Early Learning Director

YMCA Of South Hampton Roads•Virginia Beach, VA

7d•$42,000 - $45,000•Onsite

About The Position

As the Early Learning Director at the YMCA of South Hampton Roads, you will have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of young children and families by leading high-quality early learning programs serving children ages 1–5. Under the direction of the Executive Director, the Early Learning Director oversees the daily operations of licensed early learning programs, including program quality, staff leadership, family engagement, licensing compliance, and curriculum implementation. This role creates a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive through developmentally appropriate experiences rooted in the YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

Requirements

Meet the minimum qualifications for “Program Director” as defined by the Virginia Department of Education Division of Child Care Health and Safety and/or applicable North Carolina child care licensing regulations based on program location.
Staff shall be of good character and reputation.
Meets a minimum age of 21 years or older.
Capable of carrying out assigned responsibilities; capable of accepting training and supervision; capable of communicating with emergency personnel; and capable of communicating effectively both orally and in writing as applicable to the job responsibility.
A minimum of 48 credit hours from a college or university, of which 12 credit hours are in child-related courses, plus 1 year of programmatic experience.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, Human Services, or related field preferred.
Experience leading licensed early learning programs preferred.
Experience supervising and developing staff preferred.
YMCA Team Leader Certification preferred.

Responsibilities

Provides supervision and management of licensed early learning programs serving children ages 1–5.
Serves as the Program Director for assigned early learning programs.
Ensures programs operate in accordance with YMCA policies, health and safety standards, and Virginia Department of Education licensing requirements.
Supports high-quality, developmentally appropriate programming that promotes children’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development.
Provides day-to-day management of early learning program operations and staff.
Hires, trains, supervises, and evaluates early learning staff.
Ensures assigned programs meet or exceed Virginia Department of Education licensing requirements.
Ensures assigned programs meet or exceed program quality standards.
Supports implementation of developmentally appropriate curriculum and learning experiences for children ages 1–5.
Creates opportunities for children and families to build meaningful relationships within the YMCA community.
Establishes positive and collaborative relationships with parents/guardians through ongoing communication and engagement opportunities.
Provides strong leadership and support for attaining goals and objectives of the Association Strategic Plan.
Expands current early learning offerings with high-quality programming in accordance with Association operating guidelines.
Recruits and trains program volunteers.
Participates in association leadership meetings and trainings.
Works collaboratively and in partnership with association child care and youth development leaders to deliver on assigned responsibilities.
Participates in a successful annual support campaign. Active leadership required in staff giving and membership involvement.
Maintains current CPR/AED/O2/First Aid and MAT certifications.
Attends trainings as required, including YMCA New Staff Orientation, bloodborne pathogens, and child abuse prevention training.
Attends mandatory staff meetings.
Follows the Code of Conduct established by the YMCA of South Hampton Roads.
Demonstrates an enthusiastic, positive, and motivating approach with children, families, staff, and peers.
Communicates the YMCA mission and objectives to the community.
Incorporates the YMCA core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility into all aspects of program leadership and operations.
Performs all other duties as assigned.