for infant/toddler and preschool programs.
• Oversaw all aspects of quality assurance (QRIS), NAEYC Accreditation, program operation, and curriculum implementation.
• Maintained systems to ensure provision of quality childcare standards as required by licensing and California Department of Education (Title 5 and Title 22).
• Organized all staff training and development.
• Coordinated and implemented inclusion services, mental health, and social services provided to children, families, and staff.
• Assisted staff in setting program goals.
• Participated as a member of organizations Senior Leadership Team and facilitated Operations Management Team for both sites.
• Coordinated and facilitated monthly parent meetings.
• Represented Holy Family Day Home to broader community of neighborhoods as well as city and state organizations.
  

Responsible for the overall running of the Head Start Center in San Francisco's Chinatown.

• Supervised and supported 10 teachers in implementation of developmentally appropriate (High-Scope) curriculum
• Oversaw all aspects of quality assurance, licensing standards, and ensured Head Start performance standards were being met and maintained.
• Provided professional support, training and ongoing evaluation of staff.
• Coordinated center functions and staff meeting.
• Planned , designed and implemented parent involvement activities and training.
• Collaborated with social service staff to determine individual families needs and developed a plan with families to meet those needs.
• Assisted Educational Manager in coordinating assessments and IEPS for children with special needs.
• Attended community meetings regarding early childhood education and advocacy.
• Participated in home visits.
  

Responsible for the overall running of the Head Start classroom.

• Developed and implemented developmentally appropriate, multi-cultural curriculum.
• Facilitated daily team meetings with teachers, assistant teachers, and social workers to discuss curriculum planning based on each child's individual needs.
• Maintained and completed all necessary documentation demonstrating compliance with Head Start Performance Standards.
• Oversaw training and evaluation of teachers and assistant teachers.
• Supervised and trained parents and volunteers in developmentally appropriate practice and classroom policies and procedures.
• Coordinated , planned and participated in home visits with associate teachers.