Director, Early Childhood Site (Evanston)

Job description

JCC Chicago | Evanston, IL (Beth Emet The Free Synagogue) Reports to: Senior Director, ECS Compensation: $75,000–$90,000 Job Summary The Early Childhood Site Director is responsible for the planning and launch, overall management, supervision of staff, and family and student acquisition for the JCC Early Childhood program at Beth Emet The Free Synagogue. The Early Childhood Site Director focuses on best practices and supporting teaching teams in meeting our vision of emergent curriculum with a constructivist approach to learning. Leadership Embody JCC's Early Childhood philosophy with passion, warmth and integrity to parents, educators and peers Proactively understand and assess trends, community needs and identify opportunities for innovation and growth Partner with the Apachi Evanston Camp Director to develop and execute family and joint engagement opportunities Seamlessly transition children/families between programs Curriculum & Program Excellence Be responsible for curriculum excellence utilizing a Jewish lens incorporating Reggio Emilia principles and a commitment to Outdoor Classroom Ensure the staff provides a dynamic Jewish context for children to learn about themselves, Jewish values, their community and the world Support, train and mentor staff in emergent curriculum, the Reggio Emilia approach, documentation and classroom-home connections Maintain compliance with DCFS licensing and JCC Chicago policies Confer with teachers, Social Service staff, parents and specialists for early intervention needs Family Engagement Facilitate tours, attend community gatherings, and actively recruit new families Warmly welcome and greet parents and children on a daily basis Maintain timely and effective communications with parents to ensure a quality customer experience Establish, maintain and assist the Family Involvement Group Be knowledgeable about all JCC programs and ensure staff actively steward families through offerings Staff Management Interview, hire, train and supervise teaching staff Create annual goals, staff development and training plans and facilitate the staff evaluation processes Manage the coordination of substitute teachers and classroom coverage in accordance with DCFS regulations Build a collaborative and collegial community within classrooms and across JCC Chicago departments Business Operations & JCC Partnerships Evaluate site performance, growth strategies, and competition, customer and staff feedback Work closely with Operations Manager and facilities of Beth Emet Serve as a meaningful liaison and partner with Beth Emet clergy and professional staff Become an expert in security policies and procedures Manage expense report and processing; ensure delivery of budgetary expectations Days/Hours: Monday–Friday; occasional weekend and evening hours per program needs Direct Reports: Assistant Director, FT/PT Lead Teachers, FT/PT Assistant Teachers, Substitutes Education Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood, Elementary Education or related field required Minimum of 23 hours in Early Childhood college course work Master's degree in Early Childhood Education highly preferred DCFS Director qualified credits according to DCFS Experience Minimum 3 years supervisory experience in an Early Childhood environment Previous experience with DCFS requirements Demonstrated experience with emergent curriculum and outdoor classrooms 2+ years within a Reggio Emilia inspired school highly preferred JCC Chicago offers comprehensive benefits including flexible work schedule, health/dental/vision insurance, 401(k) with matching, life insurance, generous PTO, Jewish holiday observance, free fitness membership, and meaningful program discounts.