14th street y preschool
344 east 14th street
new York, new york
Start Date: July 1, 2016
The Preschool of the 14th Street Y is part of the Parenting Family and Early Childhood Center and currently serves 80 children in 6 classes from ages 2.4 – 5 years of age. The Preschool Director will be responsible for inspiring, continuing to build, and overseeing our relationship-based community preschool, which is inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach and Jewish sensibilities, culture, and values. The Preschool Director is responsible for overall preschool management and support of the educational vision and curriculum that create an inspiring high quality program for children and families. With energy, organization, and strong communication skills, the Preschool Director will foster a positive, collaborative culture by supporting educators and families in the community. The Director will ensure the program creatively nurtures each child’s physical, social, emotional, spiritual and cognitive development, reflecting the vision and values of the 14th Street Y. The Director reports to the Associate Executive Director for Programs and supervises the preschool administrative staff and faculty following agency HR best practices, union rules and regulatory compliance. The Director is responsible for fostering collaboration, team-building, and professional development for our highly competent staff, and works with the senior leadership of the Y to develop and manage a strong business plan for the Preschool, including financial management, tuition and rate setting, scholarship policies and implementation, marketing and recruiting, admissions and exmissions, fundraising, and interdepartmental collaboration. The Director bears primary responsibility for building strong relationships with, between, and among children, families and staff of the Preschool, and the broader community of the 14th Street Y.
Required Knowledge
•Knowledge of early childhood and Reggio Emilia philosophy and best practices is required.
•Deep understanding and strong grounding in the American Jewish Community (culture, life and customs) is required.
•College degree required, MA/MS in Early Childhood Education or related field preferred.
•Minimum of 6-10 years of professional experience preferred.
•At least 5 years of experience in staff supervision preferred.
•Excellent organizational skills with the ability to approach tasks that are complex and urgent in a systematic, deliberate, and efficient manner.
•Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and manage multiple priorities and projects effectively.
•Demonstrated ability to handle stressful situations in a professional, courteous and friendly manner.
•Excellent interpersonal, organizational, verbal and written communication skills.
•Ability to maintain confidentiality of records and information.
•Strong knowledge of MS Office Suite, expertise in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word.
. The 14th Street Y is part of the Educational Alliance, a downtown Manhattan non-profit that serves 50,000 New Yorkers annually.
Educational Alliance “Perks”
Competitive Salary
Paid Holidays, Floating Holidays and Personal Days
Comprehensive Health Insurance
Access to fitness facility
403(b) Retirement Plan
Discounts to programs at Educational Alliance
Generous Vacation Package
Please submit a cover letter and resume to the job which is posted on the career page of the educational alliance
http://www.edalliance.org/careers
The Preschool is is more than a preschool . We are part of a vibrant and dynamic Jewish community center that builds inspiring relationships. With a health and wellness center, childhood and parenting and adult education and enrichment programs, and innovative arts and cultural programming. the preschool and the Y is committed to the whole person and bettering people’s lives by strengthening family connections and building inclusive and sustainable communities.
The 14th Street Y Preschool stimulates and supports children\’s natural curiosity about the world in which they live and play. Inspired by the Reggio and Bank Street approaches; we create learning opportunities that provoke thinking. Children have the time to wonder, explore, touch, sense and solve in many ways. Our certified professional, enthusiastic and nurturing staff engages families in a trusting and dynamic learning partnership. Exploring how ancient stories and traditions can inspire and teach today\’s families and children, we weave together Jewish values within an age-appropriate and all-inclusive setting; the 14th Street Y Preschool celebrates diversity in every way.
Our curriculum is facilitated through choice and through project work. Children have opportunities for both individualized play and group collaborations. Art, movement, music and storytelling led by artists from each discipline, is integral parts of the 14th Street Y Preschool. Swimming instruction and use of our large gym add to the richness of being in a community center. Field trips and intergenerational community events complement these exciting activities, while our large rooftop playground ensures fresh air and outdoor playtime all year round.
Rabbi Shira Koch Epstein
Executive Director
14th Street Y
SEpstein@14streety.org
Together, we are empowering exceptional education.