Director of Early Childhood Education

Job Description

Job Description

About This Role

About Earthplace

Earthplace connects people with nature for life. Since 1958, Earthplace has inspired environmental stewardship through immersive nature experiences, community science, wildlife education, and hands-on learning opportunities. Situated on a 62-acre wildlife sanctuary in Westport, Connecticut, Earthplace serves as a regional hub for environmental learning and nature discovery.

One of the nation's oldest nature-based preschool programs, Earthplace’s early childhood education program has been a leader in outdoor learning since 1967. Through daily exploration, discovery, and connection with the natural world, we cultivate curiosity, confidence, resilience, and a lifelong appreciation for nature in young children.

Earthplace is committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and nurturing learning environment for all children and families. We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive in a community that values diversity, respects individual differences, and promotes a sense of belonging.

The Director of Early Childhood Education provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for Earthplace’s early childhood education programs, including our full-time childcare classrooms, part-time preschool classrooms, and co-leadership of Earthplace Summer Camp. As a member of the senior leadership team, the Director is responsible for advancing Earthplace’s mission through high-quality, nature-based educational experiences that support the development and well-being of young children.

Position Summary

This position oversees program development, curriculum leadership, staff recruitment and supervision, budget management, licensing and accreditation compliance, family engagement, and overall program quality.

The Director serves as a champion for inclusive, child-centered learning and ensures that all programs provide a safe, nurturing, and inspiring environment where children can learn, grow, and develop meaningful connections with the natural world.

The ideal candidate is an experienced educational leader who combines a passion for early childhood education with strong organizational, communication, and team development skills.

Program Leadership & Strategic Planning

• Provide overall leadership for Earthplace’s early childhood education programs, ensuring alignment with Earthplace’s mission, values, and nature-based educational philosophy.
• Develop and implement program goals, educational priorities, and curriculum frameworks that foster exploration, discovery, and environmental stewardship.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director and the Director of Finance and Administration to establish annual program budgets and manage revenues and expenses.
• Participate as an active member of the Senior Leadership Team, contributing to organizational planning, decision-making, and cross-departmental collaboration.
• Evaluate program effectiveness and identify opportunities for continuous improvement and innovation.
• Support Earthplace community outreach, events, and partnership initiatives.

Curriculum & Educational Excellence

• Lead curriculum development and implementation across all early childhood programs.
• Ensure educational experiences are developmentally appropriate, inclusive, engaging, and grounded in nature-based learning.
• Partner with teachers to establish learning objectives and enhance classroom practices.
• Monitor assessment processes and ensure alignment between curriculum, child development goals, and program outcomes.
• Promote best practices in inclusion and support for both neurotypical and neurodivergent learners.

Staff Leadership & Development

• Recruit, hire, onboard, supervise, and retain high-quality teaching and support staff.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and mission-driven team culture.
• Conduct regular classroom observations and provide coaching, mentorship, and constructive feedback.
• Partner with staff to establish professional growth goals and conduct formal performance evaluations.
• Plan and facilitate regular staff meetings, training opportunities, and professional development initiatives.
• Ensure staff maintain all required certifications, professional development hours, background checks, and training requirements.
• Collaborate with Summer Camp leadership to recruit, train, and support seasonal camp staff.

Family & Community Engagement

• Cultivate strong partnerships with families and create a welcoming, inclusive community for all family structures and backgrounds.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for parent communications, including newsletters, program updates, information sessions, and family meetings.
• Support teachers in building effective and positive relationships with families.
• Partner with parent organizations and advisory groups to strengthen family engagement and gather feedback.
• Conduct tours and enrollment meetings with prospective families, effectively communicating the program’s philosophy and value.

Child Development & Student Support

• Ensure that each child is supported in a safe, nurturing, and responsive learning environment.
• Oversee the implementation of positive behavior guidance practices and social-emotional learning approaches.
• Observe classrooms regularly and collaborate with teaching staff to support individual student needs.
• Partner with families and outside specialists, when appropriate, to support children requiring additional resources or accommodations.
• Promote a culture where every child feels respected, valued, and capable.

Health, Safety & Risk Management

• Maintain compliance with all state licensing requirements, health regulations, and accreditation standards.
• Ensure child and staff health records are complete and current.
• Oversee emergency preparedness procedures, health protocols, medication administration policies, and safety practices.
• Coordinate required staff certifications and training, including CPR, First Aid, Medication Administration, EpiPen, OSHA, and other mandated programs.
• Promote a healthy learning environment, including oversight of nutrition and wellness practices.

Accreditation, Compliance & Professional Standards

• Ensure compliance with Connecticut Office of Early Childhood licensing standards and reporting requirements.
• Lead efforts to maintain and strengthen NAEYC accreditation.
• Stay informed of current trends, research, and best practices in early childhood education and nature-based learning.
• Build relationships with external consultants and professionals to strengthen program quality, including experts in child development, health, mental health, special education, and environmental education.
• Represent Earthplace in professional organizations and community networks relevant to early childhood education.

Screener Questions

Below are three open-ended screening questions designed to assess both leadership capabilities and alignment with Earthplace's mission and educational philosophy. Please send in your answers to these questions along with your resume and cover letter.

Understanding of Nature-Based Education

What is your understanding of nature-based preschool education, and how do you believe regular experiences in nature contribute to young children's social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development? Please provide examples from your experience if applicable.

Supporting Teachers and Partnering with Families

In early childhood education, there are times when parents may question classroom practices, program policies, or educational approaches. Describe a situation in which you supported teachers through a challenging parent concern or disagreement. How did you balance supporting staff, maintaining trust with families, communicating organizational values and policies, and working toward a positive resolution?

Early Childhood Education Philosophy, Inclusion, and Belonging

What is your personal philosophy of early childhood education? How does your philosophy influence the way you support children, families, and teaching staff in creating a positive and inclusive learning environment? Additionally, how would you support teachers in creating classrooms where all children and families feel represented, respected, and experience a strong sense of belonging?

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in early childhood education, including supervisory or leadership responsibilities.
• Minimum five years of teaching experience or related experience.
• Demonstrated experience managing educational programs, staff supervision, and family engagement.
• Knowledge of child development, developmentally appropriate practice, and inclusive education.
• Strong interpersonal, leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with children, families, staff, and community partners.
• Commitment to Earthplace’s mission and passion for nature-based education.
• Current or ability to obtain required certifications, including CPR, First Aid, Medication Administration, and other state-mandated training.

Preferred

• Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Educational Leadership, or a related field.
• Experience with NAEYC accreditation and Connecticut Office of Early Childhood licensing requirements.
• Experience in nature-based, outdoor, or environmental education programs.
• Experience managing budgets and program operations.
• Training or experience supporting neurodivergent learners and inclusive classrooms.

Mission Alignment

• Genuine passion for environmental education, sustainability, and connecting people to nature for life.

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Child Care Discount
• Professional Development
• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and life insurance.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Professional development opportunities and continuing education support.
• Opportunity to lead one of the region’s pioneering nature-based early childhood education programs within a mission-driven organization dedicated to environmental stewardship and lifelong learning.