Early Childhood Director (Ridgewood YMCA)

YMCA of Greater New York • Queens, NY

22h

About The Position

The Ridgewood YMCA is seeking an Early Childhood Director to lead safe, high-quality programming across DOE Center Base Classrooms, Early Childhood Learning Centers, fee-based enrichment, Early Childhood summer day camp, and wrap-around or Early Childhood after-school programs. The Director leads program strategy, systems, supervision, and structure, including program development, administration, and evaluation. The role aims to grow enrollment and expand programs with engaging, educational, recreational, and developmentally appropriate activities while ensuring quality, communication, and collaboration. The Director also supports family and community programs and participates in Branch and community committees as needed.

Requirements

• Meet one of the stated education and credential pathways: a master's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field with 30 Early Childhood credits and State Certification; a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education with State certification and enrollment in a related master's program; or a current teaching license or certificate valid for early childhood or childhood-grade services under New York State UPK regulations.
• At least two years of Lead Teacher experience in a program serving children under age six.
• Knowledge of Early Childhood education principles and practices and socioemotional growth.
• Demonstrated commitment to Early Childhood education and enrichment.
• Ability to identify and document information needed for program operations and evaluation.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Excel, and working knowledge of Microsoft Suite.
• Knowledge of Windows-based computer applications and database management.
• Self-starter who is highly organized, patient, and able to work well with others.

Nice To Haves

• Creative, strategic, and analytical thinking, with the ability to manage multiple projects.
• Experience developing and managing budgets and hiring, training, supervising, and assessing personnel.
• Knowledge of Creative Curriculum.
• Knowledge of implementing a new curriculum within a team.
• Bilingual English and another language commonly spoken in the community.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and improve the quality of Early Learning, Early Childhood after-school, and enrichment programs.
• Plan and create innovative Early Learner, youth, family, and community programs aligned with community needs, Branch objectives, and the strategic plan.
• Ensure compliance with Department of Education and Department of Health contractual and regulatory obligations, YMCA mandates, and funder requirements.
• Supervise exempt, full-time, part-time, non-exempt staff, volunteers, and interns; monitor performance and provide support, training, coaching, recognition, and accountability.
• Develop and manage budgets and meet budget objectives.
• Serve as the Branch liaison with community organizations and coalitions, partnering to provide services, programs, and referrals to YMCA participants and families.
• Represent the Branch at Early Childhood Cabinet meetings and participate in Youth & Family-related Branch committees.
• Use program surveys to improve programming and maintain consistent quality.
• Become certified to train in two youth-related areas, such as Child Abuse Prevention and Ethics and Boundaries, and lead training events.
• Work with Branch and AO leadership to design and implement marketing and communication plans promoting Early Learner, after-school, and enrichment programs.
• Maintain accurate and timely program documentation, including attendance, sign-in/out forms, behavior reports, incident reports, and accident reports, and report incidents according to YMCA policies.
• Promote an inclusive, welcoming, and respectful environment that embraces the diversity of staff and participants.
• Ensure participant health, safety, and well-being by maintaining and enforcing risk management and safety procedures.
• Participate in designated meetings, training sessions, and special events.
• Serve as Manager on Duty when requested.
• Perform other assigned duties, including classroom teaching when program needs require.

Benefits

• Retirement benefits
• Medical benefits
• Paid time off
• Free YMCA membership
• Other benefits; eligibility depends on employment status, tenure, and/or scheduled hours.

What This Job Offers

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