Director of Early Childhood

The Early Childhood Director provides visionary leadership and operational oversight for the Binghamton JCC Early Childhood program, including Infant, Toddler, Preschool, and Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) classrooms serving approximately 200 children. This role is responsible for shaping and leading the strategy, culture, and long-term vision of the program to meet the evolving needs of children and families in our community. As a key member of the JCC Leadership Team, the Early Childhood Director oversees one of the JCC’s largest core programs and plays a vital role in advancing organizational goals through high-quality early learning experiences. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong expertise in curriculum leadership, child development, behavior guidance, scheduling and operations, and compliance with JCC policies and New York State requirements. They will lead and develop staff, strengthen family engagement, and foster an inclusive community where children, educators, and families thrive. What you’ll Early Childhood Leadership & Team Development Provide day-to-day leadership, guidance, and accountability for the Early Childhood Leadership Team, including the Assistant Director, Experience Manager, and Administrative Manager. Recruit, supervise, coach, and develop a team of 40+ early childhood educators, building a supportive, accountable, and high-performing culture. Partner with the Chief Program Officer to translate organizational priorities into a clear vision, annual goals, and continuous improvement priorities for Early Childhood. Plan and lead professional development, including the annual weeklong training series, monthly learning opportunities, staff meetings, classroom observations, coaching, and performance support. Build leadership capacity and succession readiness throughout the department by empowering managers and educators to take ownership, solve problems, and grow professionally. Program Quality & Educational Excellence Lead and strengthen implementation of The Creative Curriculum across Infant, Toddler, Preschool, and UPK classrooms. Ensure classrooms consistently reflect child-centered, play-based, developmentally appropriate practice and strong socio-emotional learning. Support the Assistant Director in educator supervision, lesson-plan review, reflective coaching, classroom structure, and behavior guidance. Oversee developmental screening and assessment practices, including Ages & Stages Questionnaires (ASQ), and ensure appropriate family follow-up and individualized support. Use enrollment trends, family feedback, classroom observations, quality indicators, and program outcomes to evaluate effectiveness and drive continuous improvement. Maintain at minimum a 4-star Quality Stars NY rating and actively pursue opportunities to strengthen program quality and recognition. Operations, Compliance & Safety Oversee daily program operations, including staffing plans, schedules, classroom coverage, resource allocation, communication systems, and program logistics. Ensure full compliance with applicable New York State regulations, OCFS standards, licensing requirements, JCC policies, and UPK requirements. Maintain strong systems for attendance, documentation, reporting, required records, and timely school-district submissions, in partnership with the Administrative Manager. Oversee the Early Childhood Health and Safety Plan, collaborate with the Medical Liaison, and ensure staff are prepared to follow emergency procedures and safety protocols. Partner with the Facilities Director to prepare for and successfully complete required inspections and to maintain safe, functional, and welcoming learning environments. Ensure classrooms are appropriately staffed, equipped, and supported to meet licensing standards and program expectations. Family Experience & Community Engagement Create a welcoming, inclusive, and relationship-centered experience for children and families from inquiry and orientation through ongoing participation. Respond to family questions and concerns with empathy, clarity, professionalism, and timely follow-through, while coaching staff to deliver the same standard of service. Establish and support an annual Parent Committee and collaborate with the designated Parent Liaison to strengthen family voice and engagement. Serve as a visible ambassador for the Early Childhood program, building relationships with school districts, community organizations, advocacy partners, funders, and other stakeholders. Lead signature community initiatives such as the JCC Literacy Day and collaborate across JCC departments on enrichment programs, open houses, family programs, and major organizational events. Foster an Early Childhood culture rooted in Jewish values and welcoming families of all backgrounds. Financial & Organizational Leadership Develop the annual Early Childhood budget in partnership with the Chief Program Officer and Finance team, including staffing, program, and overhead needs. Manage department budgets and accounts with strong fiscal stewardship, monitor financial performance, and identify operational efficiencies and resource needs. Identify opportunities for enrollment growth, program innovation, grants, community partnerships, and long-term sustainability. Manage Early Childhood grant and allocation responsibilities, including the United Way application and required reporting, and pursue additional funding opportunities when appropriate. Collaborate with Marketing, Membership, Development, Finance, Facilities, Health & Wellness, Youth & Family, Camp, and other departments to advance organizational priorities and create a cohesive JCC experience. Establish and uphold clear Early Childhood policies, procedures, communication practices, and standards of excellence. Who You Are You are a strategic, collaborative, and child-centered leader who can inspire educators while maintaining strong operational accountability. You are an empowering coach who develops staff through observation, feedback, professional development, clear expectations, and supportive supervision. You balance big-picture thinking with the daily realities of staffing, licensing, family needs, classroom quality, and a fast-paced early childhood environment. You hold a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field; a master’s degree in Education is preferred. You hold a valid NYS Teaching Certificate (Birth-Grade 2), or can submit a plan of study to obtain NYS certification (Birth-Grade 2) within five years. You bring at least five years of early childhood education experience, including at least four years in an administrative or leadership role. You have a deep understanding of child development, play-based learning, social-emotional growth, behavior guidance, and trauma-informed, relationship-based practice. You are well versed on OFS regulations and how to ensure compliance. You understand the importance of licensing, compliance, safety, documentation, risk management, and quality improvement in a childcare setting. You communicate effectively, build trusting relationships with families and staff, and manage multiple priorities with sound judgment and a solutions-oriented mindset. You are proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and comfortable learning and using new systems, platforms, and data tools. You are committed to strengthening families and advancing the mission and values of the Jewish Community Center of Binghamton. Why Join Us Lead with Purpose: Guide an award-winning Early Childhood program that serves approximately 200 children each day and plays a central role in the lives of local families. Exceptional Team: Develop a dedicated team of early childhood leaders and educators who care deeply about children, families, and one another. Leadership Impact: Serve on the JCC Leadership Team and partner directly with the Chief Program Officer to shape program quality, culture, growth, and long-term strategy. Professional Growth: Continue building your leadership through ongoing professional development, community partnerships, and opportunities to innovate. Competitive Compensation: Enjoy a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package while building a meaningful career with an organization that values its people and mission. Since its inception in 1927, the Jewish Community Center (JCC) of Binghamton, NY has grown to become an essential part of the Broome County community. As a full-service, non-profit organization, the JCC provides educational, cultural, recreational, and physical fitness programs to enhance the quality of life for all ages, from infants to senior citizens. As a non‑sectarian United Way partner, the Center welcomes participants regardless of age, race, religion, sexual orientation, nationality, or ability to pay. The JCC's facility houses a natatorium with a 2250 sq. ft. pool, gymnasium, small fitness center, men’s and women’s health clubs, steam, sauna, a fitness loft with spin bikes and Pilates reformers, stage, auditorium, and more. Over 200 children are served daily at our award‑winning Early Childhood Center. Our year‑round educational childcare includes UPK, after‑school program, summer camp, and youth sports offerings. #J-18808-Ljbffr