Position Summary:

The Co- Director of Curriculum and Instruction, along with the ELC Co-Director for Compliance and Operations, is responsible for the day-to-day administration and oversight of every aspect of the ELC as it relates to our children, staff, and families/caretakers. Both Directors help to run our school.

This leadership position focuses on mentoring educators as a pedagogical expert, helping them design curriculum maps (lesson plans) and experiences for children that are rooted in play, intended to provoke curiosity, based on learning outcomes/standards for Birth - 5, and guided by the interests of the child.

Duties and Responsibilities (Under the supervision of the Sr. Director, Youth and Family Programs):

• Work with the staff to develop, refine and implement a child-centered curriculum based on the interests of the students, the backgrounds of the families/caretakers, Jewish values and traditions, and Massachusetts frameworks for Early Childhood.

• Hire, train/onboard, and support new and existing staff to ensure the overall success of continuous curriculum design and implementation that is supportive of children’s individual growth and development.

• Continue to grow and support the JCC’s mission and vision as it relates to our preschool: The Springfield Jewish Community Center enriches community and nurtures wellness through physical, intellectual, social and spiritual programs and services.

• Create and actively promote a welcoming environment where every staff member, child, and parent/caretaker is treated with dignity and respect.

• Supervise staff and offer instructional guidance through regular staff meetings, classroom observations, and ongoing professional development both during and after the teacher work day.

• Provide support and guidance to the staff and parents/caretakers to meet each child’s individual learning needs as our ELC is able.

• Establish meaningful relationships with all children and their families/caretakers

• Maintain effective communication (oral and written) with all stakeholders.

• Provide coverage as needed in classrooms to maintain safe ratios.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Recruit new families and staff via job fairs

• Plan and host community events with other departments

• Maintain and seek out new partnerships with local colleges and local early childhood agencies

• Coordinate school wide/community events

• Work with outside consultants to further our work with children, staff, and families

• Make decisions independently as needed

• Any other tasks/activities deemed necessary by the Sr. Director

Education and Experience :

• Minimum Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field

• Massachusetts Early Childhood license (birth through 2nd grade)

• EEC Director Certified (no exceptions)

• Experience working in an early childhood setting

• Minimum three years teaching and/or supervisory experience in a similar position

• Knowledge of and ability to plan for helping and implementing Massachusetts standards for prekindergarten

• Experience leading professional development efforts and support educators within a teaching and learning environment

• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills with an ability to interact effectively with staff, children, and families/caretakers

• Knowledge of Google Suite and competency in general computer skills

• Knowledge of emergent curriculum, loose parts, and developmentally appropriate educational practice and Massachusetts EEC Learning Standards and Curriculum Guidelines

• Strong leadership (or aspiring leadership) skills (well-organized, communicate effectively, ability to problem solve, and think creatively)

Candidate must also have:

• First Aid/CPR/AED and Medication Administration certifications or willingness to be certified within 30 days of start

• Up to date certifications

• Three professional references

This position is full time, exempt, and benefit-eligible.