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Our program's committed to outdoor learning in all seasons. Children 3-5 learn through our Reggio-inspired, nature-based approach.
Job Description
About this Role
Under the direction of the Branch Executive, the Early Education Director oversees our vibrant Pre-K program in alignment with, and support of, the YMCA of Southern Maine's priorities, protocols, and values. This position provides leadership for a thriving two-classroom program serving children ages 3-5, where happy kids, dedicated staff, and engaged families come together. Our program includes one nature-based classroom and one traditional classroom, and children in both classrooms enjoy plenty of time outdoors each day. Our program prepares children for kindergarten while fostering a love of learning, creativity, and connection to the natural world.
Our Pre-K program is distinctive in its commitment to outdoor education and an Emilio Reggio-inspired curriculum. Children spend significant time outside each day, in all seasons and all weather, exploring and learning through nature. As part of the YMCA, our program offers unique advantages including swim lessons and enrichment visits from Y staff and community members who share stories, lead activities, and more.
The Early Education Director is an integral member of the Casco Bay Branch leadership team and plays an important role in advancing the YMCA's mission to build an inclusive, healthy community. The Early Education Director provides multi-faceted leadership at the YMCA and supports and works with colleagues across the Association in camp, membership, aquatics, wellness and fundraising.
Employee Perks
- Free family membership!
- Plenty of paid time off for life, vacations, staycations, and rest.
- YMCA-subsidized medical, dental, and vision, plus YMCA-funded HRA.
- Generous program discounts – including childcare and camp!
- Meaningful assistance programs like mentoring and retirement (403(b) and Y Retirement).
- Training, certification and advancement opportunities.
Qualifications
We're Looking for Someone With:
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Three to five years' experience in a leadership/supervisory role within a youth setting.
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A combination of educational and professional experience sufficient to meet State of Maine licensing requirements for a director of a childcare center licensed for 50+ children.
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Experience with or passion for outdoor education and nature-based learning across all seasons and weather conditions.
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Knowledge of Emilio Reggio-inspired and/or other progressive early childhood education approaches.
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Strong collaborative skills and ability to work effectively with other branch directors and staff across departments to support the overall success of the branch and Association.
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Superior communication skills and an ability to express ideas clearly and effectively, in writing and verbally, in a group or one-on-one situation. Comfort communicating with people of diverse communication styles and needs, including non-English speakers, nonverbal individuals, and people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Ability to speak languages other than English preferred.
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Ability to learn new software systems quickly, excellent computer skills.
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Detail oriented.
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Possess a valid driver's license and the ability to travel locally.
A criminal background check is required, including fingerprinting through the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), prior to hire. This will be paid for by the YMCA of Southern Maine.
The ideal candidate must be able to complete all physical requirements of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.
Essential Functions
Your Responsibilities Will Include:
- Staffing Oversight – Hire, train, coach, schedule, review, and hold accountable staff to maintain high morale and provide excellent service. This includes the Y's Accountability Pledge, personnel policy, protocols, and safety standards for staff, facilities, and program participants/members.
- Inclusion – Honor the YMCA of Southern Maine's Promise Statement. Models a commitment to equity and inclusion. Creates a safe environment that helps all feel welcome and respected. Promotes feelings of mutual respect, acceptance, and appreciation. Supports people with unique experiences or points of view to share their perspectives.
- Staffing Administration – Ensure accurate and consistent documentation, maintenance of training records, licensing requirements, and certifications.
- Leadership – Is a collaborative, engaged, and active participant on the Branch and Association leadership teams, including communicating in an effective and timely manner and making sound decisions. This includes, but is not limited to, actively supporting the annual campaign, fundraising, special events, Association initiatives and program teams.
- Programming – Plan, develop, implement, provide, and maintain high quality programming in accordance with Association protocols and priorities and licensing guidelines, and in adherence with all Y Brand guidelines. Sustain and build upon our Emilio Reggio-inspired curriculum and outdoor education approach that defines our program.
- Relationship Building – Develop positive relationships that lead to greater awareness of the Y's mission and impact, growth in number of people served, as well as revenue.
- Personal Growth – Maintains a high degree of emotional maturity and interpersonal skills and is committed to personal growth and skill acquisition.
- Data Collection – Maintain accurate and consistent data tracking as required.
- Budgeting – Ensure budgeting parameters are followed in alignment with Association goals, priorities, and resources.
- Perform other duties as assigned