What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Early Childhood Education position at The WRK Group?
Join Our Team as Director of Early Childhood Education
Are you a passionate leader who believes in the power of early learning to transform lives? Kingswood Community Center (KCC) is seeking a Director of Early Childhood Education to shape the future of our Montessori-inspired infant/toddler program and pre-K Montessori program. In this role, you’ll lead strategy, growth, and implementation of high-quality early childhood services that prepare children for lifelong success.
WRK Group Overview
REACH serves as the driving force behind the revitalization of the Riverside neighborhood in Wilmington, DE. Guided by the Purpose-Built Communities model, our work centers around four core pillars:
- High-Quality Mixed-Income Housing
- A Cradle-to-College-and-Career Pipeline
- Community Health
- Economic Vitality
Together with Kingswood Community Center, a hub of multigenerational programming, and The Warehouse, a cutting-edge teen-designed and teen-led youth center, we form the WRK Group — a coalition committed to transforming Riverside into a vibrant, thriving community.
Learn more at www.wrkgroup.org
Organizational Overview
Founded in 1946, Kingswood Community Center, Inc. (KCC) sits in the heart of the Riverside Community located in Northeast Wilmington. KCC's mission is to enable people in Northeast Wilmington and surrounding communities to achieve their potential for economic, social, and personal well-being. KCC offers programs for the youngest and oldest alike, including an early learning center, before and aftercare, youth programs, and a senior center. In addition to programming, KCC provides resources, opportunities, and events to all ages.
What You’ll Do
As the Director of Early Childhood Education, you will lead the overall strategy, growth, and delivery of high-quality early childhood services at Kingswood Community Center. You’ll oversee both the pre-K Montessori program and the Montessori-inspired infant/toddler program, ensuring that every child receives the best possible start in life.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop, implement, and monitor curriculum that reflects Montessori principles and meets national best practices.
- Ensure delivery of high-quality, age-appropriate Montessori curriculum aligned with national best practices.
- Recruit, train, supervise, and support program staff, interns, and volunteers.
- Partner with families to engage parents/guardians and connect them to community services.
- Oversee compliance with licensing, regulatory standards, and organizational policies.
- Manage budgets, grants, and contracts tied to early childhood services.
- Develop and maintain strong partnerships with schools, businesses, agencies, and community stakeholders.
- Represent KCC in public forums, donor meetings, and community engagement opportunities.
What We’re Looking For
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Child Development, Educational Leadership, or related field required (must meet state Early Childhood Administrator requirements).
- Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE) credential required.
- Minimum 5 years of progressive management experience in early childhood programming.
- Experience with Montessori teaching or administration preferred.
Certification Requirements
- First Aid/CPR certification (or ability to obtain within 60 days).
- Certification through DEEDS as an Early Childhood Administrator (or ability to obtain within 60 days).
Skills and Abilities
- Deep understanding of child development, youth enrichment, and Montessori-influenced educational practices.
- Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire, supervise, and develop staff.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; able to build trust with children, families, staff, and partners.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to design, evaluate, and continuously improve programs.
- Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
- Comfortable with data tracking, reporting, and using software tools for scheduling and program management.
- Culturally responsive and committed to creating inclusive, equitable learning environments.
Supervisory Responsibility
This position has supervisory responsibility.
Work Environment and Requirements
Schedule: Full-Time, Exempt. Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM (occasional evenings or weekends for special events).
Travel: Minimal; limited to local travel for field trips or partner meetings.
Physical Demands: Must be able to stand for extended periods, bend, lift, and assist seniors as needed. Reasonable accommodations will be made for individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
Physical Demands: Must be able to stand for extended periods, bend, lift, and assist seniors as needed. Reasonable accommodations will be made for individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
How We Evaluate Performance
Performance in this position will be evaluated in alignment with our Employee Handbook.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Kingswood Community Center is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, age, veteran status, or any other protected status under local, state, or federal law.
How to Apply
If you’re passionate about early childhood education and ready to lead transformative programs, we’d love to hear from you.
