Congressional School seeks a Director of Early Childhood and Primary School for the 2026-2027 academic year. The Director of Early Childhood Learning reports to the Head of School and provides the comprehensive leadership for the Early Childhood Learning Programs (ages six weeks to two years old) and the primary grades of Pre-school and Junior Kindergarten. The Director provides instructional leadership to the faculty and staff of this division and is responsible for the day to day operations, behavioral and licensing guidelines, and direction of the division's activities. The Director of Early Childhood Learning is collaborative, adept at maximizing opportunities with other divisions, and possess strong interpersonal skills and a firm pedagogical framework.

The Director must be proactive and enjoy working in a high-paced environment that is mission-driven, results- and solutions-oriented, and nurture the strong sense of community. The ideal candidate will have the ability to exercise good judgment in a variety of situations, possess strong written and verbal communication skills, be detailed-oriented, have strong administrative and organizational skills, and have the ability to maintain a balance between multiple priorities. The Director will take initiative and work independently on projects, from conception to completion.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Lead the Early Childhood Learning division through the supervision, management, and coordination of all academic, operational, and personnel functions.
2. Provide coaching and support for Early Childhood faculty regarding curriculum and pedagogy.
3. Oversee the academic, social and emotional well-being of Early Childhood students in coordination with faculty.
4. Oversee reporting of student progress in coordination with the Registrar.
5. Work with the classroom teachers and other faculty to ensure that appropriate curricular objectives are established.
6. Support the professional growth of faculty through the planning and facilitation of orientation for new teachers, professional development days, faculty meetings, and additional opportunities.
7. Provide timely and effective supervision of teachers ensuring they receive regular feedback about their teaching and overall performance.
8. Observe classes, confer with faculty regularly regarding these observations, and complete written observation reports and evaluations according to school guidelines.
9. Create open channels of communication with parents regarding school program and events and individual academic and social and emotional student progress and concerns.
10. Serve as part of school the school leadership team; participating in regular meetings with the Head of School and other leadership.
11. Work closely with the Director of Admissions to support recruitment efforts and the admissions process.
12. Work with the Early Childhood Coordinator to ensure compliance with state licensing regulations and standards, as well as accreditation standards such as NAEYC and VAIS.
13. Coordinate with the Director of Finance and Operations to ensure prudent budget expenses for all purchases related to programs.
14. Ensure that books and supplies are available to support programs and helps to assess and revitalize curricular materials as necessary.
15. With the partnership of school leadership, ensure the retention of Congressional Schools talent and, when necessary, recruit and hire new School faculty.
16. Be a visible presence in all areas of the school; to work toward a resolution of all problems as they arise; to keep the Head of School informed of the general programs, activities, and problems of the division.
17. Embrace and promote Congressional School's mission, vision, and values.
18. Performs others duties and oversees special assignments as necessary or assigned by the Head of School.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education; Master's Degree in Education is strongly preferred
• Minimum of five years' teaching experience at the early childhood grade levels.
• Supervisory/Administrative experience as department head or higher administrative position preferred.
• Ability to lead and inspire a dedicated, professional faculty toward instructional excellence within a rigorous educational program.
• Ability to multi-task projects and duties in a collaborative working environment.
• Highly skilled in the following areas: communication, interpersonal/relationship building, analytical/strategic thinking, organization, time management, delegation, problem-solving, conflict management and decision-making.
• A role model of high standards of professional behavior and strong leadership.
• A strong sense of ethics and integrity.

About Congressional School

Founded in 1939, Congressional School is a co-ed independent day school in the heart of Falls Church, VA. Dedicated to young learners—infants through eighth graders—Congressional School serves more than 400 students and 2,000 campers annually through its academic and summer programs. The school develops great thinkers and leaders by encouraging students to explore, embrace challenge, and grow through an innovative academic program —all in a diverse and inclusive community. Well-prepared for excellent secondary schools, Congressional School graduates have confidence, a sense of ethics, and the desire to continually and respectfully question, collaborate, create, and lead. Teachers at Congressional School are passionate, innovative, and dedicated members of the Congressional community who embrace the vision, mission, philosophy and traditions of the School while always striving for excellence. Teachers are committed to growth as professionals and individuals, and are eager to help the school’s students strive for and be their best. Congressional is a community where learning, growing, curiosity, engagement, hard work, and play are all valued and nurtured.

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