Pre-school Director

Temple Shalom Norwalk; Fairfield (CT); On-site; USD 68,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off (PTO)

Holiday schedule aligned with federal/

Job summary

Temple Shalom Norwalk seeks a dedicated Early Childhood Program Director to lead its licensed preschool and daycare, serving up to 93 children within the synagogue community. The role oversees operations, regulatory compliance, curriculum design, and staff/family relations, aligning with faith-based values.

Ideal candidate blends strong ECE expertise with commitment to Temple life, and holds CT Director’s Credential or OEC certification, CPR/First Aid, and leadership experience in licensed

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree required in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field; Master’s Degree preferred.
• CT Director’s Credential (CDC) or OEC Head Teacher Certification, required.
• Current Pediatric CPR and First Aid certifications or ability to obtain upon hire.
• 3–5 years of supervision/leadership experience in a licensed early childhood setting, Director or Assistant Director preferred.
• 2+ years of classroom teaching experience; faith-based or temple setting preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide vision and leadership to create premier educational curricula and deliver high standards of care.
• Ensure full compliance with CT Office of Early Childhood regulations and health/safety standards.
• Develop and implement ELDS-aligned, play-based curricula and assess student learning.
• Manage program budget, inventory, and educational resources; coordinate with maintenance.
• Recruit, mentor, and evaluate teaching staff; support staff engagement and retention.
• Collaborate with Temple leadership, clergy, Board of Trustees, and families.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organization

Problem-solving

Interpersonal skills

Multitasking

Education

Bachelor's degree in ECE/related

Master’s degree preferred

CT Director’s Credential or OEC Head Teacher Certification

Job description

About Temple Shalom: Founded in 1957, Temple Shalom, Norwalk, CT. is a warm, inclusive,

Reform Congregation that welcomes members from all backgrounds. The Temple’s mission is to

create a supportive community that fosters meaningful connection to Jewish life and values by

providing enriching experiences for its diverse congregants. Temple Shalom is a member of

congregation of the Union for Reform Judaism.

Position Summary: Temple Shalom seeks to hire a dedicated, collaborative, Connecticut Office

of Early Childhood (OEC) qualified Early Childhood Program Director to lead its licensed

preschool and day care program located within its vibrant synagogue community. The program

currently serves up to 93 children.. The Director is responsible for operational management, regulatory compliance, curriculum design, and fostering a collaborative, positive, and nurturing community for children, staff and families. The ideal candidate will combine strong early childhood education expertise with commitment and respect for the Temples’ faith-based and community values.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Strategic Management

Provide the vision and leadership to create premier educational curricula and deliver

exceptional standards of care for all age groups of children in the program.

Collaborate with leadership, clergy and the Board of Trustees to develop and

implement strategic goals that align with the Temple’s values. culture, and mission.

Regulatory Compliance

Serve as the designated Director on record and primary point of contact with the CT

Office of Early Childhood (OEC).

Ensure the preschool and daycare remain in full, continuous compliance with OEC

childcare center regulations, health department rules, and fire safety standards.

Maintain accurate, up-to-date program, child, and staff records as required by state

licensing laws.

Oversee licensing renewals, inspections, and corrective action plans, as needed

Curriculum Development & Operations

Engage in the development, implementation and assessment of age-appropriate, play-

based curricula that meet Connecticut Early Learning and Development Standards

(ELDS).

Ensure classrooms promote creativity, inquiry, and joyful learning.

Manage the program's budget, supply inventories, and educational resources.

Ensure a high standard of facility care in coordination with Temple maintenance staff.

Recruit, onboard, mentor, and evaluate teaching staff and create systems that support

staff success, engagement and retention.

Ensure compliance and active program status with the CT Early Childhood Professional

Registry by routinely updating and validating staff credentials in the system.

Oversee staff scheduling to meet OEC ratio requirements across program operating

hours from 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM.

Facilitate and track staff meetings and provide professional development opportunities.

Temple & Community Integration

Build strong, compassionate relationships with parents and caregivers through open

communication, regular updates, and family education opportunities.

Serve as ambassador for the early childhood program within the Temple and the

broader Fairfield County community.

Connect young families with the synagogue activities.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree required in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a

closely related field; Master’s Degree preferred.

CT Director’s Credential (CDC) or OEC Head Teacher Certification, required.

Current Pediatric CPR and First Aid certifications or ability to obtain upon hire.

Ability to complete a minimum of 3 credits in one of the following fields from an

accredited institution within one year of hire: Administration of Early Childhood

education program; Educational Administration

Work Experience

3 - 5 years of supervision and/or leadership experience required in a licensed early

childcare setting, preferably in a Director or Assistant Director position, required.

2+ years of classroom teaching experience, a plus

Experience working within a faith-based or temple preschool setting, preferred

Skills

Outstanding organizational skills, strong attention to detail, and ability to manage

complex program operations

Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills with an ability to build trust with

staff, families, clergy, Board of Trustees, and community partners.

Strong ability to problem-solve, innovate, prioritize, and multi-task.

Ability to safely navigate a preschool environment, including kneeling, sitting on the

floor, and lifting up to 40 pounds if necessary.

Compensation and Benefits: This is a full-time, exempt position with a salary range of $68, -

$75,000 annually, commensurate with experience. Temple Shalom offers comprehensive

benefits including paid time off (PTO) and holiday schedule aligned with federal and Jewish

community.

Temple Shalom is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals and does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital or familial status, veteran status, disability, AIDS/HIV status, medical condition, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.