Director of Early Childhood Education

About Us:

At the Glen Rock Jewish Center nursery school, we believe early childhood education can begin a child’s lifelong love of learning. Our thoughtfully designed programs foster core values such as kindness, collaboration, and resilience, empowering children to thrive both as individuals and as part of a community. Guided by a progression of age-appropriate activities, we nurture each child’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development in a warm, inclusive, and supportive environment.Through engaging, play-based learning, we ignite curiosity, spark creativity, foster independence, and build the confidence children need to embrace challenges and explore the world with wonder.

We are a Jewish nursery school of approximately 80 children and 20 staff, open to the community, regardless of religious affiliation. Our school operates from 9:00 AM to 2:45 PM, with extended-care options from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Teachers and staff play a key role in delivering a well-rounded educational experience, which includes special programming such as yoga, music, and creative activities, as well as occasional evening events like Nursery School Havdalah and Family Shabbat. Additionally, our summer camp provides a vibrant extension of our school year, offering children enriching and engaging activities throughout the summer.

Position Overview:

The Director of Early Childhood Education oversees all aspects of the nursery school’s daily operations, including faculty, students, families, programs, facilities, and curriculum. The Director ensures the implementation of a child-centered, inquiry-based curriculum enriched with Jewish values and traditions, while fostering a strong sense of community among families and staff. The Director will actively support the teaching staff by fostering open communication, providing professional guidance, and serving as a consistent and encouraging presence in their classrooms. Additionally, the Director works within the greater Glen Rock Jewish Center community, aligning with the synagogue’s mission and philosophy, and partnering with the Rabbi and other staff members.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Vision

• Develop and articulate a clear vision for the nursery school that aligns with play-based learning principles and Jewish values
• Act as the primary ambassador for the school, building strong relationships with families, the synagogue, and the broader community
• Create and maintain a warm, inclusive, and welcoming environment for children of all backgrounds and abilities
• Cultivate strong relationships with families, GRJC staff, and the nursery school Parent Association chairs

Curriculum & Programming

• Supervise a curriculum that meets academic standards through constructive play
• Oversee the development and implementation of curriculum that promotes social-emotional, cognitive, and physical growth while integrating Jewish holidays, traditions, and values
• Encourage and support innovative teaching practices that reflect the principles of inquiry and exploration
• Hold an age-appropriate and consistent approach to discipline
• Plan and lead Jewish holiday celebrations, yearly Shabbat/Havdalah programs, and other school events for nursery school families
• Manage and oversee summer camp programming and staffing
• Manage and oversee infant and toddler programming and staffing

Staff Management

• Recruit, hire, train, evaluate, and supervise teaching staff to ensure high-quality instruction and alignment with the school’s mission
• Provide ongoing professional development opportunities, including staff orientation the week before school begins
• Cultivate a positive and warm culture that promotes an atmosphere of professionalism, respect, collaboration, and enthusiasm among the staff
• Work with staff on curriculum development by guiding the design and implementation of lesson plans, overseeing and maintaining curriculum standards, and conducting classroom observations

Family Engagement

• Build strong relationships with families, providing support and guidance to ensure a positive early childhood school experience
• Facilitate teachers’ open communication and regular updates about children’s progress and classroom activities
• Foster a strong sense of community among the nursery school families through school events, newsletters, and communication
• Encourage graduating families to continue learning and participating in the GRJC through our Hebrew School and other types of child and family programming

Operations & Administration

• Work with the GRJC Finance leadership and Director of Operations to develop and manage the nursery school budget and billing 
• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal licensing and accreditation requirements
• Ensure all state/DCF requirements and records for children and staff are maintained, as required by the State of NJ
• Maintain a safe, clean, and inviting learning environment
• Develop and implement policies, procedures, and systems to ensure the smooth operation of the school
• Plan and manage emergency response procedures and drills, coordinating with the synagogue facilities and security managers

Community Building & Outreach

• Promote the nursery school within the local Jewish and broader community to attract new families
• Guide enrollment and onboarding of new families
• Participate in meetings, conferences, and professional development opportunities

Qualifications:

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required or master’s degree (preferable) in Early Childhood Education
• Minimum 4 years of professional teaching experience with toddlers and preschoolers
• Minimum 2 years of supervisory experience, including program leadership responsibilities and professional administration experience in a nursery school setting. This includes educational programming, staff management, and budgeting.
• Knowledge of Jewish traditions, holidays, and values, with the ability to integrate them meaningfully into the curriculum

Skills & Attributes

• Heartfelt passion for working with children and dedication to fostering a love of learning
• Demonstrate exceptional organizational, time management, and multitasking abilities
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Creativity, flexibility, and a collaborative spirit
• Financial and operational management experience
• Experience with New Jersey DCF and BOH licensing requirements

Certifications

• Meets or exceeds state licensing requirements for early childhood educators and directors
• CPR and First Aid certified (or willingness to obtain)

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications, $80,000-$90,000
• Benefits package, including health insurance without contributions, paid time off, and professional development opportunities
• Tuition discount (if applicable)

To apply: Please send resume and cover letter to [email protected].