Open Center for Children - Preschool Director

nrgconsultinggroup; Somerville (MA); On-site; USD 78,000 - 88,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Paid time off

Professional development assistance

Vision insurance

Job summary

The Open Center for Children in Somerville, MA is seeking an experienced Early Education Director to lead a small, play-based program serving up to 29 children aged 2.3 to 5 years. The role emphasizes staff leadership, family engagement, and responsible operations in a mission-driven environment.

Ideal candidates hold MA EEC Director I certification (Director II preferred) and have 3+ years in early childhood supervision or teaching; the school offers a salary of $78,000–$88,000 plus health and

Qualifications

• Massachusetts E.E.C. Director I Certification required, Director II Certification preferred
• Degree from an accredited college or university in Early Childhood Education or related field
• Minimum of 3 years teaching experience at the early childhood level within a play-based curriculum and/or 3 years supervisory experience at an early childhood program
• Experience with groups and families from diverse backgrounds

Responsibilities

• Oversee Center staff: scheduling, professional development, recruitment and hiring
• Communicate with families to establish understanding of Center policies and build community
• Manage day-to-day operations and budget to support Center's future success

Skills

Staff Leadership

Family engagement

Play-based curriculum

Education

Massachusetts EEC Director I Certification

Director II Certification preferred

Degree in Early Childhood Education

Job description

The Open Center for Children is Seeking a New Director

Founded in 1972, the Open Center for Children is a small, independent, Early Education and Care program located near Tufts University and convenient to public transportation. Serving up to 29 children ages 2.3 through 5 years of age, we foster social, emotional, intellectual and physical development.

We believe that children have strong motivation to learn and we provide them with a variety of hands-on materials for exploration and creativity. Through our play-based curriculum, we help children develop the tools necessary for living in a diverse world by being able to resolve conflicts peacefully and challenge stereotypes. Our teaching staff is highly educated, experienced and dedicated.

We are seeking an experienced Early Education Director to lead our school. Ideal applicants will have a love of children, be passionate and enthusiastic about leading a motivated group of Early Childhood educators, and be compassionate and collaborative in working with families. They will be grounded in our play-based philosophy and will take a leadership role in promoting the mission and values of the school.

This full-time position is available now and we will consider candidates on a rolling basis. While we are flexible on the starting date for the right candidate, we would like to fill the role as soon as possible in the fall of 2026.

Job Responsibilities (include but are not limited to):

• Staff Leadership & Development:Oversee the Center staff including scheduling, professional development, and recruiting and hiring as needed; supervise and support staff in implementing curricular and other program activities.
• School Community & Culture:Communicate and partner with families to establish understanding of Center policies and build community and engagement. This includes managing enrollment and retention.
• Operations & Financial Stewardship:Manage the day-to-day operations of the Center, ensuring a caring and safe environment; and partner with the parent advisory board to set and manage a responsible budget that supports the future success of the Center.

Job Requirements

• Massachusetts E.E.C. Director I Certification required, Director II Certification preferred
• Degree from an accredited college or university in Early Childhood Education or related field
• Minimum of 3 years teaching experience at the early childhood level within a play-based curriculum and/or 3 years supervisory experience at an early childhood program
• Experience and demonstrated sensitivity in working with groups and/or families from diverse cultural, economic and ethnic backgrounds.

Job Benefits

The Open Center offers an annual salary of $78,000-88,000 based on the applicant’s experience and qualifications, Health/Dental Insurance, 401k with 5% employer contribution, 3 weeks vacation, 12 paid sick days, 12 major holidays, and reimbursement for professional development.

The Open Center for Children does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, veteran status or disability.

Job Type: Full-time, salaried

Pay: $78,000.00 - $88,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

License/Certification:

• MA EEC Director (Preferred)

Work Location:

In person