The Early Childhood Director’s Position

CBI is seeking an Early Childhood Director who will embrace the mission of offering the highest quality of educational, social and care experiences possible for children. We are highly interested in finding a nurturing and dynamic manager who will partner with the staff, parents, and Parent Organization to refresh and improve upon our already successful programs. 

The Early Childhood Director supports the mission and philosophy of the Synagogue and serves as a member of the Senior Staff. The Director is responsible for all facets of the daily operation of the school which includes working with faculty, students, families, programs, facilities, and the overall curriculum. 

The Early Childhood Director’s Responsibilities

Executive Leadership and Administration

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the school and facility, including but not limited to planning and implementation of programs (including summer day camp), maintenance of school records and filing of necessary reports, the evaluation of and reporting of student progress to parents.
• Monitor professional certification of faculty and the safety of all students and staff. 
• Supervise accreditation, licensing, and inspection requirements.
• Oversee classroom observations and student placement.
• Oversight of the admissions process, including building relationships with the local public and private elementary schools.

Staff Development and Management 

• Recruiting, hiring and retention of all early childhood staff and administrative staff
• Create and implement staff development curriculum and programs.
• Foster an attitude of professionalism, respect, cooperation and enthusiasm among the staff.

Curriculum and Instructional Leadership

• Oversee, evaluate and update the curriculum with a focus on school readiness.
• Supervise professional development programs and continuing education for the staff.
• Develop, implement, and communicate school standards.
• Facilitate teacher collaboration and promote best practices.

Lay Leadership Development 

• Work closely with Parents Organization to organize school events.

The Preschool Director’s Experience and Qualifications

• MA in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education or Educational Leadership is required.
• Must hold or be eligible to obtain a Florida Director Credential (Level II or Advanced preferred).
• Must hold or be eligible to obtain a VPK Director Endorsement as required for facilities offering the Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) program.
• Must be able to pass a Level II background screening in Florida, including fingerprinting, as well as a drug screening.
• Must hold or obtain certifications in CPR/First Aid and other health and safety standards as required by Florida law.
• A minimum of 5-7 years in leadership roles within early childhood education or a similar setting.
• Proven track record of managing operations, staff, and budgets in an educational or nonprofit environment.
• Experience in staff recruitment, development, motivation, and supervision.
• Experience developing and/or expanding a curriculum, including aligning with VPK standards.
• Experience creating and managing a budget.
• Demonstrated vision, confidence, flexibility, and professionalism with expertise in managing the operations of an organization or institution; comfortable working as a leadership team member; ability to motivate volunteers and staff and to communicate and cooperate across departments.
• An inclusive management philosophy and style that strives for and promotes excellence, encourages creativity, growth, problem solving, and accountability.
• High emotional intelligence (EQ) and strong interpersonal skills, with a focus on collaboration, relationship-building, and a customer service mindset; prioritizing the needs of students and families.
• Strong cultural competency to foster a welcoming, inclusive, and equitable environment for diverse families.
• Outstanding communication skills in writing and in public presentations, including public speaking and advocacy.
• Savvy with technologies and understands how to use it to create stronger systems; proficiency in utilizing technology to enhance school operations, communication, and educational delivery.
• Deep understanding of and adherence to Florida regulations governing VPK and early childhood programs.
• Demonstrated dedication to professional development and staying updated on trends in early childhood education, VPK standards, and familiarity with current developments in the overall educational world and the Jewish educational world.

Congregation B’nai Israel is proud to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, or status as a veteran.