Early Childhood Center Director
National Association for Temple Administration
Temple Beth Hillel-Beth El is seeking an exceptional leader for our Early Childhood Center (ECC). This position is an integral part of the synagogue's senior leadership team and requires someone with warmth, creativity, strong management skills, and a deep love of Jewish life and early childhood education. Our ECC serves children and their families from three months old through Kindergarten and includes a specialized program for preschool children with delays in the acquisition of one or more areas of language, attention, motor skills, and/or cognitive skills.
About Temple Beth Hillel-Beth El
Temple Beth Hillel-Beth El is a thriving and dynamic Conservative synagogue with an engaged and enthusiastic community of more than 750 member families. Located in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, in Lower Merion just outside of Philadelphia, it has been a cornerstone of the Main Line Jewish Community for 60 years. Under the spiritual leadership of Rabbi Ethan Witkovsky, Rabbi Lilli Shvartsmann, and Hazzan Eugene Rosner, TBH-BE continues to grow and excel as one of the most vibrant Conservative synagogues in the Philadelphia area. We are proudly affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism and The Jewish Theological Seminary of America. Education, prayer, and community are the foundations of our synagogue. Our schools have been recognized for their excellence and innovation, and our staff and lay leaders have been honored locally and nationally for their creativity and quality.
About The Early Childhood Center
Mission: Our mission is to provide young children with Jewish values-based early childhood education within the context of a strong secular program. We develop our children's school readiness, social-emotional competency, and compassion for others with an understanding of culture as both Americans and Jews.
Philosophy: The TBH-BE Early Childhood Center promotes a loving, joyful, inclusive, and playful environment rich in experiences fostering imagination, curiosity, creativity, and independence. Play is at the forefront of our educational philosophy, and we believe that "Nothing lights up a child's brain like play." We serve students from all types of families and pride ourselves on being a diverse, inclusive, and caring community where every student has a special place. Our staff is dedicated to creating a safe, loving, and compassionate learning environment where children are respected as learners seeking meaningful experiences.
Job Duties
Leadership and Vision Setting
● Implement the school's philosophy of Jewish values-based early childhood education
● Inspire teachers to be proud members of the TBH-BE community and committed to continuous learning and growth
● Stay current with trends in early childhood education and ensure that our ECC reflects best practices
● Ensure our school maintains its inclusive environment as welcoming to families of all backgrounds Administrative Responsibilities
● Supervise, manage, and hire teachers and administrative staff
● Manage the leadership team to ensure all essential administrative tasks are handled
● Review and oversee school policies for staff and families
● Work with the synagogue administration team on health and security protocols
● Prepare and submit yearly licensing forms to the proper state agencies
● Prepare the annual budget for the school and ensure it operates within budget with support from the Executive Director and Assistant Director for the ECC
● Oversee the admissions and enrollment processes
Curriculum and Program
● Continue the implementation of the ECC curriculum, The Creative Curriculum from Teaching Strategies
● Lead and facilitate with clergy and educators Shabbat and Jewish holiday programming for the ECC community within the school day
● Develop and maintain a program that serves the needs of our special needs students
● Work with parents to create meaningful programs that engage our families in Jewish life
Qualifications
● An engaging and positive professional committed to fostering an inclusive and nurturing Jewish environment
● Minimum of 5-7 years of teaching, supervising, or leadership experience in a similar field
● Teaching or administrative credential in relevant area
● Master's degree in Education, Early Childhood Education, Jewish Education, or a related field preferred
● Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively
● Efficient and timely management of administrative responsibilities
● Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with parents, children, staff, clergy, and the congregational board
● Knowledge of and compliance with all Pennsylvania standards for DHS and PDE licensed childcare centers
● Familiarity with budget planning and execution
● Judaic background or strong knowledge of Jewish life, holidays, and culture
● Demonstrated ability to lead and support staff through supervision, coaching, and ongoing professional development
● Physically able and willing to engage with children ages 3 months through Kindergarten, including floor play and lifting when necessary
● Flexibility to work occasional evenings, early mornings, and weekends as needed
We are an Equal Employment Opportunity ("EEO") Employer.
TBH-BE does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, gender identity, marital or partnership status, ability, sexual orientation, age, national origin, or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state, and/or local laws.
This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, training, working conditions, transfer, job assignments, benefits, layoff, and termination.
To Apply: Resumes and cover letters can be sent to search@tbhbe.org, “Attention: Matthew Tossman, Vice President for Education