Preschool Director

YOUNG MENS CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION RARITAN BAY AREA•Perth Amboy, NJ

About The Position

The Raritan Bay Area YMCA’ Early Learning Center seeks a dynamic, mission-driven leader to serve as Preschool Director. Under the direction of the Branch Director, the Preschool Director provides overall leadership, direction, and management of the Early Learning Center and oversees all aspects of daily operations. The Raritan Bay Area YMCA has served the ever-evolving needs of our community since 1912. We are located just 5 miles west of New York City in the beautiful Waterfront City of Perth Amboy, NJ. The YMCA is dedicated to building strong kids, strong families, and strong communities through programs that develop the values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, and faith. We devotedly serve over 5,000 community participants and families in our community building initiatives. The YMCA Early Learning Center operates in collaboration with the Perth Amboy, New Jersey Board of Education and currently serves children through five classrooms, delivering a high-quality, developmentally appropriate educational experience. The Preschool Director is responsible for ensuring excellence in programming, staffing, compliance, and family engagement while advancing the YMCA’s mission to strengthen community through youth development. The Preschool Director also engages in, and promotes the YMCA mission through the core values of Honesty, Caring, Responsibility, Respect and Faith.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, or a related field
Meets all New Jersey DCF Office of Licensing requirements for a Preschool/Center Director
Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in an early childhood education setting, including supervisory or administrative experience
Strong working knowledge of developmentally appropriate practice and early learning standards
Demonstrated leadership, organizational, and communication skills

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field
Experience working within a YMCA, school district partnership, or community-based nonprofit
Experience with quality rating systems, accreditation, or continuous improvement initiatives

Responsibilities

Provide leadership and oversight of all Early Learning Center operations, ensuring a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate environment for children
Ensure compliance with YMCA policies, and all NJ Department of Children and Families (DCF) Office of Licensing regulations, Board of Education requirements, and all applicable local, state, and federal guidelines
Recruit, hire, train, supervise, evaluate, and support teaching and support staff; ensure appropriate staffing coverage, ratios, and scheduling
Foster a positive, inclusive, and professional work culture aligned with YMCA values and best practices in early childhood education
Oversee the implementation of a high-quality early childhood curriculum that supports children’s social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development
Monitor classroom quality, instructional practices, and learning environments to ensure consistent program standards and continuous improvement
Serve as a primary liaison with families, maintaining open communication, addressing concerns, and promoting strong family partnerships
Collaborate with the Perth Amboy Board of Education and other community partners to support program goals and educational alignment
Manage administrative functions including enrollment, recordkeeping, reporting, and documentation required for licensing, funding, and YMCA standards
Develop and manage the program budget in collaboration with the Branch Director, including monitoring expenses, enrollment, and operational resources
Promote the YMCA’s mission, values, and commitment to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility in all aspects of the role