Preschool Director - Hickory Foundation YMCA

YMCA of Catawba Valley•Hickory, NC

17h•$45,000 - $50,000•Onsite

About The Position

The YMCA of Catawba Valley is seeking an experienced and passionate Preschool Director to lead the Hickory Foundation YMCA Child Development Center. This position provides overall leadership and management of a licensed preschool program serving children ages 8 weeks through 5 years. The Preschool Director is responsible for ensuring high-quality early childhood programming, maintaining licensing compliance, supporting and developing staff, building strong family relationships, overseeing enrollment and retention efforts, and managing daily operations in alignment with YMCA values and standards. At the YMCA of Catawba Valley, you'll join a mission-driven organization dedicated to strengthening communities and helping children thrive. You'll have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on children, families, and staff while working alongside a supportive leadership team.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Birth-Kindergarten, Early Childhood Education, Childhood Education, Human Services, Business Management, or a related field
Level III Early Childhood Administrator Credential
Minimum of 5 years of experience as a Child Care Director, Child Care Consultant, or other regulatory leadership position in early childhood or youth development
Strong knowledge of NC child care licensing requirements and developmentally appropriate practices
Experience supervising staff and managing program operations
Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills
A strong leader who can build and develop teams
Passionate about early childhood education
Experienced in licensing compliance and quality improvement
Customer-focused and relationship-driven
Organized, proactive, and solutions-oriented
Committed to creating exceptional experiences for children and families

Responsibilities

Lead the daily operations of a licensed early childhood center
Hire, train, coach, supervise, and evaluate teaching staff
Ensure compliance with NC DCDEE licensing regulations and YMCA standards
Maintain safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environments
Support curriculum implementation and classroom quality
Build strong relationships with families through excellent communication and customer service
Monitor enrollment, retention, and waitlists while supporting growth strategies
Manage site-level budgets and operational performance
Ensure readiness for licensing visits, audits, and quality assessments
Foster a positive team culture focused on excellence, accountability, and child outcomes
Promote YMCA values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility, and Faith
No alcohol or drugs will be used on the job at any time.
Report all job accidents the same day the accident happens.
Obtain authorization from your supervisor for all non-emergency treatments for accidents.
Wear seat belts at all times in company vehicles.
Keep the area where you work clean and neat at all times.
Do not remove or bypass any guards on any machinery at any time.
Ask your supervisor when you need additional equipment or instructions to get the job done safely.
Lift with your legs, not your back, and get assistance with loads over 50 pounds.
Advise your supervisor of any hazardous conditions.
Follow all other written and spoken safety rules.