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Congregation Shir Shalom is a URJ-affiliated reform synagogue in Ridgefield, CT. The Early Childhood Center is an integral part of our community, provides a connection to our congregation, and is a close-kit, warm, nurturing program built on a philosophy of developmentally appropriate play-based learning and strong family engagement.
We are looking for a leader to work with our close-knit team of passionate educators and community leaders, maintain and build upon the values of our program, and shape a Jewish early childhood program to meet the needs of our families. Our new director should have experience in leading through transition, engaging with both an ECC and broader synagogue community, and have a track record of strong communication.
This role prioritizes child safety, developmentally appropriate practice, and high-quality early childhood education. We are an exempt status program per CT state guidelines– candidate should be familiar with exempt-status and state guidelines as part of our commitment to appropriate practices.
Ideal candidate will have 5+ years in a director or other early childhood leadership administration role, be a strong communicator with examples of successful family communication, have a clear point of view about developmentally appropriate practice, truly enjoy managing teams of teachers, and be a natural community leader within our program's culture. Advanced degree or bachelor's degree in a related field (early childhood, education administration, social work) required.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership and Management
• Develop annual budgets, enrollment plans, and operating policies; monitor financial performance and enrollment trends
• Report regularly to our Executive Director, with periodic reports to our Board of Trustees
• Oversee staff scheduling, classroom assignments, staffing plans, and facility use
• Manage program schedule and calendar, and develop program offerings to meet the needs of local families
• Ensure compliance with Connecticut religious exemption requirements and applicable state health, safety, and child welfare guidelines as they pertain to exempt programs
• Maintain accurate records and program policies (enrollment, attendance, health, parent handbook) and communicate with clarity to families and temple leadership
Program Design and Curriculum
• Embody Jewish values (kindness, empathy, tzedakah, tikkun olam) in daily routines and interactions
• Lead implementation of a developmentally appropriate, play-based curriculum that integrates Jewish literacy, values, holidays, Hebrew language exposure, and mitzvah-based learning
• Align learning objectives with developmental milestones and CT early childhood expectations where applicable, emphasizing early childhood foundations of social-emotional, language, cognitive, and physical development
• Create an inclusive, anti-bias, culturally responsive environment; adapt activities to welcome diverse learners and families of all backgrounds to build a culture of diversity
• Collaborate with temple staff to coordinate family events, Shabbat observances, and community celebrations
Staff Leadership and Development
• Recruit, supervise, coach, and evaluate teaching and support staff yearly; foster a collaborative, respectful school culture
• Promote ongoing professional development and mentoring in early childhood education and Jewish education
Special Education
• Create an inclusive program that works collaboratively with families to identify and address any special education needs that may arise during a child's time in our program.
• Collaborate with school districts and therapists regarding students, schedule classroom observations as needed, and provide training as needed to staff.
Health, Safety, and Environment
• Ensure staff-to-child ratios and proper supervision of children meets CT guidelines and maintains a high standard of safety and quality
• Review and refine health and safety policies, including arrival and dismissal, sanitation, emergency procedures, medication administration (where applicable), and injury reporting
• Maintain a safe, clean, and child-friendly facility with age-appropriate materials and learning centers; ensure secure access and supervision
• Conduct regular safety drills and risk assessments; coordinate and communicate health policies with families (illness policies, exclusions, and notifications)
• Coordinate with Temple security, facilities and community partners to ensure a safe environment for children and families
Family and Community Engagement
• Lead an ECC Committee of parents; plan and implement meetings in collaboration with a Board liaison
• Build strong family partnerships through regular communication, conferences, and family events
• Design and oversee family involvement activities including parent education, volunteering opportunities, and temple programs
• Partner with temple clergy, staff, educators, and congregational leaders to enhance programming and connections to synagogue; be involved young family High Holiday observances and monthly Tot Shabbats, lead activities for families when appropriate
• Work with B'Yachad (religious school) to build a transition from the ECC to our B'Yachad program
• Engage with the broader community to market, promote and build our recognition among young families in the area
Administrative and Compliance (Religious Exemption Context)
• Maintain required safeguarding protocols, records, and communications
• Develop, upkeep and refine policies on admissions, tuition, attendance, and temple-affiliated programming
• Maintain open channels for feedback from families and temple leadership to continuously improve program quality
Assessment and Continuous Improvement
• Implement developmentally appropriate assessment processes (observations, portfolios) to share progress and growth with parents
• Conduct periodic program reviews and maintain excellence within the exempt framework
• Schedule regular feedback sessions with staff, including twice yearly goal setting and coaching/reviews