Regional Childcare Director

About the Role

The Regional Licensed Childcare Director provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and regulatory compliance for all assigned YMCA early learning, preschool, school-age, and youth development programs. This position ensures each licensed childcare program consistently delivers a safe, nurturing, and high-quality environment while meeting or exceeding Virginia Department of Education Child Care Licensing Standards, YMCA policies, and accreditation or quality improvement standards. The role involves developing and supporting Childcare Directors, Coordinators, and part-time staff to advance the YMCA's mission of strengthening community foundations.

Responsibilities

• Act as Childcare Director for Salem Family YMCA and oversee Childcare Directors, Coordinators, and part-time staff at Botetourt, Salem, and Kirk Ys.
• Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for multiple licensed childcare programs throughout the assigned region.
• Supervise, coach, mentor, evaluate, and develop Childcare Directors and other leadership staff to build high-performing teams and ensure accountability.
• Recruit, hire, onboard, train, retain, and support qualified childcare professionals while promoting employee engagement, succession planning, and leadership development.
• Ensure all assigned childcare programs maintain compliance with Virginia Department of Education Child Care Licensing Standards, YMCA policies, and all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Serve as the regional subject matter expert on childcare licensing regulations, operational standards, and best practices.
• Conduct regular compliance audits, prepare programs for licensing inspections, monitor regulatory changes, and implement corrective action plans as needed.
• Ensure all required licensing documentation, staff qualifications, training records, child files, and operational records are complete, accurate, and current.
• Maintain high-quality early childhood and school-age programs by monitoring curriculum implementation, classroom environments, behavior guidance practices, and overall program effectiveness.
• Champion child safety by ensuring compliance with YMCA abuse prevention policies, risk management practices, emergency preparedness procedures, and all required safety training.
• Conduct routine facility and program evaluations to identify operational risks and implement improvements that promote participant safety and program quality.
• Investigate operational concerns, licensing issues, incidents, complaints, and policy violations in collaboration with Human Resources and executive leadership.
• Develop, manage, and monitor operating budgets for assigned childcare programs, including revenues, expenses, payroll, enrollment, and financial performance.
• Develop and implement strategies to improve enrollment, participant retention, operational efficiency, and long-term financial sustainability.
• Foster positive relationships with children, families, school divisions, licensing representatives, community partners, and other stakeholders while responding professionally to questions, concerns, and feedback.
• Represent the YMCA in community partnerships, licensing visits, meetings, and professional organizations to strengthen relationships and promote YMCA childcare services.
• Analyze operational, enrollment, financial, and quality data to identify trends, evaluate outcomes, and implement continuous quality improvement initiatives.
• Participate in Association strategic planning, organizational initiatives, grant opportunities, and program expansion efforts that support the YMCA's mission and long-term goals.
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, operational excellence, inclusion, collaboration, and exceptional member service while modeling the YMCA's mission and core values.
• Ensure consistent implementation of Association policies, procedures, and strategic initiatives across all assigned childcare locations.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the successful operation and growth of YMCA childcare services.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, Human Services, Business Administration, Recreation, or a closely related field.
• Meet all qualifications required by the Virginia Department of Education to serve as a Site Director.
• Minimum five years of progressively responsible leadership experience managing licensed childcare programs.
• Minimum three years of supervisory experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Virginia child care licensing regulations.
• Experience managing multiple childcare locations or multiple program sites.
• Experience developing and managing departmental budgets.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.
• Ability to travel regularly between YMCA locations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Education, Early Childhood Education, Organizational Leadership, Public Administration, or related field.
• Seven or more years of childcare leadership experience.
• Multi-site operational leadership within a nonprofit or YMCA environment.
• Experience with Virginia Quality initiatives or accreditation programs.
• Bilingual communication skills.