Find & Apply For Preschool / Childcare Director Jobs in Norwalk, Connecticut

Director of Preschool Temple Shalom Preschool - 4.0 Norwalk, CT Job Details Full-time $66,000 - $75,000 a year 1 day ago Benefits Paid holidays Paid time off Qualifications School experience Early childhood education center experience CPR Certification Staff supervision Master's degree Education Bachelor's degree First Aid Certification Organizational skills Care facility administration Full Job Description About the job

About Temple Shalom :

Founded in 1957, Temple Shalom, Norwalk, CT. is a warm, inclusive, Reform Congregation that welcomes members from all backgrounds. The Temple's mission is to create a supportive community that fosters meaningful connection to Jewish life and values by providing enriching experiences for its diverse congregants. Temple Shalom is a member of congregation of the Union for Reform Judaism.

Position Summary:

Temple Shalom seeks to hire a dedicated, collaborative, Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC) qualified Early Childhood Program Director to lead its licensed preschool and day care program located within its vibrant synagogue community. The program currently serves up to 93 children.. The Director is responsible for operational management, regulatory compliance, curriculum design, and fostering a collaborative, positive, and nurturing community for children, staff and families. The ideal candidate will combine strong early childhood education expertise with commitment and respect for the Temples' faith-based and community values. Key Responsibilities Leadership and Strategic Management  Provide the vision and leadership to create premier educational curricula and deliver exceptional standards of care for all age groups of children in the program.  Collaborate with leadership, clergy and the Board of Trustees to develop and implement strategic goals that align with the Temple's values. culture, and mission. Regulatory Compliance  Serve as the designated Director on record and primary point of contact with the CT Office of Early Childhood (OEC).  Ensure the preschool and daycare remain in full, continuous compliance with OEC childcare center regulations, health department rules, and fire safety standards.  Maintain accurate, up-to-date program, child, and staff records as required by state licensing laws.  Oversee licensing renewals, inspections, and corrective action plans, as needed Curriculum Development & Operations  Engage in the development, implementation and assessment of age-appropriate, play- based curricula that meet Connecticut Early Learning and Development Standards (ELDS).  Ensure classrooms promote creativity, inquiry, and joyful learning.  Manage the program's budget, supply inventories, and educational resources.  Ensure a high standard of facility care in coordination with Temple maintenance staff. Personnel Development & Supervision  Recruit, onboard, mentor, and evaluate teaching staff and create systems that support staff success, engagement and retention.  Ensure compliance and active program status with the CT Early Childhood Professional Registry by routinely updating and validating staff credentials in the system.  Oversee staff scheduling to meet OEC ratio requirements across program operating hours from 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM.  Facilitate and track staff meetings and provide professional development opportunities. Temple & Community Integration  Build strong, compassionate relationships with parents and caregivers through open communication, regular updates, and family education opportunities.  Serve as ambassador for the early childhood program within the Temple and the broader Fairfield County community.  Connect young families with the synagogue activities. Qualifications  Bachelor's Degree required in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a closely related field; Master's Degree preferred.  CT Director's Credential (CDC) or OEC Head Teacher Certification, required.  Current Pediatric CPR and First Aid certifications or ability to obtain upon hire.  Ability to complete a minimum of 3 credits in one of the following fields from an accredited institution within one year of hire: Administration of Early Childhood education program; Educational Administration Work Experience  3 - 5 years of supervision and/or leadership experience required in a licensed early childcare setting, preferably in a Director or Assistant Director position, required.  2+ years of classroom teaching experience, a plus  Experience working within a faith-based or temple preschool setting, preferred Skills  Outstanding organizational skills, strong attention to detail, and ability to manage complex program operations  Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills with an ability to build trust with staff, families, clergy, Board of Trustees, and community partners.  Strong ability to problem-solve, innovate, prioritize, and multi-task.  Ability to safely navigate a preschool environment, including kneeling, sitting on the floor, and lifting up to 40 pounds if necessary.

Compensation and Benefits:

This is a full-time, exempt position with a salary range of $66000- $75,000 annually, commensurate with experience. Temple Shalom offers comprehensive benefits including paid time off (PTO) and holiday schedule aligned with federal and Jewish holidays; professional development opportunities; a supportive, mission-driven workplace community.

To Apply:

Please submit a resume and cover letter to describing your relevant experience and vision for early childhood education. Position is available immediately and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Temple Shalom is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals and does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital or familial status, veteran status, disability, AIDS/HIV status, medical condition, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Pay:

$66,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year

Work Location:

In person