Director of Early Learning Center

About the role

Director of Early Learning Center @Temple Emanu-El | Westfield, NJ

The Early Learning Center (ELC) is a place where children are known and cared for, families build friendships, and Jewish life becomes part of everyday learning. As part of Temple Emanu-El, a Synagogue of more than 1,100 family units, the ELC serves more than 150 children and offers families a welcoming connection to the wider Temple community.

The Director leads The Early Learning Center bringing together educational leadership, thoughtful administration, and a genuine commitment to children, families, and staff. The Director is responsible for the program's overall leadership, management, and strategic direction, including educational quality, fiscal health, regulatory compliance, and staff development. We seek a collaborative leader who listens with care, builds strong relationships, and helps every family feel welcomed, valued, and connected to the values and life of Temple Emanu-El.

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Educational Excellence

• Assume full responsibility for the year-round program for infants through full-day Kindergarten, including summer camp.

• As a member of the Temple leadership team, collaborate to ensure the ELC is seamlessly integrated into Temple life; share ideas and vision for both the ELC and the Temple; be an engaged team player; help encourage and nurture Temple membership.

• Represent the ELC at Temple events, board meetings, holiday celebrations, and Tiny Tot Shabbats.

• Research and implement current best practices in early childhood education, incorporating innovative approaches to ensure the highest quality of care and education.

• Be a visionary thinker and remain attentive to changes in the landscape that may impact the program (e.g., Universal Pre-K, full-day Kindergarten, local real estate trends, birth rates, local and national events).

• Demonstrate strong leadership in times of challenge or crisis.

• Ensure that Temple Emanu-El continues to stand out as a leader in high-quality early childhood education.

• Cultivate relationships with ELC colleagues in the local community, the NJ Greater MetroWest Jewish community, and Jewish early childhood educators nationwide.

Staff Management & Professional Development

• Attract, interview, hire, and retain highly qualified teaching and administrative staff.

• Provide strong mentorship and professional development for all faculty and staff, fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth.

• Conduct regular staff meetings, professional development sessions, and performance evaluations.

• Oversee and support the Assistant Director's responsibility for pedagogy, including learning objectives, curriculum, assessment, and classroom management.