Director of Early Childhood Education

Job Title: Director of Early Childhood Education (Preschool Director)

Location: Alefbet Preschool, Congregation Beth Shalom, Atlanta, GA
Reports to: Executive Director and Rabbi
Status: Full-time, Exempt
Start Date: January 5, 2026

Position Overview:

Congregation Beth Shalom, a warm and vibrant Conservative synagogue, is seeking a dynamic and experienced Director of Early Childhood Education to lead our Alefbet preschool. The Preschool Director will oversee the daily operations of the early childhood program, ensuring a nurturing, inclusive, developmentally appropriate, and Jewishly rich learning environment for children ages 12 months to 5 years, with roughly 35-40 students. This role blends educational leadership, operational management, community building, and a deep commitment to Jewish values and traditions within the Conservative movement.

Key Responsibilities:

Educational Leadership

• Develop and implement a developmentally appropriate, play-based curriculum aligned with early childhood best practices and infused with Jewish values, culture, and traditions.
• Promote social, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual growth in a nurturing environment.
• Support and guide teachers in classroom management, lesson planning, and professional development.
• Ensure alignment of programming with the values and mission of the synagogue and Conservative Judaism.

Staff Management

• Recruit, hire, train, and evaluate preschool teachers and support staff.
• Foster a collaborative, supportive, and professional culture among staff.
• Lead staff meetings and facilitate ongoing professional development opportunities.

Family and Community Engagement

• Build and maintain positive relationships with families and serve as a trusted partner in their children’s education.
• Foster positive relationships with families.
• Organize and lead parent communication, events, and workshops.
• Collaborate with synagogue clergy and lay leadership to integrate the preschool into the broader synagogue community.
• Engage preschool families in Jewish holiday and Shabbat celebrations that involve children and families.

Administrative & Operational Management

• Oversee day-to-day operations, including scheduling, licensing compliance, budgeting, and enrollment.
• Oversee preschool marketing, website and community visibility efforts.
• Maintain compliance with local and state early childhood education regulations.
• Manage financial aspects including tuition, billing, payroll oversight, and budgeting (in collaboration with synagogue administration). Alefbet Preschool is a Bright from the Start Certified program.
• Develop and implement health, safety, and emergency protocols.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in early childhood education, including supervisory or administrative experience.
• Deep knowledge of early childhood development and play-based learning.
• Familiarity with Jewish holidays, rituals, and traditions, particularly within the framework of Conservative Judaism.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Warm, approachable, and collaborative leadership style.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in a Jewish preschool or synagogue setting.
• Understanding of kashrut, Shabbat observance, and other synagogue-based community practices.
• Familiarity with Judaic curriculum resources and Hebrew language integration.
• Ability to collaborate with clergy, synagogue leadership, and lay committees.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Salary: Competitive and commensurate with experience.
• 10 paid vacation days (in addition to paid school vacations), sick leave, parental leave, health plan or insurance premium assistance, participation Joint Retirement Board for Conservative Judaism 403(b)(9), professional development funds, synagogue membership.
• Perks: flexible schedule and ability to leave early for Shabbat, vibrant local Jewish community

Application Process:

To apply, please submit your resume, cover letter, and references to resumes@bethshalom.net. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.