Assistant Director of Early Childhood

The Organization

For over 55 years, Urban Community School (UCS) has served Cleveland’s children by providing an individualized, innovative, and challenging education. Rooted in the Ursuline Sisters’ tradition of faith, character, and educational excellence, UCS engages our faculty, families, and community partners in the successful whole child development of students. Serving nearly 800 children from 6 weeks old through 8th grade, the school uses restorative practices and conscious discipline to foster growth and community. Accredited by the Independent School Association of the Central States (ISACS), UCS enrolls a student body in which seventy-six percent of families are economically disadvantaged.

Our growing 15-acre campus in the Ohio City neighborhood is home to a vibrant mix of facilities and partners. The Roundstone Athletic Center features the Glick Family Fieldhouse and the Greater Cleveland Sports Hall of Fame and Museum. The campus also hosts The MetroHealth System, House of Champions, Urban Squash Cleveland, USA Lacrosse, Re:Source Cleveland, and Facing History and Ourselves. Outdoor spaces include Doyle Field, a new Little League field, along with a sports mini-pitch, lacrosse field, basketball court, three playgrounds, and learning garden.

UCS is a recipient of the 2026 and 2022 Top Workplace Award from The Plain Dealer, which is based solely on employee feedback. UCS has also been recognized as one of Cleveland’s City Champions by The Plain Dealer, a National Green Ribbon School for Environmental Practices and Learning Model, and a School of Excellence by the Cleveland Foundation and The George Gund Foundation.on.

Role Overview

The Assistant Director of Early Childhood provides hands-on leadership and oversight of the day-to-day operations of the Early Childhood program, helping create a nurturing and engaging environment where young children thrive. Working closely with the Director of Early Childhood, the Assistant Director supports high-quality programming that meets the needs of the whole child and prepares students for continued success at UCS and beyond.

The Assistant Director is a visible and responsive presence throughout the program, providing real-time support to students, teachers, and teacher assistants; helping problem-solve classroom and student needs; and ensuring classrooms are appropriately staffed and supported each day. The role also supports staff development, family partnership, program operations, and compliance with state licensing, quality standards, and funder requirements.

The ideal candidate is an energetic, experienced early childhood leader who builds strong relationships, responds calmly and effectively to the needs of a busy program, and can balance regulatory requirements with the realities of day-to-day school operations.

Responsibilities

Support Students, Families & Program Quality

• Support consistent implementation of curriculum and programming that meets the academic, social-emotional, developmental, and health needs of children.
• Provide responsive, hands-on student support throughout the day, including responding to requests from teachers and teacher assistants when additional support is needed in the classroom.
• Support student development in both proactive and reactive situations.
• Respond to requests for student support throughout the day using our communication channel, which is primarily Slack.
• Assist in the development, implementation, and evaluation of intervention programs that address the needs of at-risk students.
• Lead and/or assist team members in creating support plans and collaborate with families to ensure student success as it relates to the support plans.
• Ensure thorough documentation of student support plans, including goals, strategies, progress monitoring, and communication with all stakeholders.
• Partner with the Division Directors and faculty to develop and implement interventions (e.g. individual goal-setting meetings, daily or weekly check-ins with students, daily or weekly parent phone calls/meetings, special incentive systems, etc.)
• Partner with teachers and teacher assistants to problem-solve student needs, behavior challenges, classroom dynamics, and other situations that require additional support.
• Serve as a point person for students and families, particularly in the Director’s absence.
• Support accurate documentation and communication of student progress and needs.
• Coordinate smooth transitions for children as they move between classrooms and age levels.
• Partner with the Director and school leadership to support strong transitions from Pre-K to Kindergarten.

Staff Coaching & Development

• Serve as the primary manager and coach for teacher assistants.
• Serve as a day-to-day leader and resource for Early Childhood teachers and teacher assistants.
• Assist with hiring, onboarding, training, supervision, and evaluation of Early Childhood staff.
• Conduct classroom observations and provide feedback and coaching in partnership with the Director.
• Support professional development plans and help ensure staff complete required training and credentials.
• Identify challenges and opportunities for improvement and engage staff in problem-solving.

Program Operations & Compliance

• Support the Director in ensuring the Early Childhood program meets all licensing, Step Up To Quality, and applicable funder requirements.
• Help implement program policies, procedures, and standards consistently across classrooms.
• Manage daily classroom coverage and staffing to ensure required adult-to-child ratios are maintained.
• Maintain accurate program records, staff credentials, Ohio Professional Registry (OPR) information, and other required documentation.
• Support program reporting, quality assurance, annual self-assessment, and implementation of regulatory changes.

Cross Functional Collaboration

• Partner with the Enrollment Team to manage new student onboarding and student transitions with the goal of maintaining full enrollment.
• Work collaboratively with Early Childhood staff, UCS administrators, and cross-functional teams to support program goals.
• Stay current on Early Childhood regulations, standards, and best practices.
• Serve as a leadership team member who models UCS’s mission, vision, and values and contributes wherever needed to support the program and organization.

Skills

• Desire to lead and motivate team members.
• Ability to navigate conflict and demonstrate a solutions-oriented approach.
• Passionate about fulfilling the mission of UCS.
• Excels at building relationships with various stakeholders including students, caregivers, and educators.
• Demonstrates exceptional verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Self-starter with ability to work independently and with a team.
• Applies superb judgment and maintains confidentiality.
• Detail-oriented.
• Organized.
• Flexible and willing to make adjustments based on the needs of the school.
• Reflective with a strong desire to learn and grow.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in early childhood education or approved related field required. Master’s degree preferred.
• 3+ years of increasing responsibility in an early learning setting.
• Supervisory experience is highly preferred.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Must be able to walk significant distances and climb stairs throughout the day as the campus is situated on several acres with multiple buildings, ranging from single story to two stories
• Must be able to actively interact with young children by having good dexterity with ability to lift up to 40 pounds, push, pull, carry, climb, balance and kneel and the ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and squat.
• Ability to work on weekends and evenings as necessary
• FBI/BCI background check required

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary commensurate with experience ($64,000 - $68,000 per year)
• 401(k) with a generous employer contribution and match
• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• Employer paid life insurance, AD&D, and short and long term disability coverage
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave
• Tuition discount for students who attend UCS
• Educational assistance program (up to $2,000 per year)
• Casual work attire (denim and UCS spirit wear are welcomed)
• On-site fitness center for faculty and staff
• Financial and retirement advising at no cost to employees
• Opportunities for discounts on home, rental and auto-insurance

Additional Information

• Status: Full-Time; Exempt
• Reports to (direct): Director of Early Childhood
• Hours & Schedule: 40 hours per week/year-round (Early Education Center calendar)

Urban Community School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Urban Community School provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Urban Community School complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment.