Director of Hertz Nursery School

Overview: Temple Israel of Sharon is seeking an experienced and dynamic Director for the Hertz Nursery School, which serves children ages 15 months to Pre-K. The Director will oversee both the summer and academic year programs, ensuring a high-quality, nurturing, and engaging educational environment that aligns with our values and mission. The Director is responsible for sustaining and expanding the nurturing, creative and inspiring early childhood Jewish educational program. 

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the ECC, including hiring, training, supervision, scheduling, HR management, and student and family management.
• Embody Temple Israel’s values and philosophy with passion, warmth and integrity to students, parents, educators and peers. 
• Partner with the Temple Israel professional staff to develop and execute family and joint engagement opportunities to increase enrollments and deepen community connections to allow for a seamless transition for children/families between programs.
• Serve as a senior member of the synagogue's leadership team, contributing to strategic planning and decision-making.

Curriculum Development & Program Excellence

• Collaborate with Assistant Director and staff to ensure curricular excellence and develop age-appropriate instructional activities and lessons infused with Jewish values and customs, providing a rich and culturally meaningful learning environment.  
• Create individual learning strategies for students with diverse needs in collaboration with teachers and caregivers
• Introduce diversified learning to ensure all students learn about themselves, Jewish values, their community, and the world.

Family Engagement

• Conduct tours, attend community gatherings, and initiate a variety of engagement programming on-site and off-site in order to recruit new and prospective families.  
• Maintain timely and effective communications with parents to ensure a quality customer experience.
• Collaborate with the Hertz Parent Committee to foster and facilitate engagement amongst the parents within the Hertz and  greater TI community..
• Work with families to seek feedback for the continued growth and betterment of the school.

Staff Management and Development

• Interview, hire, train and supervise teaching staff. Create annual goals, staff development and training programs and conduct the staff evaluation processes (both formal and informal). 
• Foster a positive, warm, and collaborative culture among staff, encouraging mutual support and ongoing professional development.
• Provide oversight and guidance to teachers and administrative staff in managing substitute staffing and family events.

• Manage the coordination of substitute teachers and classroom coverage in accordance with relevant regulations.

Business Operations

• Ensure best practices in early childhood education by evaluating site performance, growth strategies, competition, family and staff feedback and pricing strategies. 
• Become an expert in security policies and procedures. Demonstrate ability to support and lead teams in emergency situations.
• Prepare an annual budget, including salaries, tuition, and all relevant expenses, with support and collaboration from Temple Israel leadership.
• Ensure the preschool meets all licensing and accreditation standards and regulations, maintaining proper paperwork and records, while remaining up to date on changing pertinent regulations.
• Oversee all operational aspects of the preschool, including but not limited to, budget monitoring, tuition collection, and enrollment.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• EEC Director II Certification
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in early childhood education, including leadership or administrative roles.
• Strong knowledge of child development principles and best practices in early childhood education.
• Familiarity with Jewish traditions, culture, and values.
• Ability to create a positive and inclusive school culture that supports the needs of diverse learners and their families.
• Experience with budgeting, enrollment management, and compliance with state licensing regulations.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Strong computer skills including proficiency in childcare management software (i.e. Brightwheel).

Benefits:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Health and dental insurance.
• Retirement plan options. 
• Professional development opportunities.
• Paid Jewish and Secular holidays and time off.

Submit a cover letter and resume to Executive Director, Karen Nahary: [email protected]. Applications reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Temple Israel of Sharon is an equal-opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.