Early Childhood Director

JCC Association of North America; Dayton (OH); On-site; USD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The JCC Association of North America seeks an Early Childhood Director to lead its program at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Dayton. The Director will implement innovative programs based on best practices and Jewish values for children aged infants to five years.

This role entails supervising staff, overseeing curriculum development, and fostering strong relationships with families and the community. The successful candidate will hold a Bachelor's degree, have at least five years of relevant experience, and possess strong leadership and management skills.

Salary ranges from $55,000 to $65,000, dependent on experience and qualifications, with other benefits applicable.

Qualifications

• Five plus years of teaching and/or supervisory experience in a similar position.
• Demonstrated experience in leadership and effective guidance.
• Certified in First Aid and CPR.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop Early Childhood programs.
• Manage staff, including recruitment and professional development.
• Communicate effectively with parents and families.

Skills

Supervisory skills

Management skills

Communication skills

Leadership

Computer skills (MS Word, Excel, Outlook)

Education

Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field

Master's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field

Job description

Location and Job Title

Early Childhood Director
Jewish Community Center of Greater Dayton
525 Versailles Drive
Dayton, OH 45459

Principal Responsibilities

The Jewish Community Center of Greater Dayton is seeking a visionary Jewish educator to become the Director of Early Childhood Education. The Director will possess creativity, energy, passion, and strong management skills to lead the Early Childhood Department, which includes a full day year‑round preschool (70 children) for infants through five‑year‑olds. The Director will develop and grow these programs. Our highly successful and well‑recognized program has a goal to combine best practices and universal Jewish values to create a child‑centered learning environment that aligns with the overall mission and vision of the JCC.

The Director of Early Childhood Education is responsible for the development and administration of all Early Childhood programming at the JCC. It is the responsibility of the Director to develop, inspire, implement, and lead a program rooted in best practices in Early Childhood Education, while integrating ideals from a variety of educational philosophies, frameworks, principles, and values. The Director is under the direct supervision of the JCC Executive Director.

Program and Curriculum Development

Lead and direct the design and implementation of a developmentally appropriate curriculum and learning environment while incorporating best practices, current research, and Jewish values. Partner with teaching staff on learning about current curriculum beliefs and practices, creating classroom environments, classroom expectations and accountability, and developmentally appropriate learning goals, guidelines, and assessments. Lead and design written and oral presentations to parents, lay leaders, and other interested groups to communicate and promote program descriptions, successes, and effectiveness.

Staff Supervision and Development

Manage all aspects of personnel, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, supervising, work planning, evaluating, and discipline. Serve as a mentor to teachers and staff and actively facilitate professional development, by creating opportunities for staff to learn in formal and informal settings. Ensure staff is informed, involved, and integrated in the development and implementation of program outcomes and objectives, as well as individual goals and objectives. Leverage the strengths of others to develop an effective team, while inspiring and fostering camaraderie, collegiality, and teamwork.

Relationships with Parents and Families

Effectively communicate the mission, vision, and goals of our programs to parents and families. Act as a resource for consultation and guidance regarding parenting, child development, and education. Communicate with parents regarding their child's progress, developmental or behavioral concerns, or class placements. Assist and guide children and families along their Jewish journeys with holiday celebrations and Jewish family education. Provide tours to new families, representing the vision, goals, and uniqueness of the school.

Administration and Operations

Partner with Marketing Department to provide effective marketing and outreach to promote the school to the community and attract new families/encourage enrollment in our school and programs. Design the physical environment of the school, including potential classroom reconstruction, and oversee ordering of all furniture, supplies, and materials. Develop, implement, and monitor annual program budgets through effective financial management and planning. Develop program fee structures that are consistent with the program value, educational market, and competitor school offerings. Maintain program compliance with Ohio state licensing to ensure the health and safety of all children. Work collaboratively with other internal departments and community organizations to allow for the continuity of Jewish life of the families.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required, Master's degree strongly preferred in Early Childhood Education or related field.
• Five plus years of teaching and/or supervisory experience in a similar position, with a proven track record of success, innovation, and growth.
• Demonstrated strong supervisory, management, oral and written communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated experience in leadership, effective guidance, and stability for program continuity.
• Strong Judaic background with knowledge of Jewish life, traditions and culture required, as well as an ability to integrate these concepts appropriately in programs, our environment, and with staff.
• Proficient computer skills, including usage of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Certified in First Aid and CPR.
• Physically able to walk, kneel, crawl, bend, sit on the floor, and carry/lift up to 35 pounds.

Hiring and Background Checks

Salary is commensurate with previous Early Childhood experience and educational background. Hiring is subject to completion of a background check, fingerprinting, criminal history record information, and child abuse record information check.

Salary

$55,000 - $65,000

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton and its Agencies are an equal opportunity employer.