Early Learning Center Director

Early Learning Center Director

Congregation Adath Jeshurun (Elkins Park, Pennsylvania), seeks a warm, self-motivated Director possessing creativity, energy, passion, and strong management skills for its dynamic Early Learning Center which welcomes children from age three months through pre-kindergarten.  We are proud to offer a Keystone 4 Star, developmentally appropriate, inquiry-based program which places a deep emphasis on the individual needs of our children and families.  Our program also incorporates Jewish heritage and culture, Hebrew learning, and provides an education that is rich in Jewish customs, rituals and celebrations.  The program is open to children of all faiths.  The school operates from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM Monday through Friday including before-care and after-care services.

AJ is a vibrant Conservative synagogue, affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism.

Candidate Qualifications

Among the many qualifications and qualities desirable in the next Director are:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field and a minimum of 5 years in education administration;
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook and Excel);
• Commitment to Jewish education as an essential element in perpetuating the beauty, values, culture, and importance of Judaism;
• Knowledge regarding Jewish traditions and age-appropriate curricula of Jewish themes;
• Understand responsibilities for legal issues, such as labor laws, anti-discrimination laws, personnel, etc.
• Meet criteria as set forth for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Keystone Stars Director Certification Requirements;
• Knowledge of certification for Keystone Stars and Pennsylvania Department of Human Services licensure

 Program Administration

• Responsible for the daily operation of the early childhood program;
• Responsible for managing the school’s budget and personnel;
• Responsible for the daily operations of the school including policy implementation, curriculum development, and maintaining the standards required for accreditation;
• Plan, lead and conduct monthly staff meetings and supervise staff in curriculum planning and implementation;
• Implement Preschool policies and procedures and develop the school’s annual budget;
• Participate in local early childhood professional groups;
• Conduct annual staff and program evaluations;
• Work positively and with flexibility to promote an atmosphere of community and cooperation among all stakeholders - parents, staff, clergy, synagogue board and designated congregants;
• Create and actively promote a safe, comfortable and nurturing environment where every child and educator are treated with dignity and respect, in a friendly and personalized manner

 Program Operation 

• Greet staff and parents at arrival and departure time;
• Make daily rounds of the program, stopping in each classroom;
• Conduct regular observations and provide constructive feedback;
• Advise teachers regarding maintaining Professional Development Records;
• Assist with registration and enrollment; provide support to the Administrative Assistant;
• Maintain program data including class lists;
• Facilitate preparation for and implementation of parent/teacher conferences;
• Assess the facility with respect to daily operations, state requirements, and accreditation;
• Responsible for planning and maintenance of the school year and program calendar;
• Writing and implementing grants;
• Responsible for recruiting, hiring, supervising, advising, scheduling, and dismissing staff;
• Maintain documentation on any issues involving parents and/or staff;
• Identify ways to motivate staff and maintain morale;
• Work with the AJ accounting office to create budget, collect receipts, and payroll

 Program Development

• Remain current on issues and trends in early childhood education;
• Attend necessary early childhood conferences;
• Oversee ongoing Keystone Stars certification;
• Implement strategies to recruit and maintain enrollment;
• Market the school effectively to the entire community;
• Conduct and coordinate tours for prospective families

 Salary and benefits information available commensurate with experience.  This is a full-time position for a non-profit organization. The Early Learning Center Director reports directly to the Rabbi. To apply please send resumes to Amy Devine-Stretch, Office Manager at [email protected].