Assistant Director, Early Childhood Education
Jewish Community Center of Greater KC
The Assistant Director-Operations assists with all aspects of running the Child Development Center at the J and works with a team to help facilitate the overall success of the program. The Assistant Director-Operations will assist and support the Director with the overall school management to promote the development of each child’s physical, social, emotional and cognitive development in a nurturing environment.
General Responsibilities
- Provide for the health and safety of all children in the school.
- Create a positive, warm, individualized, and nurturing environment for children that stimulates inquiry and open-ended thought.
- Consistently treat children, families and staff members with dignity, respect, and compassion.
- Create a safe, healthy, and secure environment for children, families and staff members.
- Promote, administer, and work to implement the J and CDC goals, philosophies, policies, and mission statements.
- Participate in training programs, applicable conferences, courses, and professional development.
- Maintain confidentiality about issues regarding staff members, children and families.
- Model conflict resolution by communicating directly with individuals involved and collaborating to develop solutions.
- Work collaboratively with Assistant Director-Operations to plan and implement CDC Camp special activities, LIT supervisions, etc.
Specific Responsibilities
- Work collaboratively to hire, orient, train, observe, supervise and manage the performance of full time teachers.
- Maintain employee files per KDHE requirements.
- Be accessible and available to parents and respond promptly with respect, sensitivity, interest, and cooperation to their concerns.
- Develop, promote, and organize Enrichment classes within the CDC.
- Schedule and execute all required safety drills.
- Help to facilitate compliance with KDHE regulations in classrooms.
- Complete payroll and time off tracking for all CDC employees.
- Facilitate compliance with the Child and Adult Care Food Program.
- Gather and organize feedback regarding food service/menus.
- Assist in coordinating CDC special events.
- BA or MA degree in Early Childhood Education or related field required.
- Three or more years in a direct supervision role required with substantial experience hiring, training, supervising, evaluating and managing employee performance.
- Ability to build and maintain professional relationships with supervisees, colleagues, parents and children.
- Strong organizational skills including the ability to gather, organize and update data.
- Exemplary customer service skills.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Experience processing payroll including time off
- Experience planning, executing and evaluating special events.
- Knowledge of or willingness to learn and teach Jewish history, culture and traditions.
- Knowledge of the basic principles of computing devices; skills in using computer networks (i.e. shared files and applications); an ability to engage in online communication (i.e. e-mail) and social networks while adhering to behavioral protocols; and the ability to find, capture and evaluate information (i.e. web searches).
Physical Requirements
- Ability to remain seated at a desk and work on a computer for extended periods of time.
- Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, data entry, and operating office equipment such as a keyboard, mouse, telephone, and copier.
- Visual acuity is sufficient to read computer screens, printed documents, and small text.
- Ability to communicate clearly in person, over the phone, and in writing.
- Ability to frequently stand, walk, bend, kneel and sit on the floor to engage with children at their level.
- Must be able to lift, carry, and move children or materials weighing up to 40 pounds.
- Ability to move quickly and respond promptly to the needs and safety of children.
- Sufficient vision, hearing, and speech to supervise and communicate effectively with children, parents, and staff.
- Capable of performing indoor and outdoor activities in a variety of weather conditions
About The Child Development Center
The Child Development Center (CDC) at The J offers families of children ages 12 months through five years a full-time early childhood education experience. The CDC has been offering the metro community a high-quality experience for all families for over 80 years.
The CDC at The J provides a secure environment designed with child-appropriate equipment and décor, enabling children and employees of all faiths, cultures and backgrounds to learn and grow to their full potential.
Our play-based curriculum is based in Jewish values and traditions, is designed to promote self-esteem, independence, cooperative skills and the ability to problem-solve. Children thrive in our warm, vibrant environment. In addition to our curriculum, children are encouraged to participate in age-appropriate activities like American Red Cross swimming lessons and enrichment classes including cooking, art, science, and more.
About The J
The J is committed to creating a diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. The J is Shabbat-Observant Friendly.
The mission of The J is to build a strong, vibrant and inclusive community that enhances wellness, meaning and joy based on Jewish values, heritage and culture.
The J operates on these values:
- Welcoming + Inclusive - We are welcoming, inclusive and nurturing. We invite all to join us in making connections and lifelong friendships.
- Building Community - We believe in the strength of community and we seek to cultivate a sense of belonging in all we do.
- Enriching Mind + Body + Soul - We help individuals live a physically, intellectually, and emotionally healthy lifestyle.
- Passing on Jewish Culture + History - We celebrate and pass on the values, culture, history, and traditions of the Jewish people.
- Treat Others As You Wish To Be Treated - We treat everyone with respect, dignity and loving kindness.