Preschool Director- Universal PreK Program

Director of West Orange Universal Pre-K Program

Temple B’nai Abraham
West Orange, New Jersey

Position Overview

Temple B’nai Abraham seeks a dynamic and experienced early childhood leader to serve as Director of the West Orange Universal Pre-K (UPK) Program housed within our facility. This is a Temple B’nai Abraham staff position, working in close partnership with the West Orange Public Schools to implement a high-quality, state-funded preschool program.

The Director provides leadership, educational oversight, and operational management of the UPK program while coordinating closely with both the public school district and the Temple’s private early childhood programs and building operations. This role ensures full compliance with New Jersey state requirements while maintaining alignment with the culture, policies, and daily rhythms of Temple B’nai Abraham.

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with NJDOE Preschool Program Implementation Guidelines and all licensing requirements through the New Jersey Department of Children and Families
• Serve as the primary liaison to the West Orange Public Schools for all UPK-related matters
• Maintain all required documentation, reporting, and audit readiness
• Oversee enrollment, classroom ratios, and adherence to all UPK mandates

Curriculum & Instruction

• Implement and monitor High-Scope, preschool curriculum used by West Orange Public Schools
• Provide instructional leadership, coaching, and evaluation of teaching staff
• Ensure classrooms reflect developmentally appropriate, play-based, and culturally responsive practices
• Oversee child assessment systems and use data to guide instruction

Staff Supervision & Development

• Hire, supervise, and evaluate UPK teaching staff and support personnel
• Provide ongoing professional development and coaching
• Foster a collaborative, reflective, and growth-oriented team culture
• Ensure all staff meet credentialing and training requirements

Family & Community Engagement

• Build strong, trusting relationships with families through clear communication and engagement opportunities
• Support family education initiatives and conferences
• Address family questions and concerns with professionalism and care
• Promote an inclusive, welcoming environment for all families

Site Coordination & Building Operations

• Coordinate daily operations of the UPK program within Temple B’nai Abraham’s shared facility
• Collaborate closely with Temple leadership, including early childhood and program directors, to align schedules, space usage, and policies
• Partner with the Temple’s private preschool programs to ensure cohesive practices, communication, and community experience
• Work with facilities staff to maintain a safe, compliant, and well-functioning environment
• Coordinate logistics such as arrival/dismissal, security procedures, shared spaces, and special programming
• Ensure UPK program operations integrate smoothly into the broader Temple environment

Operations & Administration

• Oversee daily program operations, including scheduling and staffing
• Collaborate with Temple leadership on budgeting and resource allocation
• Ensure all health, safety, and risk management protocols are followed
• Coordinate with external services such as transportation, food programs, and related supports. Experience with CCAFP a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Educational Leadership, or related field preferred
• New Jersey Preschool-Grade 3 (P-3) Certification required
• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in early childhood education, with leadership experience strongly preferred
• Knowledge of NJ UPK requirements and preschool program standards
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills

Benefits:

*Health Insurance, including vision and dental

*403B Option

*Paid holidays, personal and sick leave

*Professional Development Opportunities

Salary: Follows West Orange School District Scale based on experience and education level

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $50,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Ability to Commute:

• Livingston, NJ 07039 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Livingston, NJ 07039: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $50,000 - $80,000