Early Childhood Director

Description

Title: Early Childhood Director (ECD)

Supervisor: Chief Operating Officer

Site Location: The Boys & Girls Club of Clifton – 181 Colfax Ave, Clifton NJ, 07013

Exempt/Nonexempt: Exempt

About the Boys & Girls Club of Clifton & Gingerbread House

 The Boys & Girls Club of Clifton (BGCC) serves thousands of young people each year through safe, high-quality programs that support Academic Success, Good Character & Citizenship, and Healthy Lifestyles.

The Early Childhood Education Department (ECED) includes:

• Gingerbread House Day Care – Full-day program
• KinderKare – For children currently enrolled in kindergarten
• CELA A/B/S – Before and After School programs for children enrolled in Clifton Public Schools preschool

These programs provide a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment for children ages 2.5–4, grounded in developmentally appropriate practice and positive youth development.

Position Summary

 The Early Childhood Director (ECD) provides overall leadership, coordination, and management of BGCC’s Early Childhood Education Department. The ECD leads daily operations of Gingerbread House, KinderKare, and CELA A/B/S programs; manages and develops staff; ensures regulatory compliance; oversees high-quality curriculum and care; builds strong relationships with families and community partners; and supports the strategic growth of early childhood programs. The ECD is both a strategic leader and a hands-on presence in classrooms and program spaces.

Key Responsibilities:

Program Leadership, Curriculum & Quality

• Oversee daily operations of all ECED programs, ensuring smooth schedules, routines, and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Implement, assess, and continuously improve a high-quality, play-based curriculum aligned with early childhood best practices and BGCC youth development outcomes.
• Conduct regular classroom observations and promote trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and inclusive learning environments.

Licensing, Compliance & Documentation

• Ensure full compliance with NJDCF, NJDOH, and all state and local childcare licensing regulations.
• Maintain accurate child and staff records, attendance, incident reports, and required documentation.
• Stay current on licensing requirements and ensure staff follow all regulations, including mandated reporting.

Staff Management, Coaching & Culture

• Recruit, onboard, supervise, evaluate, and schedule staff to maintain proper ratios and continuity of care.
• Provide ongoing coaching, professional development, and support to foster a collaborative, growth-oriented culture.
• Model professionalism, integrity, and leadership for staff, children, and families.

Family, School & Community Partnerships

• Build strong, trusting relationships with families through clear communication, conferences, and engagement opportunities.  
• Collaborate with Clifton Public Schools and community partners to support student transitions and strengthen program impact.

Operations, Budget & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Ensure ECED spaces are safe, clean, welcoming, and well-equipped for high-quality care and instruction.
• Manage budgets, vendors, and resources in collaboration with Club leadership and cross-functional teams.

Safety, Crisis Response & Professional Conduct

• Champion safety, emergency preparedness, confidentiality, and proper facility maintenance.
• Effectively problem-solve, manage crises, and complete all required training and professional development.

Physical Demands:

 Standing, walking, occasional running/jogging, leaning, bending, and sitting. Must be able to lift 30 lbs.

Qualifications

Required:

• Meets all NJDCF requirements for a center director
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Early Childhood Education or related field
• Pre-K-3 Certification
• Experience in Early Childhood or Childcare settings with increasing responsibility
• Experience supervising or training staff
• Strong understanding of Early Childhood Development and positive behavior guidance
• Effective communication and relationship-building skills
• Ability to maintain boundaries and confidentiality
• Ability to pass all required background checks and health clearances
• Valid driver’s license

Preferred:

• Director, Assistant Director, or Lead Teacher experience in a licensed center
• Familiarity with Creative Curriculum or similar play-based curricula
• Experience with diverse children and families, including special needs
• Bilingual or multilingual (especially English/Spanish)

Schedule

 Full-time, primarily Monday–Friday, with occasional evenings or weekends for events and meetings.

Compensation

 $70k–$80k commensurate with experience

Benefits

• 403(b) Retirement Plan: Available after completing two years of service and meeting the plan's eligibility requirements, including 1,000 hours of service per year.
• Paid Sick Leave: Earned in accordance with New Jersey law.
• Health Insurance: Aetna medical coverage available after 90 days, subject to eligibility requirements. Employees also receive reimbursement for 90% of their health insurance deductible through OCA.
• Dental & Vision Insurance: Guardian coverage available after 90 days, subject to eligibility requirements.
• Life Insurance & Long-Term Disability: Employer-provided coverage, subject to eligibility requirements.
• PTO & Vacation: Available after 90 days, subject to applicable eligibility requirements and company policy.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Available in accordance with company policy.
• Discounted Child Care: Available for eligible employees.
• Transit Benefits: Available to eligible employees.