Childcare Center Director
About The Position
The Childcare Center Director – Early Learning Programs manages daily operations and ensures delivery of high-quality, licensed early learning experiences for children from 6 weeks through Pre-K. The role supports classroom staff, oversees curriculum implementation, and maintains a safe, nurturing environment that promotes school readiness and social-emotional growth while aligning with YMCA values. The Director serves as an operational partner to the Childcare Director in the full-day childcare program. The position oversees classroom operations, staffing, curriculum support, licensing compliance, health and safety, family relationships, developmental monitoring, reporting, transportation, outreach, and staff development. Performance objectives include maintaining program quality and compliance, developing and supporting educators, and strengthening family engagement and outcomes.
Requirements
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
- At least 2 years of supervisory experience in a DCFS-licensed childcare setting.
- Meet all DCFS licensing requirements, including background checks, TB testing, and qualifications.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks, coach educators, and communicate effectively with families.
- CPR, First Aid, and Child Abuse Prevention certification, or obtain certification within 30 days.
- Flexibility to work hours that support program coverage, family needs, and licensing ratios.
Nice To Haves
- Familiarity with Illinois Early Learning Guidelines and Gateways to Opportunity.
Responsibilities
- Oversee day-to-day Early Learning classroom operations to ensure safe, developmentally appropriate care.
- Hire, train, schedule, and evaluate teaching and support staff within DCFS guidelines.
- Support classroom teams in curriculum planning, documentation, and behavioral guidance.
- Support kitchen staff and assist in maintaining health department standards.
- Maintain licensing compliance, including safety procedures, documentation, and required inspections.
- Ensure cleanliness, supply management, and safety of classrooms and outdoor play areas.
- Build strong relationships with families through regular communication, conferences, and engagement.
- Coordinate transportation and logistics for field trips and special events.
- Monitor developmental progress and coordinate with families and support services when needed.
- Collect and maintain data for assessments, licensing, and grant reporting as directed.
- Support the ISBE food grant through data collection and reporting.
- Model and mentor classroom staff in best practices and mission-driven care.
- Assist with marketing, enrollment tours, and community outreach for early childhood programs.
- Participate in YMCA events and staff development opportunities.
- Deliver high-quality early learning aligned with DCFS, Y-USA, and early childhood standards, and maintain compliance and positive relationships with licensing officials.
- Lead regular training and coaching to support instructional quality and consistency.
- Strengthen family partnerships and feedback loops, and improve retention and satisfaction through communication and care aligned with family needs.
- Maintain 90% or higher classroom enrollment and increase infant/toddler enrollment by 5% annually.
- Complete monthly coaching check-ins and ensure all staff meet licensing and training benchmarks.
- Host quarterly family engagement events and achieve 90% or higher satisfaction scores.
- Build at least two early childhood community partnerships annually.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
Education Level
Associate degree
