Nursery School Director

The Roslyn Trinity Cooperative Day School is seeking an experienced and passionate Nursery School Director to lead and oversee the operational, educational, and administrative functions of our beloved community school. The Director will manage staff, develop and implement curriculum, maintain the physical environment, and build strong, supportive relationships with key stakeholders. This role ensures compliance with regulatory standards while fostering a nurturing, child-centered atmosphere for both students and staff. 

The ideal candidate will not only meet the qualifications listed below but will also embrace our time-honored values, believe in the whole-child approach to education, and bring a hands-on attitude to every aspect of this leadership role. 

To apply, please email a resume and cover letter to: rtcoopdirectorsearch2025@gmail.com.  We will be collecting applications on a rolling basis until the position is filled.  Candidates will be contacted beginning the week of April 21, 2025.  

Organization Description

Founded in 1951, the Roslyn Trinity Cooperative Day School (the “Co-op”) is a non-sectarian, non-profit parent cooperative nursery school that offers high-quality educational programs for children aged 18 months to 4 years old (Pre-K). The Co-op is licensed by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services and registered with the New York State Education Department. 

Since its inception the Co-op’s philosophy has been to offer children a warm nurturing environment in which they can develop socially, emotionally, physically, and cognitively while building a positive self-image.  The Co-op incorporates a play-based curriculum to maximize the children’s growth. Self-directed activities enhance the children’s confidence and their gross motor, fine motor, socialization and speech skills. We are proud to have offered a high-quality early childhood program to children and their families for nearly 75 years and will continue to do so. 

At the Co-op, we are more than just a school - we are a community.  Families are actively involved in every aspect of the school, from fundraising to classroom participation, and even assisting with school maintenance.  The Co-op has excellent, creative, and loyal staff who have pioneered many of the ideas and materials that have served as an example to many other schools and professionals in early childhood.  The Co-op also has a strong legacy, as many of our parents and teachers are alumni who have chosen to continue their relationship with our school to create wonderful memories with and for their own children.   

Key Responsibilities

This role requires a combination of operational oversight, curriculum leadership, and strong interpersonal skills to ensure a nurturing and effective learning environment for students and staff. Responsibilities include:
 

• Overseeing Programming and Curriculum:  Oversee and collaborate with staff on curriculum design centered on our learning through play philosophy; manage special programs, including enrichments and camp; facilitate Committee on Preschool Special Education processes as needed.
   
• Supervising Staff: Mentor and motivate staff; assist staff with behavior concerns, separation issues, and any other challenges that arise in the classroom as necessary; complete staff evaluations and meet with each staff member on a periodic basis; oversee all staff recruitment and training; plan and run staff meetings; oversee professional development.
   
• Engaging with Parents and Family: Maintain open lines of communication with families; participate in school events; meet with prospective families for tours; oversee school open houses; lead and/or find speakers for parenting talks and discussions held throughout year; plan and run parent orientation meeting; assist parents in obtaining services for their child if needed (OT, speech, etc.); work with teachers to provide a safe environment for children with allergies, including severe food allergies.
   
• Collaborating with Parent-Run Executive Board and Committees: Serve as member of parent-run Executive Board Committee, as well as other committees (budget, scholarship, etc.); maintain regular contact with board members, most frequently President, assisting with their duties as necessary; act as the main link between board and teachers; manage marketing of school and fundraising with the Executive Board.
   
• Carrying Out All Necessary Administrative Duties:  Maintain licenses and oversee inspections and regulatory compliance (OCFS, NYS DOE, Nassau County Fire Marshall, UPK); run all safety drills; ensure all staff and parents follow safety policies and procedures; maintain regular contact with church staff regarding maintenance of indoor and outdoor facilities; work with the Executive Board to arrange for regular maintenance in classrooms, playground, and basement; coordinate with professional cleaning service; oversee office tasks and collaborate with administrative staff to maintain confidential student and employee files, update all policies and procedures and handbooks; work with bookkeeper on tuition, registration, insurance, and budget.
   
• Community Leadership: Participate in local and national early childhood education networks and collaborate with other local nursery school directors. 

Qualifications

• Required education and experience as per OCFS guidelines (please see below) 
• Required education and experience as per New York State Department of Education guidelines (please see below) 
• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field.
  • Master’s degree in a related field strongly preferred 
• Knowledge of OCFS and NYS DOE regulations. 
• Extensive experience in early childhood education and school administration. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage with various stakeholders. 
• Strong leadership skills.
• Proven ability to manage and lead diverse teams, build relationships with families, and foster a positive, inclusive school culture. 
• Familiarity with curriculum planning and instructional techniques. 
• CPR and First Aid certified (or willingness to obtain) 

Benefits 

• Salary: $70k per year based on experience
• Paid time off 
• Professional development 
• Access to a 403b (available after 12 months of employment)
• Discount for children
   

OCFS Required Education and Experience for Educational Director Position: 

Bachelor's degree including, or in addition to, 12 credits in Early Childhood, Child Development or related field; and 

One year of full-time teaching experience in a child day care center, family or group family day care home or other early childhood program AND one year of experience supervising staff in a childcare program or a related field of work

OR

New York State Children's Program Administrator Credential; and 

One year of full-time teaching experience in a child day care center, family or group family day care home or other early childhood program AND one year of experience supervising staff in a childcare program or related field of work

OR

Associate's degree in Early Childhood or related field with a plan of study leading to: - a bachelor's degree; or a New York State Children’s Program Administrator Credential; and 

Two years of full-time teaching experience in a child day care center, family or group family day care home, or other early childhood program AND Two years of experience supervising staff in a childcare program or related field of work

OR

Child Development Associate Credential or other Office recognized credential with a plan of study leading to:  a bachelor's degree; or a New York State Children's Program Administrator Credential; and 

Two years of full-time teaching experience in a child day care center, family or group family day care home, or other early childhood program AND Two years of experience supervising staff in a childcare program or related field of work

New York State Department of Education Requirements for Educational Director Position: 

The educational director shall hold a New York State certificate or its equivalent in one of the following:

- Early Childhood Education (Nursery, Kindergarten and Primary Grades) - Nursery through Kindergarten 

- Elementary Education: Newborn through Grade 6 

- Kindergarten through Grade 6 with specialized preparation for teaching in early childhood grades 

OR shall present evidence of substantially equivalent instruction and experience, 

The educational director shall, in addition to the above qualifications, give evidence of instruction and/or experience in supervision and administration.