Early Learning Director

Job Type Full-time Description OUR CULTURE: Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you. Position Summary As the Early Learning Director at the YMCA of South Hampton Roads, you will have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of young children and families by leading high-quality early learning programs serving children ages 1–5. Under the direction of the Executive Director, the Early Learning Director oversees the daily operations of licensed early learning programs, including program quality, staff leadership, family engagement, licensing compliance, and curriculum implementation. This role creates a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive through developmentally appropriate experiences rooted in the YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. Essential Functions Division of Duties: 90% supervision and management of assigned licensed early learning programs serving children ages 1–510% leadership support to Annual Giving and other association and department initiatives Priorities Provides supervision and management of licensed early learning programs serving children ages 1–5.Serves as the Program Director for assigned early learning programs. Ensures programs operate in accordance with YMCA policies, health and safety standards, and Virginia Department of Education licensing requirements. Supports high-quality, developmentally appropriate programming that promotes children’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. Required The Early Learning Director must understand and be willing to learn the necessary skills required for the successful completion of duties, including: Program Management and OperationsProvides day-to-day management of early learning program operations and staffHires, trains, supervises, and evaluates early learning staffEnsures assigned programs meet or exceed Virginia Department of Education licensing requirementsEnsures assigned programs meet or exceed program quality standardsSupports implementation of developmentally appropriate curriculum and learning experiences for children ages 1–5 Program Management and OperationsCreates opportunities for children and families to build meaningful relationships within the YMCA communityEstablishes positive and collaborative relationships with parents/guardians through ongoing communication and engagement opportunitiesProvides strong leadership and support for attaining goals and objectives of the Association Strategic PlanExpands current early learning offerings with high-quality programming in accordance with Association operating guidelines Team Performance Towards Organizational GoalsRecruits and trains program volunteersParticipates in association leadership meetings and trainingsWorks collaboratively and in partnership with association child care and youth development leaders to deliver on assigned responsibilities FundraisingParticipates in a successful annual support campaign. Active leadership required in staff giving and membership involvement Professional DevelopmentMaintains current CPR/AED/O2/First Aid and MAT certificationsAttends trainings as required, including YMCA New Staff Orientation, bloodborne pathogens, and child abuse prevention trainingAttends mandatory staff meetingsFollows the Code of Conduct established by the YMCA of South Hampton RoadsDemonstrates an enthusiastic, positive, and motivating approach with children, families, staff, and peersCommunicates the YMCA mission and objectives to the communityIncorporates the YMCA core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility into all aspects of program leadership and operationsPerforms all other duties as assigned Requirements YOUTH DEVELOPMENT COMPETENCIES: Program/Project ManagementDeveloping Self & Others Functional ExpertiseCommunication & Influence Qualifications The Early Learning Director will meet the qualifications established by the YMCA of South Hampton Roads and applicable state licensing agencies for licensed early learning programs serving children ages 1–5. Minimum qualifications include: Meet the minimum qualifications for “Program Director” as defined by the Virginia Department of Education Division of Child Care Health and Safety and/or applicable North Carolina child care licensing regulations based on program location Staff shall be of good character and reputationMeets a minimum age of 21 years or olderCapable of carrying out assigned responsibilities; capable of accepting training and supervision; capable of communicating with emergency personnel; and capable of communicating effectively both orally and in writing as applicable to the job responsibility.A minimum of 48 credit hours from a college or university, of which 12 credit hours are 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 preferredExperience leading licensed early learning programs preferredExperience supervising and developing staff preferredYMCA Team Leader Certification preferred Work Environment And Physical Demands Will be required to walk, stand, kneel, stoop, push, and lift up to 50 poundsWhile performing duties the employee may occasionally work in the outside weather conditions, and is exposed to wet, cold and /or humid conditionsContinuous operations requiring attention to detail and multi-taskingWill be exposed to cleaning suppliesMust be able to stand or sit for long periods of timeMust be physically able to successfully complete required certificationsDuring 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 receipt of satisfactory results to meet minimum requirements of the position. They may include criminal background and reference checks, E-Verify, drug test, driver’s license record, and/or a Child Protective Services Check (CPS). Additional driver’s license check, CPS, criminal background check, alcohol, and/or drug testing may be required to be processed in the future in order to meet and/or maintain the requirements of this position. Salary Description 42,000-45,000