Early Childhood Director Position Description and Responsibilities
Congregation Anshei Israel Esther B. Feldman Preschool
Early Childhood Director Position Description and Responsibilities
Hours per week: 40+ Supervisor: Executive Director
The CAI Early Childhood Director is responsible for handling the day-to-day administrative operations and management of the preschool in accordance with the philosophy set forth by CAI and its Board of Trustees.
General Duties and Responsibilities (include but are not limited to):
• Develops and sets policies and procedures for the admission, attendance, tuition, enrollment, education methods, curriculum, and develops programming to meet the goals and vision of the preschool
• Maintains and keeps records of all administrative, education, emergency and medical forms, sign in/out and attendance sheets, and student health records
• Oversees the hiring, training, and supervising of all preschool staff and teachers. Conducts staff in-service meetings, as well as providing professional development opportunities for the staff which are mandated by state
• Acts as a liaison between families and teachers, working together for the success of the children and the preschool. Works in partnership with the Parent Action Committee (PAC) for school events, programming, and fundraising
• Oversees all state licensing requirements (yearly and renewal), prepares for all necessary facility onsite inspections, and maintains all required licensing documentation
• Maintains communication with State Licensing Surveyor and uses the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) and the Arizona Department of Economic Security (AZDES) as a resource for all matters regarding the preschool and preschool operations
• Works in conjunction with the Executive Director, Rabbi, Cantorial Soloist and Education and Youth Director, Finance Director, Facilities Manager, Board of Trustees, lay leaders, and all CAI office staff. Attends weekly senior staff meetings and any other extant committees and/or task forces supporting CAI operations, vision and values
• Works with the Facilities Manager to ensure all school equipment, playground and physical aesthetics of the facility are kept in proper, safe working order and follow state licensing requirements. Coordinates the maintenance and cleaning of the facility according to state and local standards.
• Works with the Communications & Events Coordinator to promote and advertise the preschool within the community, as well as regularly updating the preschool webpage
• Participate in and helps coordinates in the High Holy Day and Fall Festival preschool services and programming. Arranges for babysitting and children’s meals during these services. Oversees Preschool Shabbat Services, dinners, and school-wide oneg celebrations
• Conducts monthly fire drills for preschool staff and students. Works with the Executive Director and Facilities Manager regarding drills, lockdowns, evacuation plans and emergency response policies and procedures
• Attends and participates in professional development seminars, webinars, lectures and/or conferences that are relevant to the position • Prepares preschool yearly calendar, events, and programming well in advance and ensures timely communication of preschool calendar events to all affected parties
• Communicates on a regular weekly basis, either written or verbally, to families and staff to set the tone and philosophy of the preschool program
Duties and Responsibilities – Budget and Finance:
• Works with the Finance Director and the Treasurer to prepare and adhere to annual budget, as well as preschool staff contracts • Works in conjunction with the Bookkeeper, Education Assistant and Finance Controller in regard to tuition billing, extended care charges, as well as reviewing monthly preschool billing, tuition and budget reports
• Calculates, manages, and approves preschool staff payroll
• Oversees purchase of all necessary school equipment, supplies, and food • Develops and reviews preschool scholarship applications and manages awards given
• Applies for grants to supplement preschool operations and benefit the preschool program
Duties and Responsibilities – Staff Supervision:
• Provides day-to-day supervision of education assistant and all preschool teaching staff
• Ensures the issuance of annual teacher Letters of Agreement
• Prepares performance standards for all subordinates. Issues written performance standards in-person at the beginning of each fiscal (performance) year, conducts mid-year in-person performance feedback sessions, and issues written end-of-year performance evaluations to all subordinates
Early Childhood Director Position Description and Responsibilities 3
• Addresses employee performance, conduct, or workplace environment issues appropriately and timely and in writing
• Hires, orients, evaluates, and assists teachers and staff necessary for conducting the preschool’s education program and environment
• Maintains all staff documents and confidential files in accordance with the ADHS, Division of Licensing Services and Bureau of Child Care Licensing and the Arizona Department of Economic security (AZDES). This documentation includes but is not limited to employment documentation, performance reviews, and contracts
• Plans, implements, and conducts professional development opportunities, staff in-services, and facility preschool-related training
• Communicates all policies, procedures, and state licensing requirements to preschool staff and teachers
• Works with staff to communicate properly and positively with students and families
• Reviews monthly class calendars, lead teacher lesson plans, and helps to implement Judaic content into lesson. Ensures calendar and lesson plans are being followed or are modified, as needed, for student success in the classroom
• Coordinates and/or facilitates all preschool enrichment programs
• Help teachers to create curricula and follow standards that support educational excellence
• Acts as mediator/liaison between staff when issues may arise
Duties and Responsibilities – Preschool Students:
• To ensure and uphold the health and safety of each and every child within the preschool facility at all times
• Meet and communicates with parents to address individual student and family needs in a timely manner • Ensure a safe and welcoming space and environment for all students, parents, families and teachers
• Develop and evaluate process for students’ progress. Facilitate disciplinary measures when needed • Use appropriate resources and agencies to help assist children with special needs • Communicate, teach, play, engage with and be a positive role model to every child
Duties and Responsibilities – Preschool Parents:
• Meet with visitors, provide tours and present the philosophy of the preschool and information to prospective families
• Actively communicate with families through personal contact, email, mail, flyers and Shabbat Bag materials. Available to meet with parents/families/guardians as needed
• Greet students and families upon arrival and dismissal daily
• Develop and institute an active parent participation group. Advisor to Parent Action Committee for school events, Open House, Parent – Teacher Conferences, school programming and fundraising
• Promotes cooperation and communication between staff and parents/families/guardians
• Coordinate parenting classes and workshops for preschool parents/families/guardians
Arizona State Requirements for Early Childhood Director hire: Under Arizona state licensing requirements, the Early Childhood Director must be 21 years old or older, plus one of the following:
• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or closely related field AND 3 months experience.
• Associates degree in ECE or closely related field AND 6 months experience. • High school diploma or GED WITH a total of 24 credits with 6 credits in ECE AND 18 months experience.
• High school diploma or GED WITH 6 college credits in ECE AND 24 months experience.
• High school diploma or GED WITH 60 hours of ECE training and an additional 12 hours training in program, administration, planning, development or management AND 24 months experience.
• National Accreditation Commission (NAC), Child Development Associate (CDA), Certified Childcare Professional (CCP), AND 18 months experience.