Childcare Operations and Compliance Specialist

YMCA of Columbia Willamette•Portland, OR

About The Position

At the YMCA, we strengthen community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Our licensed childcare programs provide safe, enriching environments for children and families. This role plays a critical part in ensuring our programs are well-staffed, well-trained, and fully compliant with licensing and safety standards. Join a mission-driven organization where your expertise in childcare operations and workforce development directly supports children, families, and staff across our community.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, human services, education, or related field, or equivalent experience.
Minimum two years of experience in licensed childcare or early learning programs.
Experience providing leadership, supervision, or mentoring to childcare staff.
Experience planning, delivering, or coordinating staff training.
Strong knowledge of Oregon childcare licensing regulations; familiarity with Washington regulations preferred.
Experience supporting recruitment, onboarding systems, or compliance documentation.
Strong organizational, communication, and facilitation skills.
Ability to travel between program sites within the service area.
CPR, First Aid, and AED certification required or ability to obtain within required timeframe.
Successful completion of required background checks is required.

Responsibilities

Lead and support recruitment and screening efforts for licensed childcare programs.
Coordinate and conduct screening interviews and provide hiring recommendations in partnership with program and HR leadership.
Ensure recruitment and screening practices align with YMCA policies, youth protection standards, and state licensing requirements.
Coordinate onboarding processes for new childcare staff.
Develop and maintain training calendars and communications.
Coordinate, deliver, and track required trainings including CPR, First Aid, AED, Child Abuse Prevention, and state-mandated trainings.
Maintain accurate records of certifications, qualifications, and professional development hours.
Support compliance with YMCA of the USA standards and Oregon childcare licensing regulations.
Ensure accurate documentation related to staff qualifications, background checks, and licensing requirements.
Assist with internal audits, licensing visits, and corrective action follow-up.
Monitor and support incident and accident reporting practices.
Review documentation for accuracy and compliance.
Identify trends and escalate safety concerns to leadership.
Partner with site supervisors, program directors, HR, and executive leadership to support consistent and compliant childcare operations.
Provide coaching and guidance related to workforce compliance and training expectations.