Director, J Early Childhood Center – Plano in Dallas, Texas at Jewish Community Center Of Dallas

The Aaron Family JCC is seeking an exceptional leader to become the Director of the J Early Childhood Center – Plano. The start date for this role is January 2027. Please note, from January–June 2027 the position is based at the Aaron Family JCC in Dallas.

This is a rare opportunity to launch a brand-new school while building on the success of one of the region's premier early childhood programs. Located on the campus of Congregation Anshai Torah, the J Early Childhood Center – Plano will extend the Aaron Family JCC's longstanding commitment to educational excellence, meaningful relationships, and vibrant Jewish community to families in Plano and the surrounding area.

The Director will have the unique opportunity to shape every aspect of the school—from its culture and learning environments to its team, traditions, and family experience. While the school itself will be new, it will be built upon the proven philosophy, systems, and reputation of the Goldberg Early Childhood Center, a highly respected, NAEYC-accredited program that has served Dallas families with distinction for decades.

If you are energized by building, leading, and inspiring others while creating a place where children, families, and educators flourish, we'd love to meet you.

The Director is an entrepreneurial, relationship-centered leader responsible for launching and leading the J Early Childhood Center – Plano, serving infants through Pre-K with a maximum enrollment of 80 children.

Unlike many start-up opportunities, this role begins with six months of intentional preparation. The Director will spend January through June 2027 embedded within the Goldberg Early Childhood Center at the Aaron Family JCC, learning the organization's educational philosophy, operational systems, leadership approach, and culture before transitioning to Plano in July 2027 to prepare for the school's August opening.

The Director will oversee every aspect of the school's development, including hiring and developing a founding team, designing exceptional learning environments, creating operational systems and procedures, leading enrollment efforts, building strong family relationships, and establishing a joyful, welcoming school culture rooted in Jewish values.

Following the opening, the Director will provide visionary leadership for educational excellence, staff development, operations, enrollment, and family engagement while ensuring every child and family experiences the warmth, quality, and sense of belonging that define the Aaron Family JCC.

Essential Responsibilities

Launch a New School

Lead all aspects of opening the J Early Childhood Center – Plano from planning through opening day.Establish the school's vision, culture, traditions, and family experience.Create operational systems, policies, procedures, and workflows that support excellence.Design welcoming, developmentallyappropriate classroomsand shared learning environments.Select curriculum, educational materials, furnishings, and classroom resources.Partner with the Chief Impact Officer throughout the planning and launch process.Develop enrollment strategies and cultivate relationships with prospective families.Build systems that support long-term growth and sustainability.

Build Community

Cultivate a welcoming and inclusive school community where every child and family feels known, valued, and connected.Develop authentic, trusting partnerships with families through active listening and transparent communication.Establish a Parent Association that promotes meaningful family involvement.Plan family programs, holiday celebrations, service opportunities, and community-building events.Serve as a trusted resource for familiesregardingchild development and parenting.

Build and Inspire an Exceptional Team

Recruit, hire, onboard, mentor, andretainan outstanding founding team.Foster a collaborative culture grounded in professionalism, respect, innovation, and continuous learning.Coach educators through observation, mentoring, and professional development.Build leadership capacity throughout the school.Create systems that support staff success, engagement, and retention.

Lead Educational Excellence

Establish an exceptional educational program grounded in developmentallyappropriate practiceand current research.Ensure classrooms promote creativity, inquiry, exploration, and joyful learning.Integrate Jewish values, traditions, and celebrations in meaningful, age-appropriate, and inclusive ways.Implement systems for assessment, documentation, and continuous improvement.Maintain the highest standards for teaching, learning, and classroom environments.

Lead Operations

Oversee all aspects of daily school operations, including staffing, scheduling, enrollment, budgeting, licensing, and compliance.Develop and manage the school's operating budget.Ensure compliance with Texas Child Care Licensing regulations and all health and safety standards.Create efficient systems for communication, enrollment, tuition, and record management.Lead the school's journey toward NAEYC accreditation.

Serve as a Community Leader

Serve as the educational leader of the J Early Childhood Center – Plano while collaborating closely with Aaron Family JCC leadership.Build a strong partnership with CongregationAnshaiTorah whilemaintainingthe mission, philosophy, and standards of the Aaron Family JCC.Collaborate with CongregationAnshaiTorah clergy and staff to create meaningful Jewish experiences and celebrations for children and families.Partner with the Aaron Family JCC's Jewish Life & Learning team to deepen Jewish learning and identity throughout the school.Represent the school within the broader Jewish and early childhood education communities.Participate as an active member of the Aaron Family JCC leadership team.

Required Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Educational Leadership, Child Development, ora relatedfield.Minimum of five years of experience in early childhood education.Minimum of three years of leadership experience.Deep knowledge of child development and developmentallyappropriate practice.Demonstratedsuccessleading teams, coaching educators, and building strong family relationships.Excellent communication, organizational, and project management skills.Ability to obtain Texas Director Licensing credentials and CPR/First Aid certification.

Preferred

Master's degree in Early Childhood Education, Educational Leadership, Child Development, ora relatedfield.Experience opening, expanding, or leading a growing early childhood program.Experience with NAEYC accreditation.Knowledge of Texas Child Care Licensing.Experience developing operational systems, budgets, and strategic initiatives.