Are you a passionate and experienced leader in early childhood education looking to make a meaningful impact in a supportive, fun, and dynamic environment? Racker is excited to invite applicants for the full-time Early Childhood Services Site Director position to oversee our preschool special education and childcare programs in Ithaca. As a Site Director at Racker, you will lead a dedicated team of special education teachers, daycare teachers, teaching aides, and assistants. You’ll oversee five preschool special education classrooms and three infant/toddler childcare classrooms, fostering a collaborative environment that celebrates growth, learning, and play. In addition to your team, you’ll partner closely with related services programs both within Racker and the community to ensure a seamless, holistic approach to child development.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead, motivate, and support a team of educators to create a nurturing, joyful environment where children thrive.
• Foster a culture of fun and learning, while ensuring a high standard of care and educational quality.
• Supervise the day-to-day operations of preschool and infant/toddler classrooms.
• Partner with internal and external teams to provide integrated services for children with diverse needs.
• Ensure the smooth operation of our programs, providing guidance, mentorship, and professional development opportunities for your team.

What We’re Looking For:

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire, motivate, and guide a diverse group of educators.
• Experience in early childhood education and special education, including leadership experience in managing teams.
• A passion for creating a positive, engaging, and joyful learning environment for children and staff alike
• A commitment to collaboration, community, and continuous learning.

What We Offer:

• Starting salary range of $58,000–$70,000, depending on experience.
• A competitive benefits package, including a variety of healthcare options for families and individuals.
• Funding and paid time for continuing education to help you grow in your career.
• Retirement investment with employer match to help you plan for the future.
• Paid vacation for school holidays and breaks, plus paid sick time.
• 20% discount on childcare services for children of full-time staff.

At Racker, we believe in the power of joy and fun, and we know that a great leader can make all the difference in the lives of children, families, and staff. If you are ready to lead with passion, creativity, and a sense of purpose, we would love to hear from you!

Apply Today to Join Our Team and Make a Difference!

• Ensure that Racker ECS complies with relevant laws, regulations and rules, including but not limited to NY State Ed and OCFS
• Organize and manage staff, site, and services in a clear and efficient manner that effectively utilizes resources
• Facilitate creation of environment where all people know they belong
• Collaborate with ECS leadership team

• Serve as a representative of the program to outside organizations and funding sources

• Attend meetings and speak to community groups representing Racker ECS

• Work with other staff members in developing agency philosophy, planning and overseeing issues that affect Racker ECS

• Complete applications and reports required by State and other funding sources

• Education/Certification: Bachelor’s Degree in early childhood education, special education , or related human services/educational field preferred; fingerprinting clearance; clearance from New York State Central Registry
• Skills/Abilities: Effective management skills in program planning, development and evaluation, financial management and human resource management; demonstrated ability in administration and personnel supervision; skills in interpersonal relationships; oral and written communication skills
• Knowledge: Two (2) years relevant administrative experience; experience with education inclusion; knowledge of policies and regulations from the State Department of Education, Office of Children and Family Services and the Department of Health