Director, Early Learning Center

SAR Academy, a Modern Orthodox, co-educational day school in Riverdale, NY, is now accepting resumes for an Early Learning Center Director.

The Director will work with the principal to help shape and actualize the educational vision for SAR’s Early Learning Center and help to build a learning environment that fosters positive relationships among children, teachers, parents, faculty and staff. The Director will report to the Principal, contributing significantly to the development and enhancement of the school's culture and programming.

Key Responsibilities:

-Refine and execute the school’s pedagogical vision and curriculum objectives.

-Implement curricula and standards and develop new programming as needed.

-Ensure curriculum meets SAR’s philosophical guidelines and optimizes learning potential for children.

-Ensure curriculum attends to developmental goals for students as well as readiness skills for each subsequent year.

-Serve as an integral member of the administrative team, fostering strategic alignment across school divisions and contributing to strengthening the institution as a whole.

-Actively engage in community outreach and participate in the broader development of programming to enhance family involvement and elevate the school’s profile.

-Oversee and support all faculty and staff in all areas of the classroom.

-Design and implement professional development opportunities for faculty.

-Supervise, coordinate, observe, mentor, and support the growth of teachers.

-Meet with teachers weekly to support individual, classroom, and team goals. 

-Facilitate regular communication channels between teachers and parents, including weekly emails, websites, Open School Nights, and Parent-Teacher Conferences. 

-Collaborate with ELC specialists, providers, and teachers, to support diverse learners and their families. 

-Create schedules for classrooms, use of all spaces, staff meetings, annual schedule, and special days/events.

-Support planning of in-school holidays and events; attend school and community events.

-Maintain material and systems to support program operations.

-Collaborate with Parent Association in planning events and workshops throughout the school year.

-Collaborate with the Principal and Director of Admissions to manage the ELC admissions process.

-Represent the ELC at admissions, recruiting, and other events that promote the profile of the school.

-Manage ELC budget and all classroom expenditures.

-Oversee recruitment and onboarding of prospective teachers and staff.

-Ensure compliance with the most current NYC DOHMH rules and regulations.

-Oversee and monitor all health, wellness, and safety procedures and policies.

-Oversee arrival and dismissal daily.

Qualifications:

-10 years teaching early childhood; relevant supervisory experience.

-Deep passion for values-based Jewish learning and living.

-Intrinsic respect for children.

-Strong ability to build connections with children and to develop an atmosphere of mutual respect.

-Creative, flexible, and open-minded approach to management.

-Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education or equivalent.

-Strong knowledge of progressive education, including theories related to child-centered and play-based classrooms.

-Knowledge of the constructivist approach to early childhood education and the Loose Parts movement.

-Knowledge of age-appropriate developmental milestones and skills.

-Self-identify as a life-long learner interested in continual personal growth.

-Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.

About SAR:

SAR Academy is a Modern Orthodox co-educational nursery through grade 8 day school located in Riverdale, NY.  We are dedicated to the belief that every child possesses a divine spark, has unique worth as an individual and should be encouraged to achieve according to his or her ability. Our warm environment promotes confidence, creativity and enthusiasm for learning. In our approach to academics, we nurture students to develop intellectual curiosity, critical thinking skills and a lifelong love of both Torah and Secular studies.

About the Early Learning Center:

The Early Learning Center (ELC), SAR’s school for children ages 2-6, is a joyous and loving Jewish environment filled with experiential learning, passionate and nurturing teachers, Hebrew immersion, and STEAM-focused curricula. The ELC’s inquiry-based curriculum and constructivist teaching approach allow children to construct knowledge by asking questions, making connections out of their experiences, and learning actively by doing. At SAR, we live Judaism joyfully--interacting with one another and the world at large in ways that reflect respect, collaboration, and a shared commitment to Torah & mitzvot.

About SAR:

SAR Academy is a Modern Orthodox co-educational nursery through grade 8 day school located in Riverdale, NY.  We are dedicated to the belief that every child possesses a divine spark, has unique worth as an individual and should be encouraged to achieve according to his or her ability. Our warm environment promotes confidence, creativity and enthusiasm for learning. In our approach to academics, we nurture students to develop intellectual curiosity, critical thinking skills and a lifelong love of both Torah and Secular studies.