GAN HAYELED SEEKS DIRECTOR OF CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Gan HaYeled Preschool, housed in Adas Israel Congregation, a bustling 1800-household synagogue and DC magnet for contemporary Jewish life and spirituality, seeks a Director of Child Development to oversee, maintain, and grow our school’s strong commitment to a robustly inclusive school environment. Primary responsibilities include classroom observations & teacher support, organizing and leading team meetings for identified students, coordinating all therapies, and parent support and guidance.
The ideal candidate is a preschool leader with experience both at the leadership level and as a classroom teacher. The Director of Child Development is a full-time, year-round position (flexible for the right candidate). This position reports directly to the Gan Director and collaborates closely with the Gan Director (Noah Hichenberg) as well as the Gan Senior Educator/Family Center Director (Darci Lewis).
Seeking a June 2025 start date. Interested parties are asked to email a cover letter and resume to [email protected]
Primary Responsibilities:
Inclusive Leadership
Lead the school in embracing and advancing our core value of inclusivity across all aspects of our program.
Serve as a visionary leader, inspiring teachers to explore and deepen their commitment to inclusive practices.
Recognize developmental trends within the school, implementing therapeutic responses and creating relevant support groups as needed.
Collaborate with the Synagogue’s “Inclusion Team” and provide guidance on inclusive practices to the Religious School.
Classroom Observations & Teacher Support
Observe children in their classrooms to develop tailored support strategies (e.g., visual aids, adaptive tools).
Model skills for teachers, engage in follow-up communication with teachers and parents, and support referrals for additional services.
Review incoming student profiles and supervise the Developmental Support Coordinator to ensure follow-up on developmental needs.
Team Meetings
Lead and coordinate team meetings for students requiring additional support.
Collaborate closely with therapists to ensure that strategies are being consistently applied and adapted within the classroom.
Coordinating Therapies
Oversee and manage on-site therapies, including those provided by our “in-house” team (OT, SLP) as well as external therapists.
Work closely with area therapists and agencies to build strong relationships and ensure the best possible care for our students.
Parent Support & Guidance
Meet with parents to discuss their child's developmental progress and offer guidance on navigating school-related challenges, both behavioral and academic.
Provide support for parents seeking assistance with the kindergarten application process for children with developmental needs.
Keshet Group Supervision
Oversee the Keshet group, a pull-out special needs program that operates daily.
Supervise and mentor the Keshet group instructors to ensure the group’s needs are being met effectively.
Teacher Training & Development
Develop and deliver training for teachers throughout the year—either in whole-group settings, 1:1 coaching, or team-based formats—focused on inclusive teaching practices and child development.
Child Development Tracking
Collaborate with the Gan Director and/or designated team members to ensure the administration of the ASQ (Ages and Stages Questionnaire) twice annually, and the DIAL (Developmental Indicators for the Assessment of Learning) for all rising kindergarteners.
Qualifications:
Proven success in early childhood education, particularly in coordinating services, and supporting teachers and parents.
MSW, LCSW, or LICSW is strongly preferred.
At least 10 years of experience in the field, with a focus on preschool leadership and development.
Familiarity with Jewish communal nonprofits is a plus.
Strong organizational skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced, stimulating environment with a focus on excellence.
Ability to work independently, be self-motivated, and demonstrate a high level of initiative.
Gain certification as an OSSE TAP (Trainer Approval Program) to become a Certified Trainer.
Salary and Benefits:
Salary: $85,000 to 95,000, commensurate with experience.
Benefits: Eligible for all benefits afforded to Adas Israel employees, including health and dental insurance, paid vacation, and sabbatical opportunities.
Professional Development: Significant potential for career growth and professional development. A professional development stipend is available.