BZBI, where you belong

Career Openings

    BZBI has two positions open:

    • Early Childhood Education Director 2024- 25 School Year
    • Early Childhood Assistant Teacher 2024-25 School Year

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    Early Childhood Education Director

    Our Early Childhood Education program is a Reggio-Emilia-inspired school with 6 classes of students between the ages of 18 months and 5 years old. We are seeking a Director of Early Childhood Education.

    The ideal director is committed to a Reggio-inspired, play-based philosophy and commitment to Jewish-infused content and engagement. The Director supervises approximately 16 staff members and provides year-round leadership to approximately 75 children ages 18 months to 5 years during the 10 month school year and the 8 week summer camp. The Director is responsible for effectively leading the program and integrating the program with the activities and membership of the greater synagogue community. The Director is responsible for managing all aspects of preschool and summer camp, including administration, operation, budget management, admissions, and marketing. Day-to-day teacher and team management are required as is familiarity with DHS licensing regulations.

    Responsibilities

    • Provide day-to-day oversight of the preschool for the school year and for summer camp including:
        • Ensuring adequate daily staffing/classroom coverage
        • Providing classroom support as needed
        • Carrying out emergency procedures as needed
        • Supervising staff on conduct and performance 
        • Overseeing daily drop off and pick up procedures
        • Supporting students, staff, and parents in individual needs and resolving issues 
    • Provide Staff training, support, and Professional Development including:
        • Weekly all-staff meetings, monthly team meetings, and staff one-on-ones 
        • Planning and conducting week-long Staff Orientations in the Fall and Summer
        • New Staff Training (at orientation or upon hire)
        • Ensuring all staff acquire 12 hours of accredited Professional Development training hours annually as required by DHS licensing via
          • Planning/conducting two scheduled staff in-service days per year
          • Providing accredited online training options throughout the year
    • Oversee the admissions and enrollment process for the school year and summer camp including:
        • Priority enrollment for returning families and synagogue members
        • Marketing the school and growing and maintaining a pipeline of prospective new families 
        • Scheduling and conducting tours 
        • Tracking enrollment and sending acceptances to waitlisted families
        • Making appropriate classroom placements for the next enrollment period
        • Offering regular outreach programs for prospective families
    • Oversee staffing and hiring for the school year and summer camp
    • Oversee the Curriculum Development of Reggio Emilia-inspired pedagogy infused with Jewish values and content
    • Work with the Preschool Program Coordinator, Parent Association, and synagogue staff to plan and oversee Special Programs throughout the year such as:
        • After-School Enrichment Programs 
        • Welcome Back kick-off event and end-of-year celebration
        • Monthly family Shabbat programs
        • Holiday programs (Purim and Hanukkah carnivals, High Holiday family programming, etc)
        • Parent Association Annual Gala, parents’ nights out, and family events
        • In school special music and movement classes
        • Field Trips 
        • Special Persons Day
        • Weekly “My Grown Up and Me” music and movement class for infants and toddlers
        • Special programs for summer camp
    • Plan annual budget with Executive Director and oversee department budget and approve/track spending
    • Track staff working hours and submit biweekly payroll
    • Oversee preschool communications including general announcements and weekly parent newsletter
    • Maintain and implement Emergency Procedures plan including evacuation and lockdown drills
    • Ensure daily licensing requirements for both DHS and DOH are met and oversee annual licensing renewal process including:
        • Maintaining all files for children and staff
        • Training staff in required classroom protocols and ensuring best practices are met
        • Maintaining and updating required postings
        • Completing annual renewal application and inspection requirements
    • Work closely with Parent Association co-chairs and committees to support efforts in fundraising, teacher appreciation, and family programming
    • Oversee the EITC application process
    • Actively facilitate the relationship between the preschool and the congregation

    Professional Requirements

    • BA in Early Childhood Education (MA preferred)
    • Minimum of three years of preschool teaching and school supervisory experience
    • Experience with implementation of Reggio-inspired, play-based curriculum
    • Ability to create and lead professional development
    • Impeccable communication and problem solving skills
    • Collaborative leadership style
    • Strong technology skills 
    • Excellent time management and communication skills with flexibility to adapt to changing needs.

     Compensation and Benefits

    This is a full-time position with an expected starting date of July 1, 2024 with a competitive salary and benefits package inclusive of PTO, synagogue membership, health insurance, FSA, retirement plan and professional development allowance.  

    To be considered for this position, please submit your letter of interest and resume our Executive Director, Lynne Balaban, lbalaban@bzbi.org 

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    Early Childhood Assistant Teacher – 2024-25 School Year

    Our Early Childhood Education program is a Reggio-Emilia-inspired school with 6 classes of students between the ages of 18 months and 5 years old. We are seeking part-time and full-time Assistant Teachers to join our team for the 2024-25 school year under the guidance of the Lead Teacher. The Assistant Teacher reports to the Director of Early Childhood Education.

    Responsibilities

    • Co-construct learning with students and respect students as independent learners
    • Collaborate with colleagues on curriculum planning and nurturing emergent learning with an emphasis on Jewish values and ritual. Judaic knowledge a plus but not required. Must be open to learning about and supporting Jewish content and practice.
    • Utilize planning time along with the teaching team to prepare the learning space and conduct parent communication
    • Share responsibility in maintaining materials, classroom space, and indoor play space
    • Respond to the individual and developmental needs of each child and engage with children in a positive manner using appropriate language and a calm demeanor
    • Promote children’s self-esteem and encourage independence with appropriate expectations
    • Support children in conflict resolution and set appropriate behavioral expectations aligned with our philosophy
    • Help support an environment that is void of stereotyping, labeling, and diagnosing children
    • Adhere to all health and safety guidelines as required by Title 55 PA State Code Chapter 3270
    • Maintain visual and auditory supervision of children and ensure they are safe and accounted for at all times
    • Follow appropriate protocols when handling grievances with colleagues or families and concerns about children’s health or safety
    • Model behavior and language that respects and values individual and cultural differences of children, families, and colleagues
    • Refrain from practices that discriminate against colleagues, families, and children because of sex, race, national origin, religious beliefs or other affiliations, age, marital status/family structure, disability, or sexual orientation.
    • Communicate directly and kindly with colleagues when conflict arises; seek assistance from supervisors when guidance is needed. Refrain from discussing concerns in front of children. Recognize that mutual respect with colleagues is key to our program’s success
    • Exhibit willingness and flexibility and strive to assume a fair share of work
    • Follow appropriate protocol and supervisory approval when communicating absences, emergencies, lateness, or schedule changes
    • Display willingness to perform other duties as necessary to ensure program compliance and quality of services to children and families

    Professional Requirements

    • BA or AA in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or related field; CDA Credential (must be current); Enrolled in AA or BA; H.S. Diploma
    • Two years prior experience working with young children in a preschool, camp, or care setting
    • Willingness to obtain or present the required certificates: Mandated Reporter, Infant/Child CPR and First Aid, DHS Required Health and Safety Training, Fire Safety Training
    • Must complete new staff orientation and required professional development
    • Willingness to obtain two written letters of recommendation from non-related references
    • Proficiency in verbal and written communication including basic computer/technology skills
    • Ability to lift and carry children up to 70 lbs.

    Nondiscrimination Policy Statement Equal Opportunity Employment:

    An open and equitable personnel system is established and maintained. Personnel policies, procedures, and practices are in place to prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, disability, ancestry, national origin, age, gender, or sexual identity. Employment opportunities shall be provided, and reasonable accommodations made, for qualified applicants who also have physical or mental limitations or disabilities.

    Compensation and Benefits

    • $18.00-$20.00/hr commensurate with degree and experience
    • Paid legal holidays and Jewish holidays
    • Paid sick leave
    • Health Insurance, FSA and Retirement Plans for Full Time, School Year Employees

    Must send cover letter and resume

    To apply for the early childhood teacher position, please send resume and cover letter to ECDirector@bzbi.org

     

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