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Job Description
This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Early Learning Center Director oversees the development and operations of the overall Early Learning Center program, ensuring the program meets its intended goals and state licensing requirements. The Early Learning Center Director will interact on a daily basis with a team of teachers, communicate with parents and families, and create a positive environment through leadership, strong communication, and being a role model. To thrive in this position, you must demonstrate knowledge of early education teaching techniques, growth and development of children, experience in leading others, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Qualifications
1. Meets educational and experience qualifications established by state law.
2. At least 21 years of age.
3. The director shall meet one (1) of the following minimum education and experience qualifications:
(1) A Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited college or university in early childhood education or elementary education with a kindergarten endorsement and grades of C or better. (2) Any Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited college or university must include one (1) of the following: (A) Fifteen (15) credit hours in college level courses with documented content relating to the needs, skills, development, or teaching methods of children six (6) years of age or younger and grades of C or better. (B) A CDA. (3) A two (2) year associate’s degree in early childhood education from an accredited college or university, with a grade of C or better and a minimum of three (3) years of experience in an early childhood program.
4. Two (2) years’ experience supervising and leading staff.
5. Experience with CACFP Food Service Program and CCDF (Child Care Development Fund Program).
6. Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.
7. CPR, First Aid, AED certifications within 30 days of hire date.
8. Understands the YMCA is a public accommodation committed to inclusion and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
9. All other trainings, pre-employment drug screen, Praesidium background check, TB testing, physical, and documents needed upon hiring, must be completed prior to your first day of employment.
Essential Functions
1. Ensures full compliance with the Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning (OECOSL) licensing standards, including health, safety, and staff-to-child ratios.
2. Maintains accurate and up-to-date records required by state licensing, accreditation agencies (e.g., Paths of Quality), Child and Adult Food Program (CACFP), and the YMCA or organizational policies.
3. Achieves and maintains NAEYC accreditation.
4. Oversees annual licensing renewals, inspections, and corrective action responses; ensures timely submission of all required documentation.
5. Develops and implements program policies, procedures, and parent handbook consistent with state regulations and organizational standards.
6. Hires, trains, supervises, and evaluates all child care staff, ensuring appropriate credentials, training hours, and professional development plans per Indiana licensing requirements.
The Y: We’re for youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
7. Conducts or coordinates regular staff meetings, in-service training, and professional development aligns with early childhood best practices.
8. Models and promotes positive behavior management techniques and child guidance strategies consistent with state and YMCA policies. Provides regular feedback, coaching, and performance evaluations to support staff growth and accountability.
9. Schedules staff to ensure adequate coverage while maintaining ratio and budget requirements.
10. Observes classrooms to monitor curriculum implementation, lesson quality, and child engagement. Ensures developmentally appropriate curriculum planning that aligns with Indiana Early Learning Foundations and the organization's philosophy.
11. Evaluates program quality through assessments, observations, and parent feedback; implements continuous improvement plans.
12. Represents the center in community collaborations, local early learning networks, and organizational initiatives. Builds strong partnerships with parents through regular communication, conferences, newsletters, and family events.
13. Manages program budget, including payroll, supplies, and revenue; monitors expenses to ensure financial sustainability.
14. Oversees child enrollment, billing, and attendance tracking in compliance with subsidy programs such as CCDF and other funding sources.
15. Ensures all fiscal practices adhere to organizational and grant requirements, maintaining accurate financial records.
16. This position is a member of the Leadership Team.
17. Performs all other duties as assigned.
Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies
Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Ys values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund-raising.
Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view, and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.
Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience.
Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work, and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures, and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.
Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths, and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.