Associate Director of Early Childhood Education

Join Our Team as Associate Director of Early Childhood Education

The Woodbury Jewish Center (WJC), a warm and vibrant Conservative synagogue, is looking for a dedicated Associate Director of Early Childhood Education to join our beloved Early Childhood Center, which includes a Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) program in partnership with the local school district.

About You and the Role

As Associate Director of Early Childhood Education, you’ll work alongside our Preschool Director to support and lead the daily operations of our school. This is a hands-on, leadership-focused role where you’ll help shape a nurturing, play-based, and values-driven environment for young children and their families. If you're passionate about early education, organized, and excited to foster community, this could be the perfect fit.

Who We’re Looking For

You’re someone who:

• Finds joy in supporting children’s growth and development
  
• Leads with warmth, confidence, and compassion
  
• Builds strong, respectful relationships with educators, families, and children
  
• Communicates clearly and professionally
  
• Thrives in a collaborative environment but can take initiative when needed
  
• Appreciates the importance of structure, while remaining flexible and creative
  
• Is passionate about integrating Jewish traditions and values into learning experiences
  
• Has a growth mindset and encourages that in others

About Our Program

At WJC’s Early Childhood Center, you’ll help provide a play-based, family-oriented experience for children ages 2–5. Our developmentally rich curriculum is infused with Jewish values and traditions. Our warm, welcoming environment is not only a foundation for early learning but also a core part of our synagogue’s commitment to lifelong education and community.

Your Responsibilities

As Associate Director of Early Childhood Education, you will:

• Support the daily operations and classroom oversight of the school
  
• Mentor, supervise, and collaborate with teachers
  
• Assist with curriculum development, integrating secular and Judaic learning
  
• Ensure compliance with NYS OCFS regulations and UPK standards
  
• Help build a positive, inclusive, and connected school culture for children and families
  
• Contribute to budgeting, documentation, staff scheduling, and planning
  
• Participate in hiring and onboarding of new staff
  
• Guide teachers in developing child-centered goals and engaging lesson plans
  
• Facilitate bi-weekly team meetings to support intentional and responsive teaching
  
• Oversee and track staff development to meet licensing requirements
• Represent the Director in their absence
• Collaborate with synagogue leadership to help bridge the gap between early childhood education and the religious school, supporting continuity in Jewish learning
• Attend staff meetings, trainings, and school programs
  
• Serve as a professional and approachable representative of WJC to the broader community

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field (Master’s preferred)
  
• At least 3 years of head teaching experience in early childhood education
  
• Minimum 2 years of leadership experience in an early childhood setting
  
• Working knowledge of OCFS regulations and UPK compliance
  
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills
  
• Comfortable and excited to learn a variety of computer programs and new apps
• Familiarity with Canva & ShulCloud is a plus
• Familiarity with Jewish customs, holidays, and educational values (or a willingness to learn)

Why You’ll Love Being Part of WJC

• Join a mission-driven synagogue community that values education, family, and tradition
  
• Work in a collaborative, supportive environment where your voice is valued
  
• Help create joyful, meaningful early learning experiences every day
  
  

Salary: $65,000–$85,000
Benefits: Paid Time Off, 403(b) retirement plan, most Jewish holidays off