Assistant Director - Early Childhood Education

At The Mandel JCC of Cleveland – Early Childhood Center, the Assistant Director plays a key role in creating a warm, nurturing, and developmentally grounded environment for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. Working closely with the Director, this position helps guide daily operations, support teachers, strengthen family relationships, and uphold licensing and quality standards. The Assistant Director mentors educators, collaborates with families and staff, and ensures that each classroom reflects early childhood best practices and the values of The Mandel JCC. This role is ideal for someone who is organized, communicative, and able to balance big-picture leadership with hands-on support. Join us in helping shape a joyful and inclusive early learning community at The Mandel JCC. 

Responsibilities: 

• Support the Director with all aspects of daily program operations.
• Create, manage, and adjust teacher schedules to ensure appropriate staffing and ratios.
• Coordinate substitute coverage and manage teacher PTO.
• Conduct tours for prospective families and respond to inquiries with warmth and professionalism.
•  Assist with classroom placements and transition plans for children and families.
• Support classroom coverage as needed to maintain quality and continuity of care.
• Coordinate room set-up forms, maintenance requests, and facility needs.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for families, offering timely communication, support, and problem-solving.
• Write newsletters, emails, and other parent communications.
•  Assist in scheduling parent–teacher conferences and supporting teachers with documentation and assessments.
• Plan and implement dynamic family events and community programs.
• Manage alumni outreach and communications.
• Represent the school at community meetings and partnerships when needed.
• Participate in hiring, onboarding, evaluating, and mentoring teaching staff.
•  Observe classrooms regularly, provide constructive feedback, and support teachers in problem-solving classroom challenges.
• Ensure that lesson plans, curriculum expectations, and program goals are implemented consistently and effectively.
• Support teachers with state-required assessments and continuous quality-improvement goals.
• Maintain child and staff files to meet all ODJFS and Step Up to Quality requirements.
• Track required teacher training, background checks, and OCCRRA documentation.
• Ensure accurate record keeping in systems such as ProCare, Teaching Strategies GOLD, ChildPlus, or similar systems.
• Oversee medication logs, health forms, emergency information, and safety procedures.
• Conduct or coordinate annual safety trainings.
• Process and code invoices, assist with budget tracking, and reconcile monthly credit card statements.
• Manage ordering and inventory of educational materials, food, and supplies aligned with program and licensing requirements.
• Manage the school’s social media presence in collaboration with communications staff.
• Support creation of marketing materials and strategies for enrollment and program visibility.

Qualifications: 

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field (Bachelor’s preferred).
• Minimum five (5) years of early childhood teaching experience.
• At least three (3) years of experience in a leadership or supervisory role within an early childhood education setting.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and customer-service skills.
• Ability to make thoughtful decisions, manage crises, and maintain composure under pressure.
• Demonstrated organizational excellence, attention to detail, and multitasking ability.
• Proficiency with early childhood management software and office applications.
• Ability to work collaboratively with teachers, families, administrators, and community partners.
• CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, or lift up to 15 pounds as needed.
• Comfortable working in a lively, child-centered environment with moderate noise levels.

 Be part of something meaningful! Apply now and help shape the future at The Mandel JCC!