Director of Early Childhood Education
Join our warm and vibrant community at Temple Sinai Nursery School (TSNS), where we believe in the magic of childhood and the power of play!
We’re seeking a passionate and visionary Director to lead our early childhood program. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced leader to inspire young learners, support a dedicated team of educators, and strengthen the TSNS community while ensuring operational excellence and program growth.
About TSNS
At TSNS, we offer a joyful learning environment where children ages 2-5 learn through play, develop their curiosity, and learn to experience the world in an expansive way. At the core of our program is a belief in the importance of developing strong social-emotional skills during the magical years of early childhood.
As an NAEYC-accredited and Partnership for Jewish Life & Learning Commended School, our program is thoughtfully designed, inspired by the Reggio Emilia Approach and grounded in developmental learning theories. We naturally weave Jewish values like kindness (g’milut chasadim), good deeds (mitzvot), and caring for our world (tikkun olam) into our days. We're a close-knit community where dedicated, experienced faculty — many with advanced degrees — passionately nurture each child's social-emotional growth and self-confidence through hands-on learning. Our long-tenured teachers are committed to professional development, supported by specialists and an on-site occupational therapist who partners with families to support individual learning differences. A dedicated volunteer Parent Association and Nursery School Committee further strengthens our community.
Since 1992, TSNS has been a preeminent early childhood program. We're excited to launch an extended day program (with options until 6 pm) in 2025-26, offering greater flexibility for families. TSNS has a strong foundation, an excellent reputation, and we're confident in its continued growth.
Learn more: https://templesinaidc.org/learn/nursery-school/
About Temple Sinai
Temple Sinai, a vibrant Reform congregation in Northwest DC, has been a cornerstone of Jewish life since 1951. We're a warm, inclusive community making Jewish rituals, values, learning, and connection meaningful for all. Our recently renovated building, including a new playground, provides a joyful environment for everyone. Temple Sinai has a long history of social justice. We believe all members can find meaning in helping others and tikkun olam. TSNS parents are invited to participate in this work and the full life of the congregation. Starting this year, Nursery School families can choose to automatically become Temple Sinai members at no additional cost. TSNS warmly welcomes families of all faiths.
Role and Responsibilities:
? Inspire Learning: Guide our engaging curriculum, ensuring it is vibrant, innovative, and reflects the latest best practices in early childhood education.
? Empower Our Team: Grow and nurture a team of exceptional educators passionate about early childhood education, including recruiting talent, providing ongoing evaluation, mentorship, and support, fostering a collaborative and joyful work environment, and facilitating professional development.
? Prioritize Safety: Ensure TSNS is a safe, healthy, and nurturing environment where everyone feels secure and supported.
? Grow Our Program: Drive enrollment through dynamic marketing and social media, warmly welcome prospective families and shape our new extended day program. Enhance our offerings with innovative thinking, nimble response and mindfulness of our current and prospective community needs.
? Engage with Our Community: Cultivate relationships with families and be an ambassador of the program across Temple and community-wide events. Work closely with the Parent Association and Nursery School Committee in ideation and promotion of community-building and fundraising opportunities. As a valued member of the Temple Sinai Senior Staff team, attend meetings with the senior leadership of the Temple as a creative partner and representative of the TSNS community.
? Manage Operations and Finances: With the support of TSNS’ Director of Operations, oversee day-to-day operations, develop and monitor the budget, ensure regulatory compliance, and use data-informed insights to guide decisions. Ensure sound financial management with support from and collaboration with Temple leadership (Clergy, Executive Director, Finance Director, Religious School Director, board officers, finance committee).
Candidate Profile:
? Child-First Focus: A genuine passion for nurturing young children and building strong family relationships. A deep understanding of each child's unique needs and how to create a supportive, loving, learning environment.
? Leadership Experience: Proven leadership in guiding and inspiring early childhood programs. Expertise in fostering a collaborative, supportive team environment where every staff member feels valued and empowered. Strong supervisory skills with the ability to mentor individuals and build a cohesive team.
? Educational Background: A Bachelor's (required) with early education focus and/or Master’s degree in early childhood education, early childhood leadership, early childhood development, elementary education, early special education, or a related field, in compliance with OSSE regulations. Knowledge of teacher certification requirements and NAEYC accreditation standards.
? Curriculum Expertise: A deep understanding of current developmental learning theories, including Reggio-inspired or other constructivist curricula. Passion and handson experience creating engaging, meaningful learning experiences for all children, including those with diverse learning styles.
? Innovative Thinker: A natural problem-solver who approaches challenges with creativity, resourcefulness, and a positive attitude. Experience developing and implementing creative approaches to minimize costs, generate revenue, and increase enrollment.
? Operational Skills: Comfort managing the operational and financial aspects of a school, including budget oversight. A proven track record of ensuring smooth and efficient operation of all systems—from licensing and programming to daily operations.
? Clear and Compassionate Communicator: Possesses outstanding written and verbal communication skills, and is committed to clear, compassionate, and open communication with families, teachers, Temple Sinai colleagues, and community members.
? Jewish Values: Dedicated to providing a nurturing Jewish early childhood experience rooted in Jewish traditions and values. We welcome applicants of all faiths.
? Fundraising and Development: Experience with fundraising and grant writing.
? Essential Certifications: Current certifications in First Aid and CPR.
Compensation and Benefits
? Salary: $120,000-$135,000
? Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plan, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.
Reporting Relationships:
? Reports to: Senior Rabbi and, for contract-related issues, the Board of Trustees, through the President. Indirect reporting and/or coordination with the Executive Director.
? Supervises: TSNS teachers, specialists and consultants; Director of Operations; Administrative Assistant.
Join us at Temple Sinai Nursery School and make a difference in the lives of young children and their families. Apply today!
Seeking a June 2025 start date. Interested parties should submit a cover letter and resume [email protected]