Assistant Childcare Director

YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids•Grand Rapids, MI

51d•$21 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

Join our team at the new Grand Rapids Central Station Early Childhood Center, located within The Rapid Central Station, creating an environment to meet families where they live. The center prioritizes delivering accessible, affordable early care and education to children and wraparound services to whole families and the broader community at an intersection of transportation and childcare needs. The Assistant Child Care Director is responsible for supporting the daily operations and administration of a child development center. This role includes supporting teachers with lesson planning and implementation, ensuring compliance with state and local regulations, and maintaining a safe and nurturing environment for all children. The Assistant Child Care Director will also assist with budget monitoring, program enrollment, and communication with parents and guardians. The ideal candidate is a dedicated leader with a passion for early childhood education, looking for professional growth opportunities, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to create a positive and supportive atmosphere for both staff and children. This position requires face-to-face leadership in these programs and may involve early morning, evening, and weekend responsibilities.

Requirements

CDA or associate's degree (AA) from two-year college in Early Childhood Education or Child Development required
Three to five years’ experience with licensed child care in a lead teacher or coordinator capacity; or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Strong knowledge of state regulations and licensing requirements for childcare centers.
Must have working knowledge of sound fiscal principals.
Ability to interact with people of all ethnic backgrounds, ages and lifestyles.
Ability and desire to work with children infant to 6 years of age.
Complete required trainings as specified in Michigan State Licensing for Childcare Centers
Blood Borne Pathogen training
CPR Certification required within the first 60 days
First Aid Certification required within the first 60 days
State of Michigan criminal background clearance (ICHAT)
Fingerprinting

Responsibilities

Supports the management of the day-to-day operations of the child development center to ensure a safe, nurturing, and educational environment for children; manages daily operations of the center in the Director’s absence.
Contributes to the maintenance and continuous improvement of improves quality standards for educational and care practices.
Assists with managing recruiting, orientating, and enrolling of children/families, in collaboration with outreach and enrollment specialist
Advises and supports parents/guardians of necessary child/family referrals
Confers with parents/guardians regarding child/ren progress, facility activities, policies, and enrollment procedures
Advises teaching staff regarding child's behavioral or learning concerns, and uses the developmental and behavioral support process.
Assists with reviewing and evaluating facility activities to ensure conformance to state and local regulations and licensing requirements. Maintains a positive relationship with assigned licensing consultants
Assists with conducting regular inspections and assessments to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.
Builds and maintains community partner relationships in the facility and in the community
Assists and supports hiring and onboarding of teaching staff, in collaboration with Program Administrator and Regional Program Director
Plans, assigns, and directs work; assists with creating staff schedules and manage staffing needs; addresses complaints and resolves problems
Sets goals and objectives for staff members; conducts performance evaluations and provides feedback to improve teaching practices.
Assists with Annual Campaign
Liaises with contracted custodial team and maintain all areas in a clean, presentable fashion
Serves in ratio as needed to cover PTO, vacancies, or leaves of absence.
Participates in management meetings, strategic planning, and effectively cascade communication to team members
Participates in YMCA Child Care Career Pathway initiatives, such as the aspiring directors program
Assists with ensuring grant compliance, as required
Assists in an interim director role as needed.
Perform additional duties as assigned to ensure the success of the YMCA and its mission-driven work.

Benefits

Free YMCA Family Membership – Enjoy full access to facilities & program discounts for you and your family!
50% Childcare Discount – Discount is off the regular rate for each child enrolled in a YMCA childcare program, excluding the infant room.
Comprehensive Medical Coverage – Up to 93% employer paid plan options through Blue Care Network.
Dental and Vision Insurance – low-cost coverage options.
Health Savings Account (HSA) – Receive up to $1,040 in employer contributions each year to help cover qualified medical expenses.
Generous Paid Time Off – Beginning with 3 weeks of PTO per year, plus 9 paid holidays.
Paid Parental Leave - Dedicated time off to support you during the arrival or adoption of a child.
Retirement Savings – 12% employer retirement contribution, no match requirement (upon eligibility) and a 403(b) savings plan.
Paid Disability Leave – short & long term disability coverage.
Life Insurance – employer paid life insurance, plus voluntary coverage for the entire family.
Optional Insurance – Customize your coverage with options like accident, hospital, pet, and legal insurance, plus more to fit your lifestyle and needs.
Pay on Demand – Access your earned wages before payday.
Professional Growth – Access to ongoing training, development programs, and career advancement opportunities
Loan Forgiveness - Eligible employees can also take advantage of Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Free, confidential resources and counseling for you and your family.