Director of Early Childhood Education

Jewish Silicon Valley; Los Gatos (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Jewish Silicon Valley in Los Gatos, CA seeks a Director of Early Childhood Education to oversee the ECE department, staff and programming. The DECE will guide vision and ensure daily operations of JSV’s preschool and related programs.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood or related field, at least six administration units, strong leadership, and excellent communication skills. California licensing knowledge is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood or related field required.
• Minimum 6 units in administration and adult supervision required.
• Knowledge of core Jewish values, concepts and traditions and ability to teach them.
• Demonstrated success leading and managing professionals, staff and volunteers.
• Experience developing and implementing strategic activities with clear goals.
• Familiarity with the organized Jewish community and Jewish history/culture.

Responsibilities

• Develop strategies to strengthen Jewish identity and connection to community through programs.
• Facilitate ongoing training and Jewish learning opportunities for staff and parents.
• Oversee and manage day-to-day operations of APJCC ECE department and supervise staff.
• Ensure that all APJCC childcare programs meet California licensing requirements.
• Serve as primary contact and relationship builder with parents, grandparents and community partners.
• Oversee annual budgets for all Early Childhood programs with board approval.
• Collaborate with volunteer committees on family and educational activities.
• Represent the organization in professional organizations and with partner entities.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Analytical skills

Leadership

Task management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood or related field

Six units in administration and adult supervision

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Jewish Silicon Valley - Los Gatos, CA 95032, Position Type: Full Time, Salary Range: $90,000.00 - $105,000.00 Salary/year, Job Shift: Traditional & Non-Traditional Hours, Job Category: Education, Summary

The Director of Early Childhood Education (DECE) will oversee the Early Childhood Education Department, staff and programming. This position will be responsible for guiding the vision and ensuring the successful day-to-day operations of JSV’s early childhood education program to welcome, connect and engage families through meaningful Jewish experiences. The DECE will directly supervise the APJCC preschool and its attendant programs.

Goals to the ECE Department

• Foster long-term relationships among Jewish children and their families, to enhance their connection to Jewish life in Silicon Valley and to build a strong, supportive community.
• Participate in local Jewish Preschool directors' forums for support and sharing of best practices and professional development collaboration.
• Provide accessible, relevant, and fun programs for children and their families to engage in Jewish learning and self-expression such as:
• Jewish Preschool - year round
• Holiday programs & special events
• Social activities
• Events with other Jewish organizations

Areas of Responsibility

• Develop strategies to strengthen Jewish identity and connection to Jewish community through relevant programs and collaborations that best meet the evolving needs of young children.
• Facilitate ongoing general training and Jewish learning opportunities for education and support staff, teachers, and parents through JSV and across agencies.
• Oversee and manage day-to-day operations of APJCC ECE department, including providing direct supervision of teaching, inclusion, and administrative staff.
• Ensure that all APJCC childcare programs meet California licensing requirements and maintain the highest standards and best practices in the field.
• Serve as primary contact, advisor and key relationship builder for Jewish Silicon Valley to establish trusted relationships with parents, grandparents and community partners.
• Oversee development of and maintain annual budgets for all Early Childhood programs, with approval from the JSV Finance Committee and Board of Directors.
• Work with volunteer committees to support family and educational activities.
• Represents the organization in professional organizations including JCCA, JCCA’s Sheva Center, Innovation in Early Childhood Education and community partner relationships.

Qualifications: Qualifications and competencies

• Minimum Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in Early Childhood or related field
• Minimum 6 units in administration and adult supervision
• Knowledgeable about and commitment to core Jewish values, concepts and traditions and the ability to demonstrate, communicate and represent those to others.
• Demonstrated success leading and managing other professionals, support staff and volunteers to achieve goals
• Demonstrated success developing and implementing strategic activities and tasks with clear goals and objectives.
• Knowledge of the organized Jewish community.
• Familiarity with Jewish history, tradition, culture.
• Understanding of the complexity of the volunteer/professional relationship and success managing those relationships in a warm and professional manner.
• Analytical skills and the ability to problem solve.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present at public platforms
• Demonstrated success working collaboratively and cooperatively with others, other departments within the organization and with other organizations and entities.
• Willingness and eagerness to explore new ideas.
• Process-driven with exceptional reporting and analytical skills are beneficial.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

The working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to:

• Community Center and office environment
• Ability to sit for long periods.
• Routinely uses standard office equipment such as phones, computers and printers.
• Ability to lift/carry at least 25 lbs.

JSV is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer-Minority/Female/Veteran/Disability

Disclaimer: This job description indicates in general terms, the type and level of work performed as well as the typical responsibilities of employees in this classification. The duties described are not to be interpreted as being all-inclusive to any specific employee. Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and, when possible, to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job. Nothing in this position description changes the at-will employment relationship existing between JSV and its employees