Director of Early Childhood Education

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

Job summary

Director of Early Childhood Education at Jewish Silicon Valley / Addison-Penzak JCC leads the ECE department, guiding programming and staff to deliver meaningful Jewish experiences for families in Silicon Valley. Oversees preschool operations and ensures compliance with licensing and best practices.

The role emphasizes budgeting, staff development, and building strong relationships with parents and community partners, fostering a warm, inclusive learning environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood or related field.
• Minimum 6 units in administration and adult supervision.
• Demonstrated leadership and staff supervision experience.
• Knowledge of Jewish values and community engagement.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage budgets and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Develop strategies to strengthen Jewish identity and community connections through programs.
• Facilitate ongoing training and Jewish learning opportunities for staff, teachers, and parents.
• Oversee day-to-day operations of the APJCC ECE department and supervise staff.
• Ensure programs meet California licensing requirements and best practices.
• Serve as primary contact and relationship builder with families and partners.
• Oversee annual budgets for Early Childhood programs with committee approval.
• Collaborate with volunteer committees and represent the organization publicly.

Skills

Leadership experience

Strategic planning

Budget management

Staff supervision

Public speaking

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood or related field

6 units in administration and adult supervision

Job description

Director of Early Childhood Education
Jewish Silicon Valley / Addison-Penzak JCC
14855 Oka Road
Suite 200
Los Gatos, CA 95032

Position: Director of Early Childhood Education

Department: Early Childhood Education

Status: Exempt, Full-Time, At-Will

Pay: $90,000 - $105,000 annual

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.

Minimum 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.

$95,000 - $105,000

Agency Information:

Amenities include fitness center, heated pool, children's pool, lighted tennis courts, full gymnasium, event auditorium and meeting rooms, athletic field, physical therapy clinic, free parking, acclaimed preschool for ages 18 months-5 years, day camp, recreation program for children with special needs, birthday parties, Center for Jewish Life & Learning, holiday celebrations, Judaica and Hebrew classes, enrichment classes on a variety of topics for all ages, sports programs for children and adults. Event rentals available.