ECC Director

Valarie Hurwitz Early Childhood Center Director Job Description (Updated) Position Summary The Director of the Valarie Hurwitz Early Childhood Center provides visionary leadership, educational direction, and operational oversight for a vibrant, synagogue-based early childhood program serving children ages three months through five years. The Director is responsible for creating a warm, nurturing, and engaging environment where children learn, play, and grow—rooted in Jewish values, traditions, and community. This role ensures excellence in curriculum, staff development, family engagement, and administration, while maintaining full compliance with all licensing and regulatory requirements. The Director serves as both an educational leader and community ambassador, fostering meaningful relationships with families, staff, and the broader synagogue community. Program Leadership & Operations Oversee the daily operations of a full-day program (7:00 AM - 6:00 PM), ensuring a safe, organized, and high-quality learning environment Supervise all aspects of ECC programming, including the school year program, extended day, and an eight-week summer camp with pre- and post-camp offerings Coordinate scheduling, staffing, space, and resources to ensure smooth daily operations, including arrival and dismissal procedures Plan, implement, and adapt programs and class offerings based on enrollment trends and community needs Introduce innovative programming and enrichment opportunities to enhance the student experience Work with BTBJ Clergy and leadership to ensure ECC programing and schedule are consistent with Jewish holidays and observances Curriculum & Educational Excellence Ensure developmentally appropriate, engaging curriculum across all age groups Guide and support teachers in implementing curriculum aligned with best practices in early childhood education Plan and implement school-wide themes, special programs, and annual events (including school performances) Partner with organizations such as Jewish Learning Venture and other community resources to enhance educational offerings Jewish Life & Values Integration Lead the integration of Jewish values, traditions, and mitzvot into daily learning experiences Oversee meaningful and developmentally appropriate Jewish programming, including: Weekly Shabbat celebrations Holiday programming (High Holidays, Sukkot, Hanukkah, Tu BiShevat, Purim, Passover, Lag B'Omer, Shavuot) Tzedakah and mitzvah projects Family engagement events such as Tot Shabbat and community dinners Partner with clergy and synagogue leadership to align ECC programming with the broader mission of the congregation Staff Leadership & Culture Recruit, hire, and retain high-quality educators committed to the center's mission and values Foster a collaborative, positive, and growth-oriented work environment Provide ongoing coaching, supervision, and professional development opportunities Conduct regular staff meetings and formal evaluations Support staff in implementing new ideas and innovative teaching practices Address personnel matters with professionalism, clarity, and care Family Engagement & Community Building Build strong, trusting relationships with families, serving as a visible and approachable leader Ensure clear, consistent communication regarding children's development and center activities Respond to family concerns thoughtfully and constructively in a timely manner Support families in understanding and nurturing their child's development Monitor family satisfaction and continuously enhance the family experience Oversee updates to the Family Handbook Enrollment, Marketing & Community Outreach Serve as a welcoming ambassador to prospective families, guiding them through the enrollment process Develop and implement strategies to attract and retain families Promote the ECC through community events, partnerships, and outreach efforts Represent the ECC at local events, fairs, and professional networks Administration & Compliance Ensure full compliance with all state and local licensing requirements and regulations Oversee administrative systems, including enrollment, billing, and communication platforms (e.g., Remini, ShulCloud, ADP) Maintain required records, safety plans, and documentation Coordinate closely with synagogue leadership, including the Executive Director, clergy, and committees Participate in committee and board meetings as needed Fiscal Management Develop and manage the ECC annual budget in partnership with synagogue leadership Monitor income and expenses, ensuring financial sustainability Oversee tuition and camp billing processes Identify opportunities for growth, including grants and fundraising initiatives Health, Safety & Security Ensure a safe and secure environment for children, staff, and families Maintain and update emergency preparedness plans, including fire drills, lockdowns, and other safety procedures Coordinate with security personnel and local agencies as needed Ensure compliance with health department and safety regulations Professional Engagement Participate in ongoing professional development and early childhood leadership opportunities Engage with community organizations and professional networks Stay current with best practices and innovations in early childhood education Qualifications Minimum of 3 years of leadership experience in an early childhood setting Strong background in early childhood education and child development Demonstrated success in staff leadership, family engagement, and program development Knowledge of licensing regulations and compliance requirements Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field