Early Childhood Director

BACKGROUND:

The ECEC at Temple Sinai is a thriving, multicultural program providing high-quality daycare (6 months to 2 years) and preschool (ages 3 and 4). Our spacious facility features bright classrooms and extensive indoor/outdoor play areas designed to help students reach their full potential. We are currently in a growth phase, seeking to increase enrollment from 25 to 50 students over the next five years. At Temple Sinai, our motto is true: Growth Happens Here.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Join our warm, nurturing, welcoming community and build with us. We are seeking a visionary educational leader to drive the ECEC's next level of growth and excellence. As Director, you will oversee curriculum, operations, and strategic marketing to ensure sustainable enrollment growth. You will effectively manage every aspect of the program and engage the children, staff, and parents in the continuous improvement and enhancement of our program. Reporting to the Executive Director of Temple Sinai, you will collaborate with clergy and lay leaders while supervising a dedicated team of approximately 12 educators.

Primary Goals as Director:

• Build upon our positive social and academic environment.
• Instill early childhood education practices and incorporate elements of Jewish traditions in a multicultural setting.
• Expand enrollment by at least 5 students per year over the first 5 year, and continue to grow school ongoing.

Job Accountabilities:

Educational Vision & Program Leadership

• Enhance, adapt, and oversee the early childhood curriculum in alignment with best practices in early childhood education and Jewish educational values.
• Promote continuous program improvement to meet the developmental needs of children.

Enrollment Growth, Marketing & Positioning

• Establish and execute strategic positioning of the ECEC in the market.
• Design and implement marketing initiatives to increase awareness, interest, and enrollment.
• Manage admissions process, parent tours, and family communications.
• Identify, secure, and oversee partnerships that support enrollment growth and community visibility.
• Actively drive growth and innovation across all aspects of ECEC programming.
• Strengthen the ECEC’s long‑term impact, visibility, and reputation through creative and strategic initiatives.

Staff Recruitment, Development & Leadership

• Recruit, interview, hire, and onboard high‑quality staff in accordance with budget.
• Train, manage, and mentor educators to ensure program excellence.
• Conduct regular staff meetings, classroom observations, and professional development activities.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and respectful workplace culture.

Family Engagement & Community Experience

• Create and promote a welcoming, inclusive environment for children and families.
• Build strong, meaningful relationships with parents through consistent, effective communication.
• Support families in addressing each child’s individual learning and developmental needs.
• Foster relationships between enrolled families to enhance the family/community feel of the ECEC.

Operational Oversight & Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure ongoing compliance with all Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC) regulations, including licensing, staffing ratios, qualifications, and health and safety requirements.
• Act as the primary representative for the ECEC with licensing and regulatory agencies.
• Oversee daily operational standards to ensure program integrity and quality.

Financial & Budget Management & Governance

• Collaborate with the Executive Director and Board of Trustees of Temple Sinai to develop and manage the annual ECEC budget.
• Monitor enrollment, staffing, and expenses to ensure financial sustainability.
• Monthly written report to Board of Trustees on enrollment, financial performance, and strategic and operational needs.
• Attend weekly Temple Sinai senior staff meetings and participate in other meetings as needed.
• Contribute to Temple Sinai organization‑wide planning and decision‑making.

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS:

Education Requirements

• Required: Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development or a similar area with an Education focus. Will consider applicants with a degree in other areas, significant related experience, and training in Early Childhood Education.
• Licensing Requirements: Three credits in the administration of early childhood education program or educational administration, 9+ credits in leadership and fiscal management, with at least one year of supervisory experience, and Head Teacher Certification.
• Preferred: Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education or Education with Early Childhood focus.

Early Childhood Experience

• Experience working with young children and their families in a pre-school or childcare environment.
• Application of early childhood development and educational philosophies.
• Ability to implement Connecticut standards for a licensed childcare center.
• Proven ability to lead professional development efforts for early childhood educators.

Business and Marketing Experience

• Recruit, manage, and develop staff.
• Ability to implement best practices in marketing initiatives.
• Develop and manage budgets, income, and expenses.
• Post engaging content on social media.

Other

• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
• Competency in Microsoft Suite, including Teams, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Familiar with CRM and database management software; ShulCloud a plus.
• Highly organized, self-starter.

Pay: $85,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

License/Certification:

• Head Teacher Certification (Required)
• Work Location: In person