Director of the Early Childhood Center

General Position Description:

The Director of the Early Childhood Center (ECC Director), is the lead administrator on site at 2537 Frankford Avenue in Fishtown/Kensington. The FFS Early Childhood Center is an extension of Frankford Friends School, with a main campus enrolling 200 preschool through 8th grade students in the Frankford section of Philadelphia. 7:30-8:00 Early Care; 8:00-3:00 School Hours; 3:00-6:00 Extended Day.

The school serves up to 50 students, aged 2-5. The Teacher/Director is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the Early Childhood Center while fostering a nurturing, inclusive, and educational environment for children. This role involves managing and mentoring staff, implementing a Reggio-inspired and project-based curriculum, ensuring compliance with regulations, managing assigned budgets, and engaging with families and the community.

Reports to:

Head of School

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Leadership and Management:
   • Ensure a positive and collaborative work environment.
   • Develop and conduct an onboarding plan for new teaching staff.
   • Onboard, mentor and supervise teaching staff to assure philosophical alignment, enhance teaching practices and promote professional development.
   • Meet regularly with teaching team members to discuss curriculum, policies, and staff concerns.
   • Manage room assignments and classroom and teacher-to-child ratios;
   • Determine schedules, and assign staff responsibilities and utilization of spaces and resources;
   • Purchase supplies;
   • Manage and monitor finances to stay within approved budget limits;
   • Arrange for substitute help.
2. Compliance and Safety:
   • Ensure the center meets all local, state, and federal regulations, including DHS regulations.
   • Maintain accurate records related to licensing, staff qualifications, and child enrollment.
   • Coordinate and oversee any trainings and certifications required by law or policy.
   • Participate in Open Houses, school and city fairs, and related recruitment events.
3. Curriculum Development:
   • Implement age-appropriate curriculum that aligns with school philosophy and educational and regulatory standards.
   • Adapt curriculum based on the needs of children and feedback from parents and staff.
4. Child Development:
   • Monitor children's progress and development through observation and assessment.
   • Create individualized learning plans for children as needed.
   • Foster an inclusive environment that accommodates diverse backgrounds.
5. Family and Community Engagement:
   • Build strong relationships with families through regular communication, meetings, and events.
   • Organize family engagement activities and workshops to support child development and education.
   • Collaborate with community organizations to enhance resources and support for families.
6. Marketing and Enrollment:
   • Conduct tours and family visits.
   • Submit material for FFS publications.
7. Teaching:
   • Greet families at arrival and dismissal
   • Cover classes and employee breaks and assist where needed

Other duties as assigned: The essential functions and duties listed above are intended to describe the general components of the position and the level of work performed by the ECC Director. The job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed. The omission of functions or duties does not exclude them from this position if work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this position, as determined by the Head of School.

Educational Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).

Additional Knowledge, Skills, and Experience Required:

• Strong understanding of child development theories and best practices.
• Familiarity with the principles and practices of Reggio Emilia and Project-based Learning;
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in early childhood education, with at least 3 years in a supervisory role;
• Knowledge of state licensing regulations;
• High energy and a flexible growth-minded work ethic;
• A friendly and welcoming demeanor and the ability to communicate with students, staff, and current and prospective parents in a friendly, open, positive, and professional manner;
• A dedication and commitment to the school’s mission and values, and the ability to clearly articulate them;
• Detail-oriented, with outstanding organizational skills;
• An understanding and commitment to the Quaker testimonies of peace, simplicity, integrity, community, and stewardship.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

• This position requires significant flexibility and the capacity to work in a variety of settings: office, classroom, community meeting spaces, outdoors, etc. It may require the ability to sit, stand, walk up and down up to three flights of stairs and through the campus, for the entirety of the school day, in all seasons, and to occasionally carry children or lift up to 35 lbs.
• The ECC Director attends events and meetings outside of school hours, including evenings and weekends as needed.
• The ECC Director will encounter a wide variety of challenges and deadlines. They must be able to work in an environment that can be highly stressful at times and have the ability to be flexible as needed.
• Be able to pass all criminal record checks, background checks, and child abuse clearances.

The School believes that children benefit most from in-person classes and activities as well as from relationships with faculty and staff who engage with them in all areas of school life. The Teacher/Director will keep the school environment healthy, safe, and open on all calendared days, in accordance with applicable policies and laws.