Director of Early Childhood Education

About the role

The Director of Early Childhood Education provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for Earthplace’s early childhood education programs, including our full-time childcare classrooms, part-time preschool classrooms, and co-leadership of Earthplace Summer Camp. As a member of the senior leadership team, the Director is responsible for advancing Earthplace’s mission through high-quality, nature-based educational experiences that support the development and well-being of young children.

Key Responsibilities

• Program Leadership & Strategic Planning
• Provide overall leadership for Earthplace’s early childhood education programs, ensuring alignment with Earthplace’s mission, values, and nature-based educational philosophy.
• Develop and implement program goals, educational priorities, and curriculum frameworks that foster exploration, discovery, and environmental stewardship.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director and the Director of Finance and Administration to establish annual program budgets and manage revenues and expenses.
• Evaluate program effectiveness and identify opportunities for continuous improvement and innovation.
• Support Earthplace community outreach, events, and partnership initiatives.
• Curriculum & Educational Excellence
• Lead curriculum development and implementation across all early childhood programs.
• Ensure educational experiences are developmentally appropriate, inclusive, engaging, and grounded in nature-based learning.
• Partner with teachers to establish learning objectives and enhance classroom practices.
• Monitor assessment processes and ensure alignment between curriculum, child development goals, and program outcomes.
• Promote best practices in inclusion and support for both neurotypical and neurodivergent learners.
• Staff Leadership & Development
• Recruit, hire, onboard, supervise, and retain high-quality teaching and support staff.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and mission-driven team culture.
• Conduct regular classroom observations and provide coaching, mentorship, and constructive feedback.
• Plan and facilitate regular staff meetings, training opportunities, and professional development initiatives.
• Ensure staff maintain all required certifications, professional development hours, background checks, and training requirements.
• Collaborate with Summer Camp leadership to recruit, train, and support seasonal camp staff.
• Family & Community Engagement
• Cultivate strong partnerships with families and create a welcoming, inclusive community for all family structures and backgrounds.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for parent communications, including newsletters, program updates, information sessions, and family meetings.
• Support teachers in building effective and positive relationships with families.
• Partner with parent organizations and advisory groups to strengthen family engagement and gather feedback.
• Conduct tours and enrollment meetings with prospective families, effectively communicating the program’s philosophy and value.
• Child Development & Student Support
• Ensure that each child is supported in a safe, nurturing, and responsive learning environment.
• Oversee the implementation of positive behavior guidance practices and social-emotional learning approaches.
• Observe classrooms regularly and collaborate with teaching staff to support individual student needs.
• Partner with families and outside specialists, when appropriate, to support children requiring additional resources or accommodations.
• Promote a culture where every child feels respected, valued, and capable.
• Health, Safety & Risk Management
• Maintain compliance with all state licensing requirements, health regulations, and accreditation standards.
• Ensure child and staff health records are complete and current.
• Oversee emergency preparedness procedures, health protocols, medication administration policies, and safety practices.
• Coordinate required staff certifications and training, including CPR, First Aid, Medication Administration, EpiPen, OSHA, and other mandated programs.
• Promote a healthy learning environment, including oversight of nutrition and wellness practices.
• Accreditation, Compliance & Professional Standards
• Ensure compliance with Connecticut Office of Early Childhood licensing standards and reporting requirements.
• Lead efforts to maintain and strengthen NAEYC accreditation.
• Stay informed of current trends, research, and best practices in early childhood education and nature-based learning.
• Build relationships with external consultants and professionals to strengthen program quality, including experts in child development, health, mental health, special education, and environmental education.
• Represent Earthplace in professional organizations and community networks relevant to early childhood education.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in early childhood education, including supervisory or leadership responsibilities.
• Minimum five years of teaching experience or related experience.
• Demonstrated experience managing educational programs, staff supervision, and family engagement.
• Knowledge of child development, developmentally appropriate practice, and inclusive education.
• Strong interpersonal, leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with children, families, staff, and community partners.
• Commitment to Earthplace’s mission and passion for nature-based education.
• Current or ability to obtain required certifications, including CPR, First Aid, Medication Administration, and other state-mandated training.

Compensation & Benefits

Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and life insurance.
Paid time off and holidays.
Professional development opportunities and continuing education support.
Opportunity to lead one of the region’s pioneering nature-based early childhood education programs within a mission-driven organization dedicated to environmental stewardship and lifelong learning.

To Apply

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and your answers to our screener questions outlining your experience and interest in the position to hr@earthplace.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.