Early Learning Director

About the Role

The Early Learning Director at the YMCA of South Hampton Roads leads high-quality early learning programs for children ages 1–5. This role oversees daily operations, including program quality, staff leadership, family engagement, licensing compliance, and curriculum implementation, ensuring a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment rooted in YMCA values.

Division of Duties

• 90% supervision and management of licensed early learning programs for children ages 1–5
• 10% leadership support for Annual Giving and other association/department initiatives

Responsibilities

• Provides day-to-day management of early learning program operations and staff
• Hires, trains, supervises, and evaluates early learning staff
• Ensures programs meet or exceed Virginia Department of Education licensing requirements and quality standards
• Supports implementation of developmentally appropriate curriculum and learning experiences for children ages 1–5
• Creates opportunities for children and families to build meaningful relationships within the YMCA community
• Establishes positive and collaborative relationships with parents/guardians through ongoing communication and engagement
• Provides leadership and support for attaining goals and objectives of the Association Strategic Plan
• Expands current early learning offerings with high-quality programming in accordance with Association operating guidelines
• Recruits and trains program volunteers
• Participates in association leadership meetings and trainings
• Works collaboratively with association child care and youth development leaders
• Participates in the annual support campaign, including staff giving and membership involvement
• Maintains current CPR/AED/O₂/First Aid and MAT certifications
• Attends required trainings (e.g., YMCA New Staff Orientation, bloodborne pathogens, child abuse prevention)
• Attends mandatory staff meetings
• Follows the YMCA Code of Conduct
• Demonstrates an enthusiastic, positive, and motivating approach with children, families, staff, and peers
• Communicates the YMCA mission and objectives to the community
• Incorporates YMCA core values (Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility) into all aspects of program leadership and operations

Requirements

• Meets minimum qualifications for “Program Director” as defined by the Virginia Department of Education Division of Child Care Health and Safety
• Staff shall be of good character and reputation
• 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 related field preferred
• Experience leading licensed early learning programs preferred
• Experience supervising and developing staff preferred
• YMCA Team Leader Certification preferred

Work Environment and 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, 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
• Must be physically able to complete required certifications
• During peak program 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 tests, driver’s license records, and Child Protective Services (CPS) checks. Additional checks (e.g., alcohol/drug testing, CPS, criminal background) may be required to maintain position requirements.

Pay

$42,000–$45,000 per year