Preschool Director

Job Title: Director of Early Childhood Education (Preschool Director)

Location: Alefbet Preschool, Congregation Beth Shalom, Atlanta, GA
Reports to: Executive Director and Rabbi
Status: Full-time, Exempt
Start Date: January 5, 2026

Position Overview:

Congregation Beth Shalom, a warm and vibrant Conservative synagogue, is seeking a dynamic and experienced Director of Early Childhood Education to lead our Alefbet preschool. The Preschool Director will oversee the daily operations of the early childhood program, ensuring a nurturing, inclusive, developmentally appropriate, and Jewishly rich learning environment for children ages 12 months to 5 years. This role blends educational leadership, operational management, community building, and a deep commitment to Jewish values and traditions within the Conservative movement.

Key Responsibilities:

Educational Leadership

• Develop and implement a developmentally appropriate, play-based curriculum aligned with early childhood best practices and infused with Jewish values, culture, and traditions.
• Promote social, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual growth in a nurturing environment.
• Support and guide teachers in classroom management, lesson planning, and professional development.
• Ensure alignment of programming with the values and mission of the synagogue and Conservative Judaism.

Staff Management

• Recruit, hire, train, and evaluate preschool teachers and support staff.
• Foster a collaborative, supportive, and professional culture among staff.
• Lead staff meetings and facilitate ongoing professional development opportunities.

Family and Community Engagement

• Build and maintain positive relationships with families and serve as a trusted partner in their children’s education.
• Foster positive relationships with families.
• Organize and lead parent communication, events, and workshops.
• Collaborate with synagogue clergy and lay leadership to integrate the preschool into the broader synagogue community.
• Engage preschool families in Jewish holiday and Shabbat celebrations that involve children and families.

Administrative & Operational Management

• Oversee day-to-day operations, including scheduling, licensing compliance, budgeting, and enrollment.
• Oversee preschool marketing, website and community visibility efforts.
• Maintain compliance with local and state early childhood education regulations.
• Manage financial aspects including tuition, billing, payroll oversight, and budgeting (in collaboration with synagogue administration). Alefbet Preschool is a Bright from the Start Certified program.
• Develop and implement health, safety, and emergency protocols.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in early childhood education, including supervisory or administrative experience.
• Deep knowledge of early childhood development and play-based learning.
• Familiarity with Jewish holidays, rituals, and traditions, particularly within the framework of Conservative Judaism.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Warm, approachable, and collaborative leadership style.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in a Jewish preschool or synagogue setting.
• Understanding of kashrut, Shabbat observance, and other synagogue-based community practices.
• Familiarity with Judaic curriculum resources and Hebrew language integration.
• Ability to collaborate with clergy, synagogue leadership, and lay committees.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Salary: Competitive and commensurate with experience.
• Paid vacation (in addition to school vacations), sick leave, parental leave, health plan or insurance premium assistance, participation Joint Retirement Board for Conservative Judaism 403(b)(9), professional development funds, synagogue membership.
• Perks: flexible schedule and ability to leave early for Shabbat, vibrant local Jewish community

Application Process:

To apply, please submit your resume, cover letter, and references to [email protected]. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.