Director of Early Learning

About Community Day Charter Public School (CDCPS)

Community Day Charter Public School (CDCPS) is a nationally acclaimed free public charter school and one of the first charter schools established in Massachusetts. Serving approximately 1,200 students in grades pre-kindergarten through 8 across multiple campuses in Lawrence, Massachusetts, CDCPS is committed to delivering a rigorous, student-centered academic program that supports students' social, emotional, and holistic development. Our success is grounded in strong relationships, personalized support, social-emotional learning, and high academic expectations. CDCPS is recognized for strong student outcomes, with its Upper School ranked among the top charter middle schools in Massachusetts and in the top 25% of all Massachusetts middle schools by U.S. News & World Report (2024).

Job Summary

The Director of Early Learning will provide programmatic leadership for CDCPS grades K1-1 to a network of campuses that are committed to the ongoing development and well-being of its students, teachers, and staff. The Director must embrace that all students given appropriate support, can master age-appropriate learning goals, and that our teachers must prioritize social emotional supports and relationship building while maintaining high academic expectations for all students. The Director should have significant expertise in creating and maintaining high quality early learning environments and Massachusetts early learning standards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Vision-setting with Chief Academic Officer (CAO) and Network leadership team to develop strategic planning for initiatives to promote positive culture, parent engagement, leadership development, teacher-learning and student support and achievement.
• Works with CAO and Director of Academics 2-8 to establish goals and a system of accountability that supports network mission.
• Collaborates with key staff to ensure effective management of early learning K1-1 programs across network, including Director of Academics 2-8, Directors of Curriculum and Instruction, Director of Special Education, Heads of School and Director of School and Student Supports.
• Works collaboratively with CAO, Heads of School, and Directors of Curriculum and Instruction to create, lead, and support the development and implementation of developmentally appropriate standards-based curriculum across all content areas. Evaluates academic programming, curricula, and assessment for effectiveness.
• Supports instructional and curriculum integration of technology.
• Supports or leads grant initiatives related to Early Learning Programming
• Develops shared training and professional development opportunities for teachers, school leaders and program directors around common program elements and strategic initiatives.
• Develops and collaborates with Heads of School and Directors of Curriculum and Instruction to maintain a system of interpreting assessment data to determine strategic academic focus, curriculum adjustments, and school-and classroom-level action planning to improve student learning and development.
• With CAO designs and oversees the execution of network leadership development program, including research, design, and implementation.
• With CAO and Director of Academics 2-8 oversees network coaching program and serves as coach for leaders and teachers.
• With CAO collaborates with other The Community Group (TCG) early education programs for curriculum and coaching.
• Assists TCG's overall efforts to contribute to the public dialogue and advocacy in support of quality education.
• All other duties as assigned.
• Uphold a passionate belief in the Community Day Charter Public Schools mission, values, and educational model.
• A drive to set and achieve ambitious, challenging, and tangible goals;
• A willingness to pursue continuous improvement and refinement as well as success;
• An ability to thrive in fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment and a capacity to remain calm and focused when faced with unexpected challenges;
• An ability to lead by example and offer a strong, accessible presence while building positive culture;
• Experience supervising and/or evaluating staff;
• Demonstrated leadership in strategizing and implementing long range planning;
• Experience and proven track record of at least 5 years managing programs of quality education;
• Deep understanding of standards-based curriculum and assessment and proven track record of achievement related to student and teacher success;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; and
• Master's Degree preferred; Bachelor's Degree is required.
• A valid Massachusetts' teaching license in Early Childhood Education K1 - 1st, Elementary 1 - 6, or Principal/Assistant Principal.
• Ability to successfully complete all required background checks, including a CORI check, SAFIS check, and any additional clearances required by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Work Environment

This position requires onsite work and travel to CDCPS campus locations. Physical demands include the ability to travel to multiple campus locations, sit or stand for extended periods, move throughout the classroom or school environments (which may include stairs or uneven surfaces), and communicate effectively in person, by phone, and electronically. The role may occasionally require lifting up to 40 pounds (such as, desks, chairs, materials, and/or supplies). Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Compensation Statement

At Community Day Charter Public School, we are committed to equitable and transparent compensation practices that reflect our values and mission. Compensation for this position is based on our established salary bands and guidelines. Our compensation practices are regularly reviewed to ensure fairness, consistency, and compliance with the Massachusetts Pay Transparency Act.

EEO Statement / Commitment to Diversity

Community Day Charter Public School is fully committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and to attracting, retaining, developing and promoting the most qualified employees without regard to their race, gender, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, citizenship status, veteran status, or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state or local law. We are dedicated to providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment, and where employees are treated with respect and dignity.

E-Verify Notice

Community Day Charter Public School participates in the E-Verify program to determine the immigration and work-eligibility status of prospective employees. Please refer to the Notice of E-Verify Participation and the Right to Work documents for more information.