About East End House
East End House is a 150-year-old nonprofit community center in Cambridge, MA. Using a holistic approach guided by our Theory of Change and the Five Protective Factors for Strengthening Families framework, we provide high-quality early childhood education, out-of-school-time programs, food assistance, and other services to children, families, and seniors from under-resourced communities.
Position Summary:
The Assistant Program Director is a hands-on instructional and operational leader within the Early Education program. This role is primarily classroom-facing—supporting teachers through direct coaching, behavior guidance, and modeling—while also sharing responsibility for program administration, compliance, and family engagement. The Assistant Program Director serves as acting Program Director when the Program Director is off-site or otherwise unavailable.
This is a full-time, exempt position that reports to the Early Education Program Director.
To be successful in this role, you should possess the following competencies:
Classroom Support & Instructional Leadership
- Model effective teaching practices, positive behavior strategies, and responsive interactions with children
- Support staff in implementing behavior guidance strategies, de-escalation techniques, and individualized approaches for children with challenging behaviors
- Work with our Impact team to provide real-time coaching and constructive feedback to teachers, with an emphasis on building staff confidence and long-term retention
- Support onboarding of new teaching staff and serve as an ongoing resource as they build their practice
- Work with the Program Director to plan and deliver on-site teacher training and professional development
- Supervise curriculum implementation (Creative Curriculum) to meet or exceed EEC and NAEYC developmental guidelines
- Support teachers in tracking the developmental progress of all children; coordinate support for children receiving outside professional services
- Support inclusion practices and assist families navigating these processes
- Conduct parent and caregiver meetings to discuss developmental or behavioral concerns and ensure children receive appropriate assessments and support
- Ensure anti-bias and anti-racism perspectives are evident in classroom environments, interactions, and materials
- Actively engage children, staff, and families in age-appropriate social-emotional learning
Program Leadership
- Serve as acting Program Director when the Program Director is off-site or otherwise unavailable, with full decision-making authority during that time
- Ensure the Early Education program is a warm, welcoming, and inclusive space for all children, staff, and families
- Oversee daily opening and closing procedures to ensure smooth, consistent operations
- Support school culture, community-building activities, and a positive environment for children and families
- Maintain strong relationships with enrolled families through clear communication, family events, and positive daily interactions
- Serve as a mandated reporter and ensure all staff understand their obligations
Administration & Compliance
- Work with the Program Director and COO to maintain program compliance with EEC, CACFP, and other applicable regulations, and support the ability to adapt to regulatory changes
- Support NAEYC accreditation preparation and ongoing compliance
- Assist with data collection and quality improvement processes aligned with East End House’s Theory of Change Blueprint and relevant grant requirements
- Support enrollment efforts—including tours, waitlist management, and intake paperwork—to work towards and maintain 95% capacity
- Coordinate with the business office on family payment and attendance schedules, including EEC subsidy and voucher billing
- Support the Program Director in ensuring the program remains fully and appropriately staffed including filling in and working in ratio with children as needed
Qualifications
Required:
Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Human Development, or related field, or 30 college credits with an Early Childhood focus
Preferred:
- Director I & II EEC Qualifications
- Experience supporting NAEYC accreditation
Compensation: $60,000-$66,000 annually, based on experience, qualifications, and demonstrated leadership expertise. We also offer a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, life, and long-term disability insurance, generous paid time off, substantial professional development opportunities, and additional employee benefits.
To apply, please send resume and cover letter to:
Christine Del Vecchio, Chief Operating Officer
East End House, Inc.
105 Spring Street
Cambridge, MA 02141
Electronic submissions may be made to: [email protected].