Child Watch and Preschool Director

GENERAL FUNCTION

The Child Watch & Preschool Director provides leadership, administration, and direct supervision for the YMCA Little Explorers Preschool program, Child Watch program, Kids Club, and Teen Center. The Director is responsible for ensuring a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment for children while supporting families through high-quality childcare and early childhood education experiences.

This position oversees program operations, staff development, curriculum implementation, enrollment growth, licensing compliance, and family engagement. The Director will promote the YMCA mission and values while ensuring all programs meet the developmental needs of children and the expectations of families served.

KNOW – HOW

Applicant must have a passion for working with children of all ages and abilities, from infancy through adolescence. Future Director must be comfortable working with children of all ability levels and from diverse backgrounds.

The incumbent must possess strong leadership, organizational, communication, and relationship-building skills. CPR/AED certifications are required or must be obtained within 60 days of hire, along with all YMCA-required trainings and emergency procedures.

A bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, or a related field is preferred. Experience in childcare administration, preschool operations, staff supervision, curriculum implementation, and family engagement are also preferred. Knowledge of state childcare licensing standards and early childhood best practices is required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

1. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to demonstrate fitness related movements and exercises.
2. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, sit and stoop, kneel or crouch. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance.
3. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds.  

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Provide administrative leadership and hands-on support within Little Explorers Preschool, Child Watch, Kids Club, and Teen Center programs.
2. Recruit, hire, train, schedule, supervise, and evaluate staff and volunteers in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures.
3. Conduct regular staff meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities.
4. Create and maintain staff schedules while monitoring payroll budgets within YMCA guidelines.
5. Develop, implement, and evaluate age-appropriate preschool curriculum and enrichment opportunities that support children’s social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development.
6. Provide leadership for the continued growth and expansion of the Preschool program, including enrollment growth, program quality, family engagement, and community awareness.
7. Ensure all preschool and childcare programs comply with applicable licensing regulations, safety standards, and YMCA policies.
8. Maintain accurate program records, enrollment information, attendance documentation, incident reports, and required licensing documentation.
9. Manage preschool enrollment, registration, waitlists, and family orientation processes.
10. Build positive relationships with families through effective communication, conferences, problem-solving, and ongoing engagement.
11. Maintain equipment, supplies, toys, and learning materials while ensuring all program spaces are safe, organized, and welcoming.
12. Develop and manage program budgets, monitor expenses, and support revenue growth through enrollment and retention efforts.
13. Provide leadership and strategic oversight to assigned program areas in a manner consistent with community needs and the YMCA mission.
14. Maintain clean facilities and program spaces and report facility issues to appropriate staff.
15. Implement and model the YMCA core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility in all interactions.
16. Support risk management practices and ensure staff adhere to all safety, emergency, and child protection procedures.
17. Evaluate staff performance annually and develop improvement plans and growth opportunities as needed.
18. Weekend and evening work as necessary to support staff development, participation in YMCA events, community outreach initiatives and association leadership activities as assigned.

EFFECT ON END RESULT

When the Child Watch & Preschool Director fulfills their duties successfully, the YMCA will be recognized as a trusted leader in childcare and early childhood education. Children will experience safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate programs, while families will build stronger connections to the YMCA.

Successful fulfillment of this position should be measured by:

1. Increased membership retention and family engagement.
2. Growth and sustainability of preschool and childcare enrollment.
3. High levels of parent satisfaction and program quality.
4. Compliance with licensing, safety, and YMCA standards.
5. Strong staff retention, development, and performance.
6. Well-maintained facilities, equipment, and learning environments.
7. Achievement of department operating objectives and budget goals.
8. Participants become more engaged in the YMCA as members, volunteers, and donors.

ABUSE PREVENTION

As a YMCA staff member, you are responsible for ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all members, participants, and colleagues. This includes actively adhering to and promoting the YMCA's abuse risk management policies, which are designed to prevent and address any potential incidents of abuse. You are expected to remain vigilant in recognizing signs of abuse, report any concerns or suspicious behaviors immediately, and participate in required training to stay informed on best practices for safeguarding. Your commitment to these protocols is essential in fostering a trusted, respectful, and secure environment for everyone involved in YMCA programs and services.

BENEFITS

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life and LTD Insurance
• Paid Vacation, sick, and personal days
• Paid Holidays
• 403(b) and 401(a) 
• Free YMCA membership
• Discount on YMCA programs and merchandise