Assistant Director of Program & Licensing

Position Summary:

The Assistant Director of Program & Licensing supports the pedagogical vision and educational practices of the school, working closely with the Director of the ELS, Assistant Director of the ELS, Early Interventionist, Pedagogical Leaders and teaching teams to promote high-quality, reflective early childhood education. This role is both collaborative and research-driven, contributing to curriculum development, documentation practices, and professional development across classrooms.

Our ideal candidate will have:

• a curiosity and a love for learning alongside children and adults;
• respect for children's ideas, voices, and agency;
• a collaborative spirit and willingness to grow professionally; and
• the ability to balance flexibility with structure in a dynamic school environment.

The Assistant Director of Program & Licensing should embrace Jewish values and community life; a progressive approach to education; and the belief that children are strong, competent citizens. This position is supported by the Director of the ELS, Assistant Director of the ELS, Early Intervention Specialist, General Manager of Camps & Early Learning School and directly supervised by the Director of the ELS.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership & Supervision
  • Directly supervise a team of teachers, working closely with Director of the ELS, Assistant Director of the ELS, and Early Intervention Specialist in observations and evaluations for all teachers.
  • Work closely with the Pedagogical Leaders to share best practices, provide support, and share resources with classrooms of the same age.
  • Work with the administrative team to establish classroom policies and hold teachers accountable for meeting performance expectations.
  • Assist in overall employee oversight and staff discipline.  
  • Works directly with Supervisor to ensure full licensing compliance in classrooms.
  • Ensure all out-of-classroom areas—including hallways, shared spaces, and playgrounds—fully comply with licensing, health, and safety requirements.
  • Ensures the school complies with Colorado health and safety regulations

• • Other responsibilities as needed or assigned

• Support Curriculum, Documentation and Pedagogy
  • Collaborate with educators to design and reflect on emergent, inquiry-based curriculum rooted in children’s interests and development.
  • Assist in aligning classroom practices with the school’s educational philosophy and values.
  • Participate in pedagogical meetings and planning sessions.
  • Support educators in observing and documenting children’s learning processes through various media (notes, photos, video, etc.).
  • Help analyze and interpret documentation to inform curriculum and showcase learning.
  • Assist in creating visual displays and panels that communicate children’s work, thinking, and experiences. 
• Professional Collaboration
  • Attend and contribute to staff meetings, study groups, and professional development opportunities.
  • Engage in ongoing pedagogical research with the Director of the ELS, Assistant Director of the ELS, and Early Intervention Specialist to share with teaching teams.
  • Foster a culture of collaboration, critical thinking, and shared learning.
• Licensing & State Ratings
  • Ensure 100% compliance in all areas to meet State of Colorado Childcare licensing requirements
  • Knowledge of both ITERS (Infant/Toddler Environment Rating Scale) and ECERS (Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale)
  • Knowledge of The Colorado Shines Rating System
  • Maintain school inventory: classroom materials and furniture
  • Maintain materials/resource budget
  • Work with ELS teachers and the administrative team to ensure a complete understanding of all licensing regulations.
• Family & Community Engagement
  • Help prepare documentation and communication tools that make learning visible to families.
  • Participate and help plan family events, conferences, and school-wide initiatives as needed.
  • Work with the GM and ELS administrative team and teachers in the design and implementation of important decisions and policies. 
  • Create a culture of shared responsibility and partnership to advance the vision of the ELS and the JCC.
  • Work with Assistant Director of Education to create and maintain ongoing opportunities for the professional growth of all staff members.
  • Ensure that all members of the ELS community have the opportunities and resources necessary for the successful execution of their jobs.
  • Assist in overall employee oversight and staff discipline.  
  • Responsible for ensuring compliance in classrooms and working directly with Supervisor to ensure full licensing compliance in classrooms.
  • Ensure full compliance in out-of-classroom spaces such as hallways, shared spaces, and playgrounds.
  • Ensure compliance around health and safety
  • Uphold Jewish values in all interactions, including welcoming people into the ELS community, accepting and appreciating the inherent diversity among all community members.   
  • Other responsibilities as needed or assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, or related field.
• State of Colorado Director qualified for a Large Center Preschool
• Knowledge of license rules and regulations for a Large Center Preschool
• A minimum of 5 years' experience working in early childhood classrooms.
• Strong understanding of child-centered, inquiry-based learning and constructivist theories.
• Excellent observation, reflective thinking, and communication skills.
• Experience or interest in pedagogical documentation and collaborative teaching practices.
• Comfortable using technology and digital tools to support documentation and communication.

Benefits Overview

This full-time position is benefits-eligible. The JCC contributes a portion of medical, dental and vision plan premiums and pays for Basic Life Insurance & AD&D, Short-Term Disability and Long-Term Disability. There are additional voluntary benefit plans available. The JCC has a 401(K) Plan available for elective deferral contributions for employees over 21 years of age, with no waiting period. Paid Time Off is a day-one benefit, accrued based on years of service and in compliance with the Colorado Healthy Families & Workplaces Act.

Physical Demands and Working Environment:

The position requires the candidate to remain in a sitting position for prolonged hours in an office environment. While performing duties, the candidate is occasionally required to stand, walk use hands to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms, talk and hear. Candidate must occasionally lift and or/move up to fifteen (15) pounds. Working conditions may include being in an open (shared) cubicle or workspace.