Job Type
Full-time
Description
Director of Curriculum and Teacher Support - Early Childhood Center
Position Summary :
The Director of Curriculum and Teacher Support at our Early Childhood Center (ECC) is one of two Co-Directors at our large Jewish Community Center (JCC) Preschool and is primarily responsible for designing, coordinating, and supervising curriculum, programming, and enrichment activities that align with our play-based, inclusive, and experiential mission. Reporting directly to the Chief Youth Officer (CYO), this role ensures that all aspects of our educational programming foster a nurturing, developmentally appropriate, and engaging environment for young learners. This position will work closely with leadership, staff, and families to uphold the highest standards in early childhood education, with a strong emphasis on Jewish values and learning.
Primary Responsibilities :
Curriculum & Programming :
- Design, coordinate, and oversee ECC curriculum and enrichment programs including special projects for Jewish Holidays.
- Ensure curriculum alignment with the center's mission and play-based philosophy.
- Supervise and support the implementation of a Jewish Early Childhood curriculum including regular classroom observations.
Teacher Support & Development :
Conduct staff performance evaluations and provide regular classroom observations with constructive feedback.Recruit, interview, and oversee the hiring, promotion, retention, and dismissal of ECC personnel.Train new staff and facilitate ongoing professional development, including in-service training.Guide teachers in maintaining compliance with Quality First assessments.Family & Community Engagement :
Serve as a resource for parents, addressing concerns and making necessary referrals.Oversee parent communication platforms (e.g., Procare) in collaboration with the Child Development Specialist.Lead parent education programming on early childhood development and Jewish parenting.Conduct school tours in collaboration with the Program Coordinator.Child Development & Support Services :
Oversee the Child Development Specialist, ensuring regular meetings, setting agendas, and coordinating observations and interventions.Maintain and develop relationships with auxiliary professionals (e.g., speech pathologists, occupational therapists, pediatric neurologists) for staff training and parent referrals.Manage student class placements in conjunction with the Child Development Specialist and teacher recommendations.Shared Responsibilities with Co-Director (Director or Programming and Operations) :
Collaborate with the ECC Parent Committee, attend meetings, set agendas, and execute committee-driven tasks.Engage with other JCC committees and affiliates as appropriate.Stay informed on developments and trends in early childhood education, including JCCA, First Things First, Quality First, and DHS standards.Foster a warm and inclusive JCC community experience for children and families.Actively participate in JCC activities, celebrations, and programs.Conduct monthly staff meetings and plan ongoing professional development.Work closely with other JCC department heads to integrate ECC within the greater JCC community.Represent the JCC within the broader Jewish and general community.Serve on committees and task forces as appropriate.Develop, maintain, and update the ECC Handbook and policy materials.This position is ideal for a passionate, experienced early childhood education leader dedicated to fostering a high-quality, play-based learning environment while building strong connections between educators, families, and the community.
Requirements
Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree in early childhood education or equivalent.Minimum 3 years of experience in an administrative role in early childhood education including supervising experience.Physical Abilities :
Ability to lift at least 40 pounds (helping children, moving classroom materials)Ability to stand, sit, kneel, and bend frequently throughout the dayAdequate hearing and vision to monitor children's safetyStamina for active engagement with children indoors and outdoorsAdditional Requirements :
Current CPR and First Aid certificationArizona Level One Fingerprint Clearance CardBackground check clearanceNegative Tuberculosis (TB) test from within the past year.Familiarity with Arizona's Child Care Licensing Rules & RegulationsSalary Description
85,000-$110,000 annually
