Job Description

The Bertha Alyce Early Childhood Center of the Evelyn Rubenstein JCC is a forward-thinking Jewish preschool in SW Houston, serving students who range in age from 6 weeks to 5 years. Welcoming over 200 children and their families, this school is founded on the ethics and values of Judaism and is committed to excellence and innovation. Our collaborative team of professionals engage in creative, dynamic curriculum development for preschool children and continuously improve the school through ongoing professional development.

We are seeking an experienced Director of Early Childhood Education to serve as the educational leader of the Early Childhood Program. The Director is responsible for all compliance with NAEYC and State guidelines and regulations pertinent to the operation of the early childhood program and facilities. Candidates must have a minimum of a master’s degree in early childhood or related field, be able and willing to work flexible 40 hour work week, and have excellent oral and written communication skills in English.

WHAT YOU WILL DO, IN GENERAL:

1. Responsible for health, safety, growth, and development of all the children.

2. Complies with Texas licensing requirements and NAEYC standards.

3. Provides strong, professional, and accurate management of front office and enrollment.

4. Creates a responsive environment for parents.

5. Collaborates with other staff members of the J.

6. Uphold Jewish values throughout the programs and curriculum.

WHAT YOU WILL DO, SPECIFICALLY:

1. Oversee the day-to-day operations of BAS.

2. Create, maintain, and model the highest standard for professionalism for welcoming parents, interacting with employees and managing workflow.

3. Work with Assistant Director and Director of Curriculum & Instruction to create an enriching and stimulating play-based curriculum.

4. Maintain and update school records, licensing and NAEYC, including the accreditation process.

5. Work collaboratively with the Assistant Director, Director of Curriculum and instruction and parent committee to set and achieve annual goals.

6. Actively participate in discussions surrounding best practices in Early Childhood Education and integrate successful strategies from several educational philosophies involving emerging curriculums, the competence of children, and developmentally appropriate learning into our Reggio-inspired school.

7. Ensure there is always consistent director and teacher coverage.

8. Oversee the ordering process of supplies for the school.

9. Manage the BAS budget and work collaboratively with J CEO and lay leadership during the process.

10. Assist with marketing and promotion of programs.

11. Observe classrooms and assist and/or support teachers in developing appropriate classroom practices and curriculum.

12. Plan and implement family and Judaic programs, parent education, school-wide programs, open house, and other special events.

13. Participate in planning and implementing annual staff orientation, monthly staff meetings, and staff professional development.

14. Support the development of a warm, welcoming, safe, and professional school environment.

15. Focus on the desired outcome to create an inclusive environment.

16. Be proactive to anticipate program/building needs and opportunities for the future.

17. Be decisive and make the challenging and difficult discussions where/when necessary.

QUALITY AND TEACHING:

1. Collaborate with the Directors to achieve shared goals and expectations for teaching staff.

2. Supervise teachers (classroom ages to be determined) and enrichment specialists.

3. Conduct annual staff reviews.

4. Be part of developing a collaborative, professional learning community for all educators.

5. Visit classrooms and be present for educators.

PARENT AND FAMILY COMMUNICATION:

1. Foster warm, personal relationships with each existing, new, and prospective family, through engaging, proactive, and consistent conversation.

2. Manage front office for prompt parent responsiveness and premium parent experience.

3. Be available to parents at pick up and drop off time.

4. Answer parent inquiries, conduct tours and facilitate a smooth enrollment process using standard office procedures.

5. Create, model, and reinforce a positive, nurturing, and respectful attitude towards families and children.

6. Listen to parent feedback and incorporate it when possible, into best practice.

QUALIFICATIONS

WHAT YOU’LL BRING TO THE JOB:

1. Bachelor’s degree required.

2. Master’s degree preferred.

3. TX Director’s License (or ability to become licensed) required.

4. Minimum 3-5 years Classroom Experience.

5. 3-5 years Supervisory or Management experience required.

6. Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

7. Excels at communicating to parents, board members and staff the goals of our programs. Able to interact professionally with all levels of internal and external personnel.

8. Ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment.

9. Demonstrates the ability to work well with people.

10. Willingness to be flexible and available to work occasional evenings and weekends as required for special events.

11. Willingness to perform job tasks not part of immediate job responsibilities but aids in member satisfaction and getting the job done.

12. Certified (or ability to become certified) in CPR/First Aid.

A FEW MORE KEY ELEMENTS:

• Must be able to work as part of a team and be able to work independently to achieve specific programmatic and educational goals.
•  Must be willing to work on several weekends and evenings during the month as necessary to teach or administer departmental programs.
• Must be enthusiastic about the pluralistic approach of Jewish life at the J.
• Must be willing to work occasionally on Shabbat and holidays for programs designed in the spirit of those days.
• Must be willing to travel to off-site facilities for training.

ABOUT THE HOUSTON JEWISH COMMUNITY: The Houston Jewish population numbers close to 60,000 and is a strong and close-knit community, very welcoming and hospitable to newcomers. There are multiple Reform, Conservative and Orthodox congregations in Houston, as well as multiple Jewish day schools and several kosher restaurants. Our J, which just completed a major renovation, is located in the neighborhood of Meyerland in Southwest Houston.