Director of Early Childhood Education

About Earthplace
Earthplace connects people with nature for life. Since 1958, Earthplace has inspired environmental stewardship through immersive nature experiences, community science, wildlife education, and hands-on learning opportunities. Situated on a 62-acre wildlife sanctuary in Westport, Connecticut, Earthplace serves as a regional hub for environmental learning and nature discovery.

One of the nation's oldest nature-based preschool programs, Earthplace’s early childhood education program has been a leader in outdoor learning since 1967. Through daily exploration, discovery, and connection with the natural world, we cultivate curiosity, confidence, resilience, and a lifelong appreciation for nature in young children.

Earthplace is committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and nurturing learning environment for all children and families. We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive in a community that values diversity, respects individual differences, and promotes a sense of belonging.

The Director of Early Childhood Education provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for Earthplace’s early childhood education programs, including our full-time childcare classrooms, part-time preschool classrooms, and co-leadership of Earthplace Summer Camp. As a member of the senior leadership team, the Director is responsible for advancing Earthplace’s mission through high-quality, nature-based educational experiences that support the development and well-being of young children.

This position oversees program development, curriculum leadership, staff recruitment and supervision, budget management, licensing and accreditation compliance, family engagement, and overall program quality.

The Director serves as a champion for inclusive, child-centered learning and ensures that all programs provide a safe, nurturing, and inspiring environment where children can learn, grow, and develop meaningful connections with the natural world.

The ideal candidate is an experienced educational leader who combines a passion for early childhood education with strong organizational, communication, and team development skills.

• Program Leadership & Strategic Planning
  Provide overall leadership for Earthplace’s early childhood education programs, ensuring alignment with Earthplace’s mission, values, and nature-based educational philosophy.
• Develop and implement program goals, educational priorities, and curriculum frameworks that foster exploration, discovery, and environmental stewardship.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director and the Director of Finance and Administration to establish annual program budgets and manage revenues and expenses.
• Participate as an active member of the Senior Leadership Team, contributing to organizational planning, decision-making, and cross-departmental collaboration.
• Evaluate program effectiveness and identify opportunities for continuous improvement and innovation.
• Support Earthplace community outreach, events, and partnership initiatives.

• Lead curriculum development and implementation across all early childhood programs.
• Ensure educational experiences are developmentally appropriate, inclusive, engaging, and grounded in nature-based learning.
• Partner with teachers to establish learning objectives and enhance classroom practices.
• Monitor assessment processes and ensure alignment between curriculum, child development goals, and program outcomes.
• Promote best practices in inclusion and support for both neurotypical and neurodivergent learners.

• Recruit, hire, onboard, supervise, and retain high-quality teaching and support staff.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and…