About the Role

The Assistant Director of Early Childhood plays a critical leadership role in supporting the daily operations, educational excellence, and community engagement of the Mandel JCC Early Childhood program. This position partners closely with the Early Childhood Director to ensure high-quality curriculum implementation, staff development, licensing compliance, and a warm, safe, and organized school environment for children, families, and staff. The Assistant Director serves as a pedagogical leader, mentor, and operational support, and is prepared to oversee the program in the Director’s absence.

Key Responsibilities

Curriculum & Instructional Leadership

• Train, coach, and mentor teachers in the Creative Curriculum, ensuring consistent, high-quality implementation across all classrooms

• Serve as an expert in Early Childhood Education, providing guidance on child development, best practices, and classroom strategies

• Conduct weekly reviews of lesson plans and provide constructive feedback and support

• Support classroom teachers as needed to maintain program quality and classroom ratios

Staff Support & Professional Development

• Coach and mentor teaching staff, fostering professional growth and strong instructional practices

• Coordinate and track professional development requirements, including CPR, mandated trainings, and ongoing certification needs

• Help onboard new employees, including orientation to policies, curriculum, and classroom expectations

Program Operations & Scheduling

• Share responsibility for staff and classroom scheduling in collaboration with the Director and/or Registrar

• Assist with opening and/or closing the school, greeting families and staff, and ensuring appropriate ratios

• Manage supplies, materials, and ordering to support classrooms and program operations

Licensing, Quality & Compliance

• Assist with State Licensure requirements, documentation, and inspections

• Support participation in and compliance with Step Up to Quality standards and processes

• Assist with regularly scheduled fire drills, evacuation drills, and security preparedness activities

Enrichment & Special Programming

• Coordinate and oversee special programming, including science classes, music, movement, and summer vendors

• Collaborate with instructors and vendors to ensure programming aligns with curricular goals and child development standards

Family Engagement & Enrollment Support

• Assist with school tours, recruitment efforts, and outreach, including preschool fairs, JCC Open Houses, and community events

• Represent the Early Childhood program alongside the Director at internal and external events

Leadership & Collaboration

• Serve as administrator on call and manage the entire program when the Director is out of the building

• Collaborate with other Mandel JCC departments to support shared goals and community initiatives

• Perform other duties as assigned to support the success of the Early Childhood program

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or a related field required (master’s preferred)

• Significant experience in early childhood education, including curriculum implementation and staff supervision

• Demonstrated expertise in early childhood development and best practices

• Experience with Creative Curriculum strongly preferred

• Knowledge of state licensing requirements and quality rating systems (e.g., Step Up to Quality)

• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills

• Experience with Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Suite

• Ability to regularly lift up to 40 pounds

• Ability to stand, sit, stretch, walk for prolonged periods of time

Skills & Attributes

• Collaborative, supportive leadership style

• Ability to mentor and coach educators effectively

• Strong attention to detail and follow-through

• Excellent interpersonal skills with children, families, and colleagues

• Flexible, proactive, and solution-oriented

Reports To

Early Childhood Director

Salary & Benefits

Salary:
Salary is commensurate with education, experience, and qualifications. Competitive compensation offered within the established annual budget between $60,000-$67,000.

Benefits may include:

• Comprehensive health insurance options

• Retirement plan with employer contribution

• Paid time off, including vacation, sick days, and Jewish and secular holidays

• Professional development opportunities and ongoing training support

• Reduced or discounted JCC programming and Early Childhood tuition

• Membership to Mandel JCC

• Supportive, mission-driven work environment within a collaborative JCC community