Director of Curriculum and Teacher Support - Early Childhood Center
Apply NowCompany: Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center
Location: Phoenix, AZ 85003
Description:
Job Type
Full-time
Description
Director of Curriculum and Teacher Support - Early Childhood Center
Position Summary:
The Director of Curriculum and Teacher Support at our Early Childhood Center (ECC) is one of two Co-Directors at our large Jewish Community Center (JCC) Preschool and is primarily responsible for designing, coordinating, and supervising curriculum, programming, and enrichment activities that align with our play-based, inclusive, and experiential mission. Reporting directly to the Chief Youth Officer (CYO), this role ensures that all aspects of our educational programming foster a nurturing, developmentally appropriate, and engaging environment for young learners. This position will work closely with leadership, staff, and families to uphold the highest standards in early childhood education, with a strong emphasis on Jewish values and learning.
Primary Responsibilities :
Curriculum & Programming:
- Design, coordinate, and oversee ECC curriculum and enrichment programs including special projects for Jewish Holidays.
- Ensure curriculum alignment with the center's mission and play-based philosophy.
- Supervise and support the implementation of a Jewish Early Childhood curriculum including regular classroom observations.
Teacher Support & Development:
- Conduct staff performance evaluations and provide regular classroom observations with constructive feedback.
- Recruit, interview, and oversee the hiring, promotion, retention, and dismissal of ECC personnel.
- Train new staff and facilitate ongoing professional development, including in-service training.
- Guide teachers in maintaining compliance with Quality First assessments.
Family & Community Engagement:
- Serve as a resource for parents, addressing concerns and making necessary referrals.
- Oversee parent communication platforms (e.g., Procare) in collaboration with the Child Development Specialist.
- Lead parent education programming on early childhood development and Jewish parenting.
- Conduct school tours in collaboration with the Program Coordinator.
Child Development & Support Services:
- Oversee the Child Development Specialist, ensuring regular meetings, setting agendas, and coordinating observations and interventions.
- Maintain and develop relationships with auxiliary professionals (e.g., speech pathologists, occupational therapists, pediatric neurologists) for staff training and parent referrals.
- Manage student class placements in conjunction with the Child Development Specialist and teacher recommendations.
Shared Responsibilities with Co-Director (Director or Programming and Operations):
- Collaborate with the ECC Parent Committee, attend meetings, set agendas, and execute committee-driven tasks.
- Engage with other JCC committees and affiliates as appropriate.
- Stay informed on developments and trends in early childhood education, including JCCA, First Things First, Quality First, and DHS standards.
- Foster a warm and inclusive JCC community experience for children and families.
- Actively participate in JCC activities, celebrations, and programs.
- Conduct monthly staff meetings and plan ongoing professional development.
- Work closely with other JCC department heads to integrate ECC within the greater JCC community.
- Represent the JCC within the broader Jewish and general community.
- Serve on committees and task forces as appropriate.
- Develop, maintain, and update the ECC Handbook and policy materials.
This position is ideal for a passionate, experienced early childhood education leader dedicated to fostering a high-quality, play-based learning environment while building strong connections between educators, families, and the community.
Requirements
Education and Experience
Physical Abilities:
Additional Requirements:
Salary Description
$85,000-$110,000 annually
Full-time
Description
Director of Curriculum and Teacher Support - Early Childhood Center
Position Summary:
The Director of Curriculum and Teacher Support at our Early Childhood Center (ECC) is one of two Co-Directors at our large Jewish Community Center (JCC) Preschool and is primarily responsible for designing, coordinating, and supervising curriculum, programming, and enrichment activities that align with our play-based, inclusive, and experiential mission. Reporting directly to the Chief Youth Officer (CYO), this role ensures that all aspects of our educational programming foster a nurturing, developmentally appropriate, and engaging environment for young learners. This position will work closely with leadership, staff, and families to uphold the highest standards in early childhood education, with a strong emphasis on Jewish values and learning.
Primary Responsibilities :
Curriculum & Programming:
- Design, coordinate, and oversee ECC curriculum and enrichment programs including special projects for Jewish Holidays.
- Ensure curriculum alignment with the center's mission and play-based philosophy.
- Supervise and support the implementation of a Jewish Early Childhood curriculum including regular classroom observations.
Teacher Support & Development:
- Conduct staff performance evaluations and provide regular classroom observations with constructive feedback.
- Recruit, interview, and oversee the hiring, promotion, retention, and dismissal of ECC personnel.
- Train new staff and facilitate ongoing professional development, including in-service training.
- Guide teachers in maintaining compliance with Quality First assessments.
Family & Community Engagement:
- Serve as a resource for parents, addressing concerns and making necessary referrals.
- Oversee parent communication platforms (e.g., Procare) in collaboration with the Child Development Specialist.
- Lead parent education programming on early childhood development and Jewish parenting.
- Conduct school tours in collaboration with the Program Coordinator.
Child Development & Support Services:
- Oversee the Child Development Specialist, ensuring regular meetings, setting agendas, and coordinating observations and interventions.
- Maintain and develop relationships with auxiliary professionals (e.g., speech pathologists, occupational therapists, pediatric neurologists) for staff training and parent referrals.
- Manage student class placements in conjunction with the Child Development Specialist and teacher recommendations.
Shared Responsibilities with Co-Director (Director or Programming and Operations):
- Collaborate with the ECC Parent Committee, attend meetings, set agendas, and execute committee-driven tasks.
- Engage with other JCC committees and affiliates as appropriate.
- Stay informed on developments and trends in early childhood education, including JCCA, First Things First, Quality First, and DHS standards.
- Foster a warm and inclusive JCC community experience for children and families.
- Actively participate in JCC activities, celebrations, and programs.
- Conduct monthly staff meetings and plan ongoing professional development.
- Work closely with other JCC department heads to integrate ECC within the greater JCC community.
- Represent the JCC within the broader Jewish and general community.
- Serve on committees and task forces as appropriate.
- Develop, maintain, and update the ECC Handbook and policy materials.
This position is ideal for a passionate, experienced early childhood education leader dedicated to fostering a high-quality, play-based learning environment while building strong connections between educators, families, and the community.
Requirements
Education and Experience
- Bachelor's degree in early childhood education or equivalent.
- Minimum 3 years of experience in an administrative role in early childhood education including supervising experience.
Physical Abilities:
- Ability to lift at least 40 pounds (helping children, moving classroom materials)
- Ability to stand, sit, kneel, and bend frequently throughout the day
- Adequate hearing and vision to monitor children's safety
- Stamina for active engagement with children indoors and outdoors
Additional Requirements:
- Current CPR and First Aid certification
- Arizona Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card
- Background check clearance
- Negative Tuberculosis (TB) test from within the past year.
- Familiarity with Arizona's Child Care Licensing Rules & Regulations
Salary Description
$85,000-$110,000 annually