Early Childhood Program Administrator

About the role

The Dow Bay Area Family YMCA is seeking an experienced Early Childhood Program Administrator to provide strategic leadership for our licensed childcare and preschool programs.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for the YMCA's licensed childcare and preschool programs.
• Foster a positive, engaging, and child-centered learning environment.
• Champion high-quality early learning through implementation of The Creative Curriculum, including STEAM-based learning experiences.
• Maintain compliance with all Michigan childcare licensing regulations, Great Start to Quality standards, GSRP requirements, and YMCA policies.
• Develop and manage departmental budgets.
• Monitor enrollment, staffing, program quality, grant reporting, and operational performance.
• Ensure facilities, classrooms, and equipment provide safe, welcoming, and engaging learning environments.
• Support YMCA fundraising initiatives and community events.

Requirements

• Passionate about early childhood education and child development.
• A collaborative, compassionate leader who inspires others.
• Organized, adaptable, and solutions-oriented.
• Committed to providing exceptional experiences for children, families, and staff.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or another qualifying field under Michigan licensing requirements, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must meet Michigan Child Care Licensing qualifications for a Program Director.
• Minimum age of 21, as required by licensing regulations.
• Strong knowledge of Michigan childcare licensing rules and regulations.
• Successful completion of all state licensing employment requirements, including comprehensive fingerprinting and background checks.
• CPR, First Aid, and AED certification (or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire).
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Preferred Qualifications

• Three to five years of leadership experience in a licensed childcare setting.
• Experience leading multi-site early childhood programs.
• Experience with Great Start to Quality, GSRP, The Creative Curriculum, licensing compliance, enrollment management, budgeting, and staff development.
• Experience building strong relationships with staff, families and community partners.

Benefits

In addition to meaningful work, we offer a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Life and Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• YMCA Retirement Fund
• Paid Time Off and Paid Sick Leave
• Paid Holidays
• FREE YMCA Household Membership

Schedule

Full-time, exempt position
Generally Monday-Friday, eight-hour shifts between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Flexibility to work at least one evening each week until 6:00 p.m.
Regular presence at both YMCA childcare locations:

• 225 Washington Avenue
• 805 Center Avenue (First Presbyterian Church)