Director of Early Childhood

Director of Early Childhood at Merraine Group Director of Early Childhood at Merraine Group in Quincy, Massachusetts Posted in 6 days ago.

Type:

full-time

Job Description:

This role presents an exciting opportunity for an experienced early childhood leader to guide and grow a vibrant Jewish early childhood program. The Director of Early Childhood at Schechter Boston will provide strategic, pedagogical, and operational leadership for the school's Gan, serving children ages 12 months through Pre-K. With the opening of a newly constructed Early Childhood Center in Summer 2026, this leader will help shape the program's next phase of growth, cultivating an environment where young children develop curiosity, confidence, and a strong foundation of Jewish identity. As a member of the school's senior leadership team, the Director partners closely with faculty, families, and community stakeholders to foster a culture of excellence and belonging Key Responsibilities Provide overall leadership and vision for the Early Childhood program, shaping the pedagogical and curricular approach to teaching and learning. Guide the development of classroom environments and learning experiences grounded in emergent and constructivist early childhood education with integrated Jewish values and traditions. Lead faculty development, including hiring, onboarding, mentorship, supervision, and evaluation of early childhood educators. Establish and support professional learning structures that promote reflective practice and continuous improvement among staff. Champion Hebrew language learning and Jewish identity development across the program. Build strong partnerships with families through transparent communication and meaningful engagement opportunities. Oversee day-to-day operations of the Gan, including scheduling, staffing coverage, and classroom support to protect instructional quality. Ensure full compliance with Early Education and Care (EEC) licensing requirements, including health, safety, staffing ratios, and regulatory standards. Manage the Early Childhood program budget to support program quality and long-term sustainability. Serve as a visible ambassador for the Gan within the broader Jewish community and develop collaborative partnerships with peer organizations. Contribute to the school's strategic direction by strengthening the Early Childhood program as a primary feeder to the K-8 school. Qualifications & Experience EEC Director I or II certification required. Master's degree in Education or a related field required. Minimum of 10 years of experience in early childhood education. At least 5 years of leadership experience as an Early Childhood Director or similar role. Demonstrated success building and sustaining a culture of pedagogical excellence. Knowledge of Jewish play-based and inquiry-based early childhood curriculum models. Experience with NAEYC accreditation or comparable quality improvement frameworks preferred. Commitment to Jewish values and enthusiasm for integrating Jewish identity into daily school life. Proficiency with Google Workspace and Microsoft Office applications. Key Competencies & Attributes Strategic leadership and vision for early childhood education Strong faculty coaching, mentorship, and team development skills Exceptional communication and relationship-building abilities Collaborative leadership style and comfort working within a senior leadership team Organizational and operational management skills Cultural competence and commitment to community engagement Ability to balance educational philosophy with practical program management Work Environment & Benefits Schechter Boston offers a collaborative and mission-driven environment grounded in shared values, including continuous improvement, thoughtful feedback, and deep care for the community. Faculty and staff work together to create a supportive culture where individuals and ideas are valued. The school offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including: Health insurance, prescription, and vision coverage Flexible Spending Accounts (healthcare and dependent care) Long-term disability and life insurance Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 403(b) retirement plan with employer match Tuition reduction for employees' children Up to 30 paid holidays plus vacation, sick, and personal time Early dismissal on Fridays This is a 12-month leadership position reporting to the Head of School and serving on the school's senior leadership team.