Educational Leader (Early Education & Care)

Description

The Educational Leader provides strategic and instructional leadership for the educational programming across the early childhood program. This role oversees curriculum implementation, classroom quality, educator development, and coaching systems to ensure high-quality teaching and learning experiences for children ages infancy through school age.

The Educational Leader supervises Classroom Coaches, Curriculum Coaches, and other instructional support staff while leading initiatives related to curriculum, assessment, professional development, continuous quality improvement, and educator effectiveness. The position works collaboratively with program leadership to ensure alignment with Massachusetts EEC regulations, accreditation standards, and the program’s educational philosophy and goals.

The ideal candidate is a strong instructional leader with passion for and expertise in early childhood education, adult learning, coaching practices, curriculum leadership, and program quality improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

· Lead the overall educational vision, instructional quality, and curriculum implementation across the program

· Ensure developmentally appropriate and best practices are consistently implemented in all classrooms

· Oversee classroom quality initiatives, coaching systems, and instructional supports

· Monitor program-wide educational practices to ensure alignment with EEC regulations, NAEYC accreditation standards, and any other high-quality measure adopted

· Lead continuous quality improvement planning related to teaching and learning

· Support the creation of inclusive, culturally responsive, and engaging learning environments

· Supervise, support, and evaluate Coaches

· Establish coaching systems, expectations, and professional growth plans for coaching staff

· Ensure consistency in coaching practices, classroom support, and educator feedback

· Facilitate regular coaching team meetings and reflective supervision sessions

· Support coaches in analyzing classroom trends, educator needs, and program-wide professional development priorities

· Collaborate with coaches to develop targeted support plans for classroom teams

· Oversee implementation and fidelity of curriculum across all age groups

· Guide Curriculum Coaches and educators in lesson planning, child assessment, and individualized instruction

· Ensure educators use observation and assessment data to inform planning and child outcomes

· Review and strengthen classroom environments, documentation, and learning experiences

· Support integration of social-emotional learning, inclusion practices, and family engagement within curriculum implementation

· Develop and oversee professional development systems for educators and instructional staff

· Plan trainings, workshops, and learning opportunities aligned with program goals and educator needs

· Promote reflective practice, instructional excellence, and continuous learning

· Support leadership development pathways within the program

· Assist with onboarding and orientation of new educational staff

· Partner with Program Directors and administrative leadership to support overall program operations and quality

· Communicate educational priorities, expectations, and updates clearly to staff

· Support positive relationships among educators, leadership, and families

· Participate in leadership meetings and strategic planning

· Lead NAEYC accreditation efforts

· Represent the program in educational and community partnerships as needed

· Maintain records related to coaching, classroom observations, professional development, and quality improvement efforts

· Stay current on best practices, regulations, and emerging trends in early childhood education

· Other duties as assigned

Skills & Competencies

· Strong instructional leadership and supervisory skills

· Expertise in early childhood curriculum, child development, and classroom quality practices

· Experience with coaching, mentoring, reflective practice and adult learning strategies

· Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

· Ability to build collaborative relationships across teams

· Experience leading continuous quality improvement initiatives

· Knowledge of EEC regulations, QRIS, and accreditation standards

· Commitment to equity, inclusion, and relationship-based leadership

· Visionary and collaborative leadership style

· Strong reflective practice and coaching mindset

· Ability to inspire and develop educators and leaders

· Commitment to high-quality early childhood education

· Flexible, solution-oriented, and relationship-focused approach

Comprehensive Benefits:

Compensation & Financial Support

• Competitive wages
• Bonuses for training, education and credentials
• Paid professional development and training
• Low to no cost CDA and degree programs
• Student loan forgiveness
• Retirement plans with employer match
• Child care discounts for employees’ children
• Referral bonus

Work-Life Balance

• Paid time off and holidays
• Paid winter and summer program closure
• Flexible scheduling when possible
• Reduced burnout initiatives and realistic staffing support

Health & Wellness

• Affordable health, dental, vision, disability insurance
• Monthly wellness stipend
• Access to mindfulness or stress-management resources

Professional Growth & Recognition

• Coaching and mentoring programs
• Leadership pathways and career advancement opportunities
• In-house professional learning opportunities
• Recognition programs and appreciation events
• Opportunities to specialize (curriculum, behavior support, coaching, etc.)

Workplace Culture Benefits

• Supportive leadership and positive team culture
• Adequate, paid planning time
• Consistent classroom resources and supplies
• Staff appreciation initiatives
• Strong communication and inclusion in decision-making
• Psychological safety and respect for educator voice
• Morale committee that plans team events
• Spirit days

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, or related field preferred
• 7 years experience in early childhood education
• 3 years experience in instructional leadership, coaching, or program administration preferred
• Knowledge of curriculum implementation, assessment systems, and classroom quality tools required
• Experience with CLASS and NAEYC accreditation preferred
• Must be passionate about children and supporting their growth into becoming the best that they can be and equally as passionate about leading and supporting the educators who guide them