Early Learning Center Director

About the Role

As the Early Learning Director at the YMCA of South Hampton Roads, you will lead high-quality early learning programs serving children ages 1–5. This role oversees daily operations, including program quality, staff leadership, family engagement, licensing compliance, and curriculum implementation. You will create a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where children can learn and grow through developmentally appropriate experiences rooted in YMCA values: caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and manage licensed early learning programs for children ages 1–5, ensuring compliance with YMCA policies, health and safety standards, and Virginia Department of Education licensing requirements.
• Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate early learning staff.
• Support high-quality, developmentally appropriate programming that promotes children’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development.
• Create opportunities for children and families to build meaningful relationships within the YMCA community.
• Establish positive and collaborative relationships with parents/guardians through ongoing communication and engagement.
• Provide leadership and support for attaining goals outlined in the Association Strategic Plan.
• Expand early learning offerings in alignment with Association operating guidelines.
• Recruit and train program volunteers.
• Participate in association leadership meetings and trainings.
• Collaborate with child care and youth development leaders to deliver on assigned responsibilities.
• Participate in the annual support campaign, with active leadership in staff giving and membership involvement.
• Maintain current CPR/AED/O2/First Aid, MAT, and other required certifications (e.g., bloodborne pathogens, child abuse prevention training).
• Attend mandatory staff meetings and adhere to the YMCA Code of Conduct.
• Communicate the YMCA mission and objectives to the community.
• Incorporate YMCA core values into all aspects of program leadership and operations.

Requirements

• Meet the minimum qualifications for “Program Director” as defined by the Virginia Department of Education Division of Child Care Health and Safety.
• Minimum age of 21 years or older.
• Capable of carrying out assigned responsibilities, accepting training and supervision, and communicating effectively with emergency personnel.
• A minimum of 48 credit hours from a college or university, including 12 credit hours in child-related courses, plus 1 year of programmatic experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, Human Services, or a related field preferred.
• Experience leading licensed early learning programs preferred.
• Experience supervising and developing staff preferred.
• YMCA Team Leader Certification preferred.

Skills

• Program/Project Management
• Developing Self & Others
• Functional Expertise in Early Childhood Education
• Communication & Influence

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Requires walking, standing, kneeling, stooping, pushing, and lifting up to 50 pounds.
• May work in outside weather conditions and be exposed to wet, cold, or humid environments.
• Continuous operations requiring attention to detail and multitasking.
• Exposure to cleaning supplies.
• Must be able to stand or sit for long periods.
• Physically able to complete required certifications.
• During peak seasons, may work nights and weekends to meet program needs.

Background Checks

An offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory results from criminal background checks, reference checks, E-Verify, drug testing, driver’s license record, and Child Protective Services (CPS) checks. Additional checks may be required to maintain compliance.

Pay

$45,000–$48,000 per year.