Director, Early Childhood Center

Principal Responsibilities:

Position Title: Director, Early Childhood Center

Location: 7802 Bay Parkway, Brooklyn, NY 11214

Reports To: Director of Program Service

Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt

Position Summary

The Director of the Early Childhood Center is a key leadership role responsible for shaping the vision and overseeing the daily operations of the Marks JCH's Early Childhood Programs, which serve infants through age five. This includes tots' programs and parental support, early childhood enrollment support, DOE funded 3K and Pre-K programs, Summer Day Camp, and other initiatives supporting families with young children.

The Director fosters a nurturing and engaging environment rooted in Jewish values, emphasizing developmentally appropriate practices and meaningful family engagement. The role involves instructional leadership, staff supervision, parent communication, regulatory compliance, and program development.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership & Program Oversight Provide visionary leadership for all aspects of early childhood programming, ensuring a high-quality, developmentally appropriate curriculum in a safe and inclusive environment. Promote the mission and values of the Early Childhood Center through collaborative leadership and active community engagement. Oversee the implementation of DOE's 3-K and Pre-K for All curricula, ECERS standards, and regulatory compliance, including ASQ screenings, early intervention assessments, and CPSE referrals. Maintain close collaboration with District 20 DECE partners, including Leadership Coaches, Instructional Coordinators, and Social Workers to ensure alignment with policies, best practices, and curricular implementation.
• Licensing and Safety Compliance Ensure full compliance with NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) Article 47 regulations and NYC Department of Education (DECE) safety and supervision standards. Serve as the on-site Educational Director during operating hours or designate a qualified staff member in accordance with DOH requirements. Maintain accurate documentation, including: Staff health clearances, CPR/First Aid certifications, background checks, and mandated reporter training Logs for fire drills, evacuation plans, incident reports, and sanitation schedules Conduct routine internal audits to verify adherence to classroom safety protocols, child-to-staff ratios, and emergency preparedness plans. Collaborate with JCH operations staff to ensure compliance with building maintenance, food safety, and environmental standards. Respond promptly to safety-related concerns, violations, or investigations in coordination with agency leadership and regulatory authorities.
• Staffing & Professional Development Recruit, hire, supervise, and evaluate all early childhood education staff, including full-time and part-time teachers, aides, and support staff. Provide instructional leadership through classroom observations, curriculum monitoring, coaching, and feedback. Plan and facilitate staff orientation, regular team meetings, and professional development opportunities. Ensure alignment with DECE's professional learning calendar, including participation in at least four citywide DECE learning days per year. Maintain documentation of staff evaluations, performance improvement plans, and instructional progress in accordance with DECE standards.
• Family Engagement & Communication Oversee family enrollment, admissions, and registration processes, including management of DECE's Pre-K Finder and related communication systems. Maintain ongoing, supportive communication with parents regarding children's progress, development, and classroom experiences. Serve as the primary liaison for families, offering a high level of customer service and individualized support. Partner with Early Intervention providers and related service agencies to support family needs and ensure access to appropriate services.
• Inclusion & Special Education SupportFoster inclusive classroom practices that accommodate diverse learners and support the full participation of children with special needs.Ensure compliance with IEP requirements by working collaboratively with teachers, families, and service providers.Coordinate referrals and services with the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) and external support agencies.Provide guidance and resources to families navigating developmental concerns and facilitate timely referrals to Early Intervention and CPSE programs.

Administration & Operations

• Oversee day-to-day administrative operations for all early childhood programs serving children under age five.
• Monitor enrollment trends, manage retention strategies, and maintain up-to-date registration records.
• Collaborate with the JCH marketing team to develop and implement outreach strategies and promotional materials for early childhood programs.

Compensation & Benefits

This is a full-time administrative role offering a competitive salary of $75,000 - $90,000 and comprehensive benefits package including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Paid Vacation and Sick Leave
• Retirement Plan
• 403(b) Plan and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options
• Opportunities for ongoing professional development

To Apply

Please submit a resume and cover letter to: Julia Linetskiy, Director of Program Services J

Minimum Qualifications:

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education (Birth-2nd), Childhood Education (Grades 1st - 6th), or a related field of study (must be approved by DOHMH) (required)
• Valid NYS teacher certification in Early Childhood or equivalent (required)
• Minimum of 2 years' documented experience as a group teacher in a program for children under six years of age (required)
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written
• Certified in First Aid, CPR, and Mandated Reporting (support available for renewal if needed)
• Bilingual English/Russian preferred