Youth Development Director Early Childhood Education Central YMCA Family Downtown Wilmington

YMCA • Wilmington, DE

99d • $49,500 - $60,000

About The Position

The YMCA of Delaware is seeking a dedicated individual to oversee the daily operations of Early Childhood Education programs. This role is crucial in ensuring that state licensing requirements and YMCA standards are consistently met. The successful candidate will be responsible for the annual licensure of all program sites, which includes physical inspections, life safety compliance, staff and child file maintenance, and timely completion of developmental assessments (ASQs). The position also involves ensuring compliance with Delaware Stars and NAEYC Accreditation standards, driving continuous quality improvement, and maintaining adherence to state and local regulations, laws, and codes related to program operations. In addition to program leadership, the role includes leading curriculum development and implementation, ensuring alignment with developmental standards and YMCA philosophy. The candidate will review and approve lesson plans, conduct classroom observations, and provide feedback to ensure instructional quality and inclusivity, including ADA compliance. Mentoring and supporting staff to apply best practices in early childhood education is also a key responsibility. The position requires collaboration with the Registrar and Business Manager to manage registrations, transitions, terminations, and billing, while maintaining budget responsibility for curriculum supplies, equipment, and program expenses. The candidate will also support revenue goals by ensuring enrollment capacity and maintaining positive family relationships. Furthermore, the role involves partnering with the Senior Youth Development Director and other YMCA leadership to strengthen youth development strategies and initiatives, acting as a resource for families, staff, and community partners, and participating in association-wide initiatives, quality teams, special events, and fundraising campaigns as assigned.

Requirements

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to serve a community of belonging.
• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university, including at least 15 credits in early childhood-related coursework.
• Early Childhood Administrator qualified with the State of Delaware.
• Minimum 24 months of experience working with children ages 0-5 in a licensed group setting.
• At least 12 months of supervisory experience managing a team of 10 or more staff.
• At least 12 months of experience with budget management and fiscal oversight.

Nice To Haves

• Multi-Lingual
• Minimum 2 years of progressive supervisory experience leading 20 or more staff members.
• Extensive experience in budget management and fiscal accountability.
• Experience supporting children with Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs) and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of Early Childhood Education programs, ensuring compliance with state licensing requirements and YMCA standards.
• Responsible for annual licensure of all program sites, including physical inspections and life safety compliance.
• Ensure compliance with Delaware Stars and NAEYC Accreditation standards, driving continuous quality improvement.
• Lead curriculum development and implementation, ensuring alignment with developmental standards and YMCA philosophy.
• Review and approve lesson plans, conduct classroom observations, and provide feedback to ensure instructional quality and inclusivity.
• Mentor and support staff to apply best practices in early childhood education.
• Assist in the recruitment, hiring, training, development, scheduling, and supervision of staff and volunteers.
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and performance feedback to ensure staff growth and accountability.
• Collaborate with the Registrar and Business Manager to manage registrations, transitions, terminations, and billing.
• Maintain budget responsibility for curriculum supplies, equipment, and program expenses, ensuring fiscal accountability.
• Support revenue goals by ensuring enrollment capacity and maintaining positive family relationships.
• Partner with the Senior Youth Development Director and other YMCA leadership to strengthen youth development strategies and initiatives.
• Act as a resource for families, staff, and community partners by providing effective communication and problem resolution.

Benefits

• Full benefits package including Dental, Vision & Health Insurance
• Generous PTO vacation, 12 paid holidays, and sick leave
• Free Nationwide Y Membership for your Household
• 12% Employer-Funded Retirement Plan upon meeting eligibility
• Learning and development workshops
• Career advancement opportunities
• Staff Discounts on Programs & Services and more!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Social Assistance
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree