Assistant Preschool Director

Join Our Team as Assistant Director – Your Path to Leadership Starts Here 

Are you a passionate early childhood professional ready to take the next step in your career? We're seeking an experienced and motivated Assistant Director who is eager to grow into our Director role [expected transition in one year].

This is more than just a position – it's a leadership opportunity designed for someone who wants to make a lasting impact on young learners while advancing their career. You'll work alongside our current Director in a mentorship-focused environment, gaining hands-on experience in all aspects of center management, from curriculum development and staff leadership to family partnerships and operational excellence.

 Position Classification & Hour Requirements:

• Full-Time Non-Exempt Management
• 40 hours per week position

POSITION SUMMARY: This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Assistant Preschool Director assists in the organization, delivery and overall quality of the Two Rivers YMCA Preschool and early childhood development activities. They will assist in leading staff to use a thematic approach or creative curriculum and assessment tools to progress each child.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Ensures program participants safety and wellbeing at all times, by meeting their individual education, developmental, protective and nurturing needs.
2. Models relationship-building skills in all interactions. Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with students, parents and co-workers. Maintains regular, clear, and concise communication within the area of responsibility.  
3. Familiar with and stay up to date on Rule 407 licensing standards and responsible for maintaining all licensing and regulation requirements in the assigned classroom.
4. Assists with managing the program, including monitoring the program budget to meet fiscal objectives; compiling accurate program statistics to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of participation in programs, attracting and maintaining program enrollment and staffing levels, and training of staff.
5. Promote and incorporate the Y Mission and Character Values in all programs and activities.
6. Performs other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES:    Responsible for supervising program participants and be a primary responder in the event of an emergency.  Assists with supervising and delegating work in classroom to Preschool staff and/or volunteers.  This includes assisting with training employees; planning, assigning and directing work; addressing complaints and resolving problems. 

  QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum age of 21.
• Must be DCFS Director Qualified by meeting one of the following options:
  • Option 1 - 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours of credit from an accredited college or university with 18 semester or 27 quarter hours in courses related directly to child care and/or child development from birth to age 6.
  • Option 2 - 2 years (3120 clock hours) of child development experience in a nursery school, kindergarten or licensed day care center, 30 semester or 45 quarter hours of college credits with 10 semester or 15 quarter hours in courses related directly to child care and/or child development and proof of enrollment in an accredited college or university until 2 years of college credit have been achieved.  A total of 18 semester or 27 quarter hours in courses related directly to child care and/or child development is required to be obtained within the total 2 years of college credits.
  • Option 3 - Completion of a credentialing program approved in accordance with Appendix G of 407.130, completion of 12 semester or 18 quarter hours in courses related to child care and/or child development from birth to age 6 at an accredited college or university, and 2 years (3120 clock hours) child development experience in a nursery school, kindergarten or licensed day care center.
  • Appendix G - Completion of a training program accredited by the American Montessori Society or Association Montessori International may be substituted for the courses directly related to child care and/or child development. Persons holding a Montessori pre-primary credential may serve as director to children through age 6.    
• Minimum of one year of related experience preferred.
• Meets and maintains all State and licensing requirements.
• YMCA Team Leader certification preferred.
• Within 3 months of hire, completion of  CPR, First Aid, AED for infant, child and adult, Bloodborne Pathogens, Illinois Harassment training.
• Within 6 months complete Food Handler certificate.
• Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.?

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• The employee needs sufficient strength, agility and mobility to perform essential functions and to supervise program activities in a wide variety of indoor and outdoor locations.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use a computer for periods of time and be able to communicate using a computer, phone/smart device and/or ipad.
• The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions.
• The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 20 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. 
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• The employee regularly works in outside weather conditions and at times may be required to be in a pool.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, but often loud.

COMPENSATION INFORMATION:

• Starting Salary Range: $40,669-$47,000 ($19.55-$22.60/hr)
• Competitive Benefits that include Health, Dental and Life Insurance; Y program and childcare discounts; and 12% Retirement upon eligibility.