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Early Childhood Center Director (Preschool Director) - Plano, TX Aaron Family JCC of Dallas Location: Plano, TX
The Aaron Family JCC is opening a brand-new early childhood center in Plano, and we're looking for the person who will bring it to life.
This is a rare chance to shape a school from the very beginning: its culture, its classrooms, its team, its traditions, and the way every family feels when they walk through the door. And you won't be doing it alone.
A real runway before opening day Before the school opens in August 2027, you'll spend time embedded in the Goldberg Early Childhood Center at the Aaron Family JCC in Dallas, our NAEYC-accredited program that has served Dallas families for decades. You'll learn our philosophy, systems, and culture from the inside, then move to Plano in July 2027 to prepare for opening. Most start-ups don't come with time to prepare like this. Ours does.
A flexible start date We'd love for you to begin in early 2027, and we also know that great directors care deeply about the children, families, and teachers they serve today. We'll work with you on a transition that feels right for your current school.
About the school The J Early Childhood Center - Plano will be located on the campus of Congregation Anshai Torah and will serve children from 3 months through Pre-K, with up to 80 children. Like all JCC programs, it will welcome every family, whatever their background. The classrooms are brand new, and the school will be built on the proven foundation, systems, and reputation of the Goldberg Early Childhood Center.
A note from Tara Ohayon, Chief Impact Officer I was once the early childhood director at the J, and it was one of the most meaningful jobs of my life. There's nothing like knowing every child by name, watching a nervous new parent become part of a community, and building a team of teachers who love coming to work. I'll be your partner through every step of this launch, and I can't wait to meet the person who gets to do this next.
What you'll do
• Launch the school: set its vision, culture, and traditions, design welcoming classrooms, select curriculum and materials, and create the systems that help everything run well.
• Build and lead a founding team: hire, mentor, coach, and retain educators, and create a culture where teachers grow and want to stay.
• Lead a joyful, developmentally appropriate program grounded in current research, with Jewish values and celebrations woven in meaningfully and inclusively.
• Welcome families: lead enrollment, build trusting relationships, start a Parent Association, and plan celebrations and community events.
• Oversee operations, including budget, staffing, licensing, and compliance, and lead the school toward NAEYC accreditation.
• Partner closely with Congregation Anshai Torah clergy and staff and the JCC's Jewish Life & Learning team, and serve as a member of the Aaron Family JCC leadership team.
What you'll bring
• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Educational Leadership, Child Development, or a related field
• At least five years of experience in early childhood education, including three years in leadership
• Deep knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate practice
• A track record of leading teams, coaching educators, and building strong relationships with families
• Strong communication, organization, and project management skills
• Ability to obtain Texas Director credentials and CPR/First Aid certification
Bonus if you have
• A master's degree in a related field
• Experience opening or growing an early childhood program
• Experience with NAEYC accreditation and Texas Child Care Licensing
• Experience building budgets, systems, and strategic plans
Salary and benefits $75,000 - $85,000, plus a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance, and long-term disability, along with staff discounts on JCC programs, including tuition.
If you're energized by building something meaningful and creating a place where children, families, and educators flourish, we'd love to meet you.