EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION DIRECTOR

BUTLER COUNTY FAMILY YOUNG MENS CHRISTIAN AS•Cranberry Township, PA

About The Position

The Director of Early Childhood Education is responsible for overseeing the development, organization and implementation of high-quality YMCA childcare programs. This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The incumbent intentionally fosters a cause-centered culture that is welcoming, genuine, hopeful, nurturing, and determined.

Requirements

State requires all prospective employees to submit the following: 1. FBI Clearance (Department of Human Services), 2. PA Child Abuse History Clearance, 3. PA State Police Clearance, 4. National Sex Offender Registry (NSOR) Certificate, 5. Mandated Reporter Training Certificate 6. Health Assessment with TB screening, 7. Verification of 2,500 hours working with children.
Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university, including 30 credit hours in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Special Education, Elementary Education or the Human Services field and 3 years of experience working with children; required.
Minimum age of 21; required.
Attain PA Director’s Certification within first 18 months of employment; required.
Previous experience in childcare, teaching, or other related fields required.
Work experience related to the care and development of children required.
Exceptional Communication, Leadership, Empathy, Organizational, Conflict Resolution Skills required.
Ability to plan, organize and implement age/developmentally appropriate program activities.
CPR/Pediatric First Aid/AED Instructor Certification required within 60 days of employment by PQAS certified trainer.
Ability to work with people from a variety of different ethnic, socioeconomic, educational, religious, sexual, and generational backgrounds.
ALL POSITIONS REQUIRE THE FOLLOWING CLEARANCES FOR EMPLOYMENT PRIOR TO THE DATE OF HIRE. CLEARANCES ARE ACCEPTED WITHIN 2 YEARS OF THE HIRE DATE. PA CRIMINAL RECORD CHECK PA CHILD ABUSE HISTORY CERTIFICATION FBI (DHS) FINGERPRINTING HISTORY CLEARANCE
ALL APPLICANTS MUST HAVE A VALID EMAIL ADDRESS AND VOICEMAIL MUST BE SET UP IN ORDER TO COMPLETE ONBOARDING PROCESSES

Responsibilities

Manage, direct, coordinate and provide leadership to Early Education programs for in accordance with the goals and policies of the YMCA and the Department of Human Services. Ensure high quality programs and establish new program activities.
Oversee and manage the Y Kids Academy preschool enrichment program.
Conduct ongoing assessment of staff functions to determine required core competencies and skills; design and implement training as needed. Recruit, hire, train, develop, schedule and direct personnel and volunteers as needed. Review and evaluate staff performance. Develop strategies to motivate staff and achieve goals. Facilitate communication and provide leadership.
Mentor new staff and volunteers and assist with new staff orientation process. Act as a role model for the staff at all times by promoting the Core Values of Honesty, Caring, Respect, and Responsibility.
Directly oversee the development and coordination of the Early Childhood Education rooms in accordance with the YMCA and State guidelines. Work with the above mentioned staff to plan, supervise and implement Early Education Programs in accordance with the goals and policies of the YMCA.
Develop and control budgets related to the position. Ensure program operates within budget and that program fees are collected.
Work to keep program full; including enrollment, marketing and tours.
Expand programming within the community in accordance with strategic and operating plans.
Oversee the development and coordination of the following responsibilities: weekly lesson plans, child assessments, field trips and guest speakers, and assist in the planning, organizing and execution of all special events for the YMCA Early Learning Center; responsible for day-to-day operations including opening/closing procedures.
Develop and maintain relationships with state childcare licensing agency, school administration, parent groups and other organizations and agencies related to assigned programs. Respond to all agency, parent and community inquiries and complaints in a timely manner.
Provide for upkeep of assigned program facilities and equipment and ensure the physical environment supports healthy living.
Maintain proper records and department files.
Compile program statistics; monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of and participation in program.
Responsible for maintaining appropriate ratios at all times.
Ensure readiness for annual inspections and preparations.
Establish emergency/accident procedures that conform to the YMCA and State guidelines to ensure safety of the children. Able to act decisively and quickly when necessary
Attend regular program committee meetings and monthly board meetings.
Maintain cleanliness of the childcare rooms, program supplies and furniture.
Meet with parents to discuss the goals, needs, and discipline of students in the program.
Maintain ongoing DHS qualifications required for working in Childcare.
Follow YMCA policies and procedures, including those related to medical and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention and emergency procedures.
Perform other duties as assigned.