The Early Childhood Program Coordinator serves as an operational leader within the Early Childhood Center, with primary responsibility for managing key program functions, staffing coordination, and administrative systems that ensure the effective delivery of high-quality early childhood programming. This role works in close partnership with the Early Childhood Director and Assistant Director, contributing to decision-making and supporting the implementation of established guidelines.
The Program Coordinator is responsible for overseeing daily operations, ensuring appropriate staffing coverage, maintaining compliance with required systems and processes, and leading the coordination and implementation of core programs, including summer camp, mini-camps, and enrichment offerings. This position plays a critical role in maintaining program continuity, operational efficiency, and a positive experience for children, families, and staff.
This role requires strong organizational and analytical skills, the ability to manage multiple systems simultaneously, and the capacity to make informed decisions in a fast-paced environment. The Program Coordinator contributes to program planning, staffing strategy, and operational improvements that directly impact the success of the Early Childhood Center.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Program Operations & Development
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Works closely with the Assistant Director to coordinate the development and implementation of ECC summer camp and mini-camp operations, including program calendars, staffing models, room assignments, enrollment flow, and family communication strategy.
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Oversee day-to-day camp and enrichment program operations, ensuring alignment with program goals and organizational standards.
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Coordinate and manage enrichment programming, therapists, and external providers, including scheduling, logistics, and ongoing program evaluation.
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Analyze enrollment, attendance, and program utilization data to inform planning and recommend adjustments to programming and staffing
Staffing & Coverage Management
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Direct and manage daily staffing operations to ensure appropriate classroom ratios, coverage, and program continuity.
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Independently make staff deployment decisions, including schedule adjustments, substitute placement, classroom reassignments, and contingency planning.
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Oversee and maintain staffing systems to support accurate scheduling and real-time operational needs.
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Participate in the interviewing, selection, placement, and evaluation of substitutes, seasonal staff, and support staff, with recommendations informing hiring decisions.
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Provide ongoing performance feedback, document concerns, and reflective supervision or corrective action processes as needed.
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Support onboarding and training of substitutes, support staff, and seasonal team members to ensure readiness and alignment with program expectations.
Operational Systems & Compliance
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Manage ECC operational systems, including brightwheel and related administrative platforms, ensuring accurate setup and use for summer camp, mini-camps, enrichment classes, and therapist services.
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Oversee the completion and organization of required documentation, registration records, and compliance workflows related to camp programs, enrichment offerings, and therapist coordination, ensuring deadlines are met and issues are communicated to the administrative team as needed.
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Support the development and maintenance of standard operating procedures for ECC administrative and program processes, including those related to summer camp, mini-camps, enrichment programming, and therapist partnerships.
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Coordinate communication with families related to summer camp, mini-camps, enrichment classes, and therapist services, including messaging, announcements, and program dates and registration.
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Support enrollment communication for camp programs, enrichment offerings, and therapist services, including responding to family inquiries and sharing program information.
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Collaborate with the administrative team, front desk, and facilities staff to ensure clear and consistent communication regarding schedules, program needs, and daily operations.
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Coordinate room assignments and shared space usage for summer camp, mini-camps, enrichment classes, and therapist sessions to support smooth program flow.
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Adjust schedules and space allocations as needed in collaboration with the administrative team to meet changing program needs.
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Coordinate purchasing and inventory for the ECC program, summer camp, mini-camps, and enrichment programming needs within established guidelines.
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Organize and distribute supplies and materials to support camp activities and enrichment classes.
Leadership & Team Support
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Support the administrative team in maintaining smooth operations for summer camp, mini-camps, enrichment programs, and therapist services.
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Help guide and support assigned staff in alignment with program expectations and daily operational needs.
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Contribute to ongoing planning and improvements related to camp programming, enrichment offerings, and therapist coordination.
Education and/or Work Experience Requirements:
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Bachelor's Degree and 3 + years of significant leadership experience in a camp/educational environment setting and in supervision of youth and staff.
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Ability to prioritize and plan work activities, use time efficiently, and develop realistic action plans.
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Ability to communicate effectively with teachers, co-workers, parents, and children.
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Positive, friendly, outgoing, and possess excellent customer service skills.
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Enthusiastic, adaptable, dependable, articulate, and strong work ethic.
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Exhibit professionalism and ability to maintain confidentiality.
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Able to accept guidance and supervision.
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Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to effectively communicate with internal and external customers and engage in difficult conversations.
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Ability to work independently and to carry out assignments to completion within the parameters of instructions given, prescribed routines, and standard accepted practices.
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Lead by example; follow all NOJCC policies and procedures as defined in the NOJCC Handbook and as directed by Agency leadership.
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Awareness of Judaism, Jewish values, and Jewish cultural norms and traditions is preferred.
Certification Requirements:
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CPR/First Aid certifications, LDOE Training Modules, Mandated Reporter, and CCCBSC background clearance are required upon start.
