Early Learning Director

About the Role

The Early Learning Director at the YMCA of South Hampton Roads leads high-quality early learning programs serving children ages 2–5. This role oversees daily operations, including program quality, staff leadership, family engagement, licensing compliance, and curriculum implementation, creating a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment rooted in YMCA values.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and manage licensed early learning programs for children ages 2–5, 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.
• Serve as the Program Director for assigned early learning programs.
• 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 and objectives of the Association Strategic Plan.
• Expand current early learning offerings with high-quality programming in accordance with Association operating guidelines.
• Recruit and train program volunteers.
• Participate in association leadership meetings and trainings.
• Work collaboratively with association child care and youth development leaders.
• Participate in the annual support campaign, including staff giving and membership involvement.
• Maintain current CPR/AED/O2/First Aid and MAT certifications.
• Attend required trainings, including YMCA New Staff Orientation, bloodborne pathogens, and child abuse prevention training.
• Attend mandatory staff meetings and follow the YMCA Code of Conduct.
• Demonstrate an enthusiastic, positive, and motivating approach with children, families, staff, and peers.
• Communicate the YMCA mission and objectives to the community.
• Incorporate YMCA core values (Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility) 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 both orally and in writing.
• A minimum of 48 credit hours from a college or university, with 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 related field preferred.
• Experience leading licensed early learning programs preferred.
• Experience supervising and developing staff preferred.
• YMCA Team Leader Certification preferred.
• Demonstrated competencies in program/project management, developing self and others, functional expertise, communication, and influence.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Required to walk, stand, kneel, stoop, push, and lift up to 50 pounds.
• May work in outside weather conditions and be exposed to wet, cold, and/or humid conditions.
• Continuous operations requiring attention to detail and multitasking.
• Exposure to cleaning supplies.
• Must be able to stand or sit for long periods of time.
• Physically able to complete required certifications.
• During peak program seasons, may be expected to work night and weekend hours to meet program needs.

Background Checks

An offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory results from criminal background checks, reference checks, E-Verify, drug test, driver’s license record, and/or a Child Protective Services Check (CPS). Additional checks may be required to meet or maintain position requirements.

Pay

$42,000–$45,000 per year.