ECC Director

Pressman Academy; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Pressman Academy is looking for an Early Childhood Center (ECC) Director to lead daily operations and educational practices. The ideal candidate will be an experienced leader who values both emotional and systematic excellence in teaching.

The role involves overseeing faculty, ensuring regulatory compliance, and fostering strong relationships with students and parents. A Master’s degree and significant experience in early childhood settings are crucial.

Interested applicants should send their cover letter and resume to Dr. Erica Rothblum at [e-mail].

Qualifications

• Significant leadership experience in an early childhood setting, including supervision of staff.
• Experience managing day-to-day operations in a complex educational environment.
• Commitment to the mission and values of Pressman Academy.

Responsibilities

• Shape daily experiences of young learners in the ECC.
• Lead and support teachers in a nurturing environment.
• Maintain compliance with licensing requirements and regulatory frameworks.

Skills

Developmentally appropriate practice

Social-emotional learning

Leadership and accountability

Communication with parents

Organizational skills

Education

Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field

Job description

Overview

Pressman Academy is seeking our next Early Childhood Center (ECC) Director, a senior leader who will shape the daily experiences of our youngest learners while stewarding a warm, thoughtful, and well‑run program grounded in best practices in early childhood education. The ECC Director plays a central role in advancing Pressman Academy’s mission to develop minds, nurture hearts, and instill Jewish values, serving as the instructional leader, operational manager, and community anchor of the ECC. This is a 12‑month position and a full member of the school’s Leadership Team, reporting directly to the Head of School.

Who We Are

Pressman Academy is a vibrant ECC–8th grade Jewish day school in Los Angeles where relationships, professionalism, and purpose are at the heart of everything we do. Parents, students, and teachers describe Pressman as a second home, a place where children are known deeply, held to high expectations, and supported to grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Our Early Childhood Center reflects these values in action: joyful classrooms, intentional social‑emotional learning, strong parent partnerships, and educators who take their work seriously while never losing sight of the wonder of early childhood.

Who You Are

You are an experienced early childhood leader who understands that ECC excellence requires the best in both heart and systems. You bring deep knowledge of developmentally appropriate practice and social‑emotional learning and also a clear understanding that operations, staffing, and compliance are an essential foundation for a nurturing early childhood learning environment, not distractions from it. You are equally comfortable observing a classroom, coaching a teacher, speaking with a parent about developmental benchmarks, partnering with colleagues across divisions, or supporting a dysregulated child. You value collaboration, but do not avoid hard conversations. And you lead with integrity, consistency and warmth, supporting and guiding the people in your care.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Educational Leadership, or a related field (required)
• Significant leadership experience in an early childhood setting, including supervision, evaluation, and coaching of faculty and staff
• Deep knowledge of developmentally appropriate practice and social‑emotional learning in early childhood
• Demonstrated ability to lead adults with clarity, empathy, and accountability
• Experience managing day‑to‑day operations, systems, and staffing in a complex educational environment
• Strong understanding of licensing requirements and regulatory compliance (including Title 22 or comparable frameworks)
• Proven skill in communicating clearly and proactively with parents about developmental benchmarks, expectations, and student progress
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
• Collaborative leadership style and ability to work effectively as a member of a senior leadership team
• Experience partnering with finance and operations teams around budgets, staffing models, and program planning
• Commitment to Pressman Academy’s mission, values, and Jewish educational environment

Application

Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to Dr. Erica Rothblum, Head of School, at [e-mail].