The Springfield Jewish Community Center’s Early Learning Center is seeking an experienced visionary partner to help guide and support the minds, souls, and hearts of our children, teachers, families/caretakers and community. The Director will oversee our JCC’s Early Learning Center (ELC), serving children ages six weeks through five years. Our ELC places children at the center of and inspiration for our decision making and offers emergent and developmentally appropriate curriculum, experiences and programs that align with the core values of Judaism as well as Massachusetts state standards for children ages 0-5 years.

Position Summary:

The Director is responsible for the day-to-day administration and oversight of every aspect of the ELC - a center of high-quality early care and education - as it relates to our children, staff, and families/caretakers in support of practices that strengthen children’s well-being, health, and safety. This individual is a passionate educator and confident mentor with a keen ability to champion the ELC’s vision and its mission which prioritizes high-quality care and strong partnerships with families. 

As a Director of an ELC, hosted within a Jewish Community Center, this individual supports Judaism as a fundamental part of our program where children of all faiths build a positive identity, learning about Jewish values and lessons. 

This leadership position focuses on mentoring educators as the school’s pedagogical expert, helping teachers design curriculum maps (educational lesson plans) and experiences for children that are rooted in play,  intended to provoke curiosity, based on learning outcomes/standards for Birth - 5, and guided by the interests of the child. The Director will engage all stakeholders in order to continue to support our school.

Requirements:

• Minimum Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field

• Massachusetts Early Childhood license (birth through 2nd grade)

• Proficient in MA EEC regulations and EEC Director Certified II 

• Deep experience working in an early childhood setting

• Proficient in conveying expectations, providing feedback and actively listening to staff, parents and children

• Invests in staff development, recognizes achievements, and creates a positive work environment 

• A leader, experienced with schedule management and  ratios which optimally meet standards and support child development

• Understands and respects various cultural backgrounds of children and families

• Minimum three years teaching and/or supervisory experience in a similar position

• Knowledge of and ability to plan for helping and implementing Massachusetts standards for prekindergarten

• Experience leading professional development efforts and supporting educators within a teaching and learning environment

• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills with an ability to interact effectively with staff, children, and families/caretakers

• Knowledge of Google Suite and competency in general computer skills 

• Knowledge of emergent curriculum, loose parts, and developmentally appropriate educational practice and Massachusetts EEC Learning Standards and Curriculum Guidelines

• Strong leadership (or aspiring leadership) skills (well-organized, communicate effectively, ability to problem solve, and think creatively)

• First Aid/CPR/AED and Medication Administration certifications or willingness to be certified within 30 days of start

• Up to date certifications

• Three professional references (including one supervisor)