Director of Early Childhood Education

JEWISH SILICON VALLEY•Los Gatos, CA

1d•$90,000 - $105,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Early Childhood Education (DECE) oversees Jewish Silicon Valley’s Early Childhood Education Department, staff, and programming. The role guides the program’s vision and day-to-day operations, with the goal of welcoming, connecting, and engaging families through meaningful Jewish experiences. The DECE directly supervises the APJCC preschool and its related programs. The department aims to foster lasting relationships among Jewish children and families, strengthen their connection to Jewish life in Silicon Valley, and build a supportive community. Programs include a year-round Jewish preschool, holiday programs and special events, social activities, and events with other Jewish organizations. The director also participates in local Jewish preschool directors’ forums for support, best-practice sharing, and professional development collaboration. The position oversees program operations, staff development, licensing compliance, community relationships, and annual budgets. It works with volunteer committees and represents Jewish Silicon Valley in professional organizations and community partnerships.

Requirements

Minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Early Childhood or a related field.
Minimum of 6 units in administration and adult supervision.
Knowledge of and commitment to core Jewish values, concepts, and traditions, with the ability to demonstrate, communicate, and represent them to others.
Demonstrated success leading and managing professionals, support staff, and volunteers to achieve goals.
Demonstrated success developing and implementing strategic activities and tasks with clear goals and objectives.
Knowledge of the organized Jewish community.
Familiarity with Jewish history, tradition, and culture.
Understanding of volunteer-professional relationships and success managing them warmly and professionally.
Analytical skills and ability to solve problems.
Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
Outstanding verbal and written communication skills and ability to present on public platforms.
Demonstrated success working collaboratively with others, internal departments, organizations, and other entities.
Willingness and eagerness to explore new ideas.
Ability to sit for long periods.
Ability to lift or carry at least 25 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Process-driven approach and exceptional reporting and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

Develop strategies and programs that strengthen Jewish identity and connection to the Jewish community and meet the evolving needs of young children.
Facilitate ongoing general training and Jewish learning opportunities for education and support staff, teachers, and parents through Jewish Silicon Valley and across agencies.
Oversee and manage the day-to-day operations of the APJCC Early Childhood Education Department.
Directly supervise teaching, inclusion, and administrative staff.
Ensure APJCC childcare programs meet California licensing requirements and maintain high standards and best practices.
Serve as Jewish Silicon Valley’s primary contact, advisor, and relationship builder for parents, grandparents, and community partners.
Oversee the development and maintenance of annual budgets for Early Childhood programs, subject to approval by the JSV Finance Committee and Board of Directors.
Work with volunteer committees to support family and educational activities.
Represent the organization in professional organizations, including JCCA and JCCA’s Sheva Center, Innovation in Early Childhood Education, and community partner relationships.
Participate in local Jewish preschool directors’ forums for support, sharing best practices, and professional development collaboration.