Child Care Director

Stevens Point Area YMCA • Wautoma, WI

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Child Care Director provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for all Child Care and Preschool programs at the Waushara Community YMCA. This role ensures safe, high-quality, mission-driven programming while maintaining compliance with Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) licensing regulations, YMCA standards, accreditation requirements, and organizational policies. The Director oversees program development, staff leadership, family engagement, budgeting, risk management, child abuse prevention, and continuous program improvement. This position is a key member of the YMCA leadership team, promoting a culture of safety, excellence, collaboration, and accountability to advance the YMCA's mission.

Requirements

• Must meet Wisconsin DCF qualifications for a Child Care Center Director under DCF 251.
• Bachelor's degree preferred in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, Human Services, or a related field.
• Minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in licensed childcare or early childhood education.
• Previous supervisory and leadership experience preferred.
• Experience managing department budgets and financial performance.
• Experience with state licensing inspections, accreditation processes, and regulatory compliance.
• Experience recruiting, supervising, training, and developing staff and volunteers.
• CPR/AED/First Aid Certification (within 60 days of employment).
• YMCA New Employee Orientation.
• Child Abuse Prevention Training.
• Bloodborne Pathogens Training.
• OSHA and Safety Training.
• Wisconsin DCF required continuing education.
• Maintain all certifications and professional development required by the YMCA and state licensing.
• Thorough knowledge of Wisconsin DCF Child Care Licensing Rules.
• Knowledge of child growth and development.
• Strong understanding of risk management and child abuse prevention practices.
• Knowledge of positive behavior guidance and classroom management.
• Budget development and financial management.
• Excellent leadership and staff development skills.
• Strong conflict resolution and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, childcare management software, and other technology platforms.
• Supervise children through sight and sound.
• Move throughout classrooms, playgrounds, and program areas.
• Frequently stand, walk, bend, kneel, squat, climb, and reach.
• Lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds.
• Participate in classroom activities and outdoor programming.
• Respond quickly during emergencies.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, Human Services, or a related field.
• Previous supervisory and leadership experience.
• Experience managing department budgets and financial performance.
• Experience with state licensing inspections, accreditation processes, and regulatory compliance.
• Experience recruiting, supervising, training, and developing staff and volunteers.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and oversight for all Child Care and Preschool programs.
• Develop, implement, evaluate, and continuously improve programs and services to meet YMCA quality standards, licensing requirements, accreditation standards, and community needs.
• Develop annual department goals and action plans, evaluating participation trends and implementing strategies to increase enrollment, retention, and program quality.
• Ensure classrooms provide safe, welcoming, developmentally appropriate learning environments and maintain accurate program records and documentation.
• Recruit, hire, onboard, supervise, coach, mentor, and evaluate staff, developing schedules and ensuring appropriate staffing levels.
• Conduct regular staff observations, coaching sessions, and performance evaluations, facilitating staff meetings and professional development.
• Promote employee engagement, recognition, and retention, ensuring all staff complete required certifications and mandatory trainings.
• Ensure compliance with all YMCA Child Abuse Prevention Policies and promote a culture of child safety through active supervision and accountability.
• Conduct routine program observations and safety audits, ensuring mandatory reporting requirements are followed and investigating incidents.
• Maintain emergency preparedness procedures and Emergency Action Plans, ensuring compliance with OSHA, licensing, and YMCA risk management standards.
• Monitor facilities, classrooms, playgrounds, and equipment to ensure safe operating conditions.
• Maintain compliance with Wisconsin DCF Child Care Licensing Rules, coordinating licensing inspections and accreditation visits.
• Maintain required licensing documentation and staff records, ensuring staff-to-child ratios remain compliant and monitoring continuing education requirements.
• Develop and administer department budgets, monitoring revenues and expenditures, and recommending pricing strategies and program improvements.
• Monitor payroll and staffing costs, manage scholarship requests, and purchase equipment and supplies within approved budgets.
• Build positive relationships with children, families, staff, and community partners, responding promptly to parent concerns.
• Collaborate with schools, colleges, licensing agencies, and community organizations, and promote YMCA programs through community outreach.
• Assist with marketing efforts and member communications.
• Serve as an active member of the YMCA Leadership Team, supporting YMCA fundraising events and community initiatives.
• Demonstrate and communicate the YMCA mission, vision, values, and strategic priorities, collaborating with other departments to enhance member experience.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Complimentary Individual or Household YMCA Membership
• 50% Employee and Dependents Discount on YMCA Programs
• 40% Child Care Discount
• CPR/AED/First Aid Certification Provided Upon Employment
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, retirement, and paid time off.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager