Early Childhood Program Director

Temple Israel of Great Neck is seeking a dynamic, innovative, hands-on director for our Beth HaGan Early Childhood Program. If this is the right fit, we would love to have you join our dynamic and talented team of clergy and educators, and to help shape the future of our congregation.

Temple Israel of Great Neck is a large, diverse, intergenerational, egalitarian congregation affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ).  We are located on the North Shore of Long Island within easy commuting distance of NYC.  Beth HaGan is a half-day or full-day program for about 120 children ages 2-5, and a smaller early childhood summer camp program. 

We are committed to providing a warm, nurturing and caring environment.  Our child-centered atmosphere is designed to stimulate self-discovery and encourage children to make choices, investigate possibilities and freely express themselves. Our children flourish as a result of our play-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum which prepares them academically and socially for elementary school. Our children actively participate in Jewish experiences which help them develop a strong connection to their Jewish identity and its traditions. Our goal is to engage all of our families in Jewish learning, and together, build a joyous and loving Jewish community.

As the Director of Beth HaGan, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the foundation of Jewish learning and growth for our youngest children. You will wear many hats, including:

• Visionary Leader: 
• Facilitate and implement a developmentally appropriate and engaging curriculum that aligns with current early childhood practice and is infused with Jewish values, traditions, holidays, and cultural experiences.
• Participate in big-picture planning, decision-making and programming as a member of the Temple Israel senior staff; attend weekly senior staff meetings, help to oversee planning of congregational events that include preschoolers and their families, such as Shabbat and Yom Tov experiences.

• Talented Educator:
• Foster a warm, inclusive, and responsive learning environment where children can explore, grow, and learn to work together.
• Team Builder: 
• Recruit, hire, mentor, and supervise a team of passionate and qualified early childhood educators.
• Plan and implement effective meetings, professional development and in-service training programs for staff
• Support the career growth of current staff, and work with staff members to create plans for professional goal-setting and growth.
• Community Bridge: Build strong relationships with families, fostering a sense of belonging and community within the synagogue.
• Facilitate effective and warm family communication. Plan periodic programs for families, including orientation, parent-teacher conferences, Beth HaGan Education Committee meetings, and parenting workshops. Work collaboratively with families and teachers to problem-solve educational and/or social-emotional issues as they arise.
• Facilitate Shabbat and Yom Tov experiences for families such as family workshops and occasional Friday evening dinners; hiring and supervising early childhood service leaders.
• Communicate with the Congregation:  Periodically report on early childhood education and programming at meetings of the Executive Committee, Board of Trustees, and congregation.
• Recruit:  Promote our educational programs to prospective families and families new to our congregation
• Foster relationships with non-member families to encourage them to become Temple members.

• Collaborate with the Religious School Director to build a bridge between Nitzanim and the Religious School, beginning with enrollment in Alef. 

• Administrative Maven : Oversee all aspects of the school operation, including budgeting, enrollment, ensure compliance with all applicable regulations and standards for early childhood education, as well as adherence to our school’s policies and procedures

Qualifications include:

• B.A./B.S. or higher degree in early childhood education; 
• NYS Certificate or its equivalent in (1) early childhood education (nursery, Kindergarten and primary grades or (2) nursery-kindergarten, or (3) elementary education N-6 or K-6 with specialized preparation for teaching in early childhood grades
• Experience in educational administration;
• At least 5 years of experience in Jewish early childhood education, including teaching and curricular coordination;
• Creativity and flexibility;
• Highly effective communication skills;
• Deep knowledge, understanding of Jewish beliefs, practices and values; 
• Strong commitment to Jewish life and community;
• First Aid and CPR training is a plus
• Proficiency in Hebrew language is a plus

Details:

• Salary Range: $85,000+ commensurate with experience 
• Benefits: Paid vacation time, medical coverage available, complimentary Temple Israel membership and synagogue school tuition
• Start Date:  July 1, 2024
• Interested candidates should send their resume and cover letter to Susan Brustein, committee chair, at [email protected]