Assistant Director of Educational Programs - Early Childhood Center

Assistant Director of Educational Programs - Early Childhood Center
J Los Angeles
5870 West Olympic Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90036

About our Early Childhood Center

The Early Childhood Center (ECC) at The J Los Angeles is a vibrant, values-driven program serving children from infants through TK. Rooted in Jewish values and guided by emergent, play-based, and inquiry-based educational philosophy, the ECC is committed to nurturing curious, joyful learners in an inclusive and deeply caring community. We are seeking an experienced educational leader to join our team and help shape the next chapter of our program.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an Assistant Director of Educational Programs who serves as the primary educational leader of the ECC, holding direct responsibility for curriculum, pedagogy, classroom quality, and faculty development across all classrooms - infants through TK. This is an empowered leadership role: the Assistant Director exercises instructional authority, directs teaching staff, and drives educational excellence, working in close partnership with the Director of ECE to ensure that exceptional learning experiences are supported by strong operations and a shared Jewish mission.

This position maintains a visible, hands-on presence across all classrooms and is the primary point of educational leadership for teaching staff, families, and the broader school community. In the absence of the Director of ECE, the Assistant Director assumes responsibility for the center, including licensing compliance and the flow of the day.

What You'll Do

Lead curriculum design, implementation, and mapping across all age groups, making data-informed adjustments to meet the diverse developmental, cultural, and learning needs of every child

Conduct regular classroom observations and provide in-the-moment coaching, feedback, and professional development to teaching staff

Lead hiring, supervision, evaluation, and individualized professional development for all teaching staff, ensuring timely and complete performance documentation

Partner with the Inclusion & Community Care Manager to ensure curriculum and teaching practice are inclusive of neurodiverse and culturally diverse needs

Collaborate with the Manager of Jewish Life & Learning (or equivalent role) to develop and implement across classrooms programming that encompasses The Story of the Jewish People: Israel, Jewish People around the world, History, Holidays, Values, Tradition & Culture.

Integrate The Story of the Jewish People: Israel, Jewish People around the world, History, Holidays, Values, Tradition & Culture into the educational calendar and daily classroom life

Serve as the senior educational contact for families, leading developmental conferences, parent education programming, and family engagement events

Ensure continuous compliance with California Community Care Licensing (Title 22) standards across all classrooms and documentation

Collaborate with the Director of ECE, Admission Manager, and Inclusion & Community Care Manager on the school calendar, enrichment scheduling, and operational planning

What We're Looking For

Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field; Master's degree preferred

Minimum 15 ECE units including infant/toddler coursework; Site Supervisor or Program Director qualification under Title 22 preferred

5-7 years of experience in early childhood education, including direct classroom teaching and at least 2 years in an instructional leadership or supervisory role

Demonstrated experience leading curriculum development, staff evaluation, and professional development in an early childhood setting

Strong knowledge of developmentally appropriate practice, emergent and play-based pedagogy, and California licensing requirements (Title 22)

Experience supporting children with special needs and/or neurodiverse learners in inclusive settings

Experience in Jewish early childhood education or values-based programming preferred

Deep commitment to Jewish values, inclusion, equity, and early childhood excellence

Required Certifications & Clearances

Prior to or upon hire: Pediatric First Aid & CPR; Mandated Reporter certification; Live Scan criminal record clearance; TB clearance; and immunizations required of California childcare staff (influenza, Tdap, measles), subject to lawful exemptions.

$75,000 - $85,000

The J Los Angeles (formerly the Westside Jewish Community Center) has been serving the Los Angeles community for almost 70 years. We host a variety of programs for the community, including an early childhood center, basketball leagues and classes, swim lessons, summer and winter day camp, fitness classes, family holiday programs, teen leadership and Israel programs, senior wellness and adult programs. The JLA's Weinberg Aquatic Center, featuring two saline pools, is home to the popular SwimRight Academy.

For information on J Los Angeles programs please visit our website at thejla.org or call us at 323.938.2531. We look forward to welcoming you to the J Los Angeles!