25-26 Director of Early Education and Care

OverviewJob Goal: The Director of Early Education and Care plays a critical leadership role in advancing Somerville’s vision for a comprehensive, inclusive, and high-quality early education system. This position is responsible for overseeing the implementation of a cohesive, mixed-delivery model that ensures all young children are prepared to meet and exceed Kindergarten readiness benchmarks. Success in this role requires strong collaboration and clear communication with District and City departments, community partners, families, and peer communities across the state. The Director is also a key member of Somerville’s First Five early childhood cross-sector steering committee working closely with the City of Somerville’s SomerPromise Department and the Somerville Family Learning Collaborative (SFLC) of the Somerville Public Schools.ResponsibilitiesSupervise and support SPS prekindergarten and kindergarten educators in collaboration with school principalsSupervise and support a team of instructional coaches, specialists and clinicians who provide a multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) for children across the mixed-delivery systemSupervise and support the Somerville Childcare Center DirectorSupervise and support the Early Childhood Grant Administrative Project Coordinator who oversees Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative (CPPI) state grantOversee the implementation and alignment of the early childhood mixed-delivery system in SomervilleOversee and steward the implementation of the multi-year strategic plan for a Somerville early care and education system to align with CPPI grant guidelines and the Superintendent’s Strategic PlanFocus on Access, Quality Alignment, and curriculum development based on SEE Every ChildVisit, support, and monitor Somerville Partnership for Young Children (SPYC) programs and oversee continuous quality improvement plansWork closely with the SPS Director of Special Education to oversee and expand SPYC’s Early Childhood multi-tiered supportsCollaborate with partner programs to support early identification of additional needsCollaborate with SFLC to implement best practices in family engagement and transitions; lead a summer transition program for KindergartenWork with SFLC on the Kindergarten transition plan and resources for familiesProvide regular, high-quality professional development opportunities for the Somerville Early Childhood workforce and partner with local education leaders to promote the early education pipelineCollaborate with the Somerville Center for Adult Learning Experiences (SCALE) to promote Early Childhood workforce developmentWork closely with local agencies and cross-sector groups (SPYC, Somerville Children’s Cabinet, ECAC, First Five Steering Committee) and communicate with state officials, local universities, and peer communitiesReport education-related data, trends, and emerging needs; present ecosystem insights in various public settings including School Committee meetingsSupport local and state-level advocacy effortsUse data to identify student and instructional needs; evaluate programs and services regularly and advise on continuous quality improvementAssist in developing and implementing the assessment system for the early childhood population and communicate results to center directors, district program directors, early childhood staff, principals, and parentsVisit and monitor partner programs and support continuous quality improvement plans; advise on state health and education requirements for early education facilitiesQualificationsDemonstrated familiarity with specialized instruction and multilingual education practicesProven experience in writing, securing, and managing large-scale grantsPossession of, or active progress toward, a valid Massachusetts Administrator’s License (Principal or other applicable license)Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field requiredExperience in the supervision and evaluation of educatorsRecognized expertise in early childhood education within a public setting; experience with private or community-based providers is a plusMinimum of five years of successful classroom teaching experience, with at least three years in a leadership role involving program development and/or managementStrong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectivelyIn-depth knowledge of early childhood curriculum development, program evaluation, child growth and development, instructional best practices, classroom management, learning assessment, and relevant educational researchDemonstrated enthusiasm, motivational, team-building and interpersonal skills to build strong relationships with students, staff, families, administration, and community partnersExcellent oral and written communication skills in EnglishThe Superintendent may consider and approve other qualifications as appropriate and acceptableTerms Of EmploymentFull YearNon UnionFull Benefits EligibleReports ToAssistant Superintendent of AcademicsThe Somerville Public School does not discriminate in its programs, facilities or employment of educational opportunities on the bases of race, color, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, home status, martial/civil union status, sex/gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, citizenship status, place of birth, national origin, ancestry, cultural identity, genetics or military status, and does not tolerate any form of retaliation, or bias-based intimidation, threat or harassment that demeans individuals/' group or interferes with their ability to learn or work.Seniority levelDirectorEmployment typeFull-timeJob functionEducation and TrainingIndustriesEducation Administration ProgramsEOE statements provided as part of the job posting. #J-18808-Ljbffr

Created: 2025-09-17