Early Learning Center (ELC) Director ($43,900 - $45,000)
Position Summary
This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit charitable organization committed to strengthening the community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Early Learning Center Director intentionally fosters a cause-centered culture that is welcoming and focuses on the early development of youth by implementing exceptional programs and services that meet the needs of our communities’ youth and families. This position directly supervises leadership staff for all Early Learning programs and is responsible for quality and exceeding all licensing requirements. An average workweek is anticipated to consist of up to 50 hours of completing duties.
Essential Functions
• Supervision/Leadership:
• Lead, manage, and be accountable for the designated Early Learning Center (ELC).
• Recruits, hires, trains, develops, schedules, and directs personnel and volunteers as needed.
• Reviews and evaluates annual performance reviews.
• Develop strategies to motivate staff and volunteers to achieve goals.
• Ensure high-quality participant-focused processes that promote recruitment and retention through innovative program development, evaluations, and ongoing staff training. Supervises and evaluates all programs to assure maximum market penetration and maintain quality.
• Observe and mentor classes regularly. Sub for teachers as needed.
• Childcare Licensing/Program Management:
• Responsible for oversite of program enrollments and waiting list to ensure classes are at capacity.
• Engage with childcare billing, YMCA financial assistance, and third-party payments for childcare programs to ensure strong fiscal management as needed with the Childcare Registrar and Billing Specialist.
• Complete required annual in-service hours for community partners and/or state regulations to maintain certification and meet compliance requirements. Ensure that all staff meet training requirements.
• Communicate with staff, parents/guardians, supervisors, and community members.
• Order and manage all classroom and program supplies and equipment.
• Organize and ensure enhancement activities and family socials are completed throughout the year to engage parents, teachers, and students.
• Help coordinate fundraising projects throughout the year.
• Assures compliance with state and local regulations. Ensures that program standards are met and safety procedures are followed. This includes, but is not limited to, State Childcare regulations and licensing requirements, CACFP and SFYP food program standards and compliance, and Y-USA and Praesidium Child Abuse and Risk Management guidelines. Attends training and maintains all certifications required for the position.
• Budgeting / Statistical Tracking:
• Develops and controls budget related to their Early Learning Center.
• Reviews and analyzes data and forecasts to maintain a positive fiscal position.
• Provides and maintains related statistics and reports.
• Keeps records essential for control, evaluation, and reporting to the Senior Director, CEO, Board of Directors, and Committees.
• General:
• Assist in the leadership and execution of child abuse prevention best practices for all Y staff.
• Work with designated partners in all areas as required for grants, support, and the needs of our children and families. May include, but is not limited to, Child Advocacy & Parenting Services (CAPS), etc. Meet all deadlines and requirements for partnerships.
• Assist in establishing, cultivating, and maintaining relationships and partnerships with community partners. Represents the YMCA with key community organizations and events as required.
• May be required to use personal vehicle for business needs.
• Uses discretion and independent judgment in handling confidential and sensitive information in connection with responsibilities.
• Provide exceptional customer service by greeting all participants, maintaining a clean and safe facility, and demonstrating professional conduct.
• Responds to challenges with possible solutions promptly.
• All other duties as requested.
Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in education, social services, recreation, or equivalent preferred or professional experience.
• Must acquire and hold a State of Kansas Childcare Center license for over 24 children.
• Experience of working with children of different ages and knowledge of the developmental stages and needs of the youth of all ages required.
• Experience in leadership/supervision is required; applicable experience in a YMCA or other childcare agency is preferred. Previous experience with diverse populations is recommended.
• Ability to direct programs through supervision of staff and volunteers, development and monitoring budgets, program development, and community service.
• Strong organizational skills and effective communication skills to present information, gather feedback, and highlight risks, opportunities, and key business points.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills are required to deepen relationships with members and community partners.
• Excellent personal computer skills and experience with standard business software.
• Strong time management and organizational skills, including meeting deadlines, managing multiple tasks, and balancing shifting priorities while maintaining confidentiality.
• The ideal candidate should be willing to work as part of the Leadership Team and demonstrate and lead our core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
• Must hold a valid Driver’s License and current auto insurance.
• Certifications: CPR/FA/ TB/ within 30 days of hire.
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS
• Must regularly lift and move up to fifty (50) pounds, occasionally up to seventy-five (75) pounds in the form of supplies or equipment.
• Able to sit, stand, and bend to perform appropriate tasks.
• Must be able to move at an appropriate pace to respond to emergencies.
• Follow all safety requirements of the Salina Family YMCA.
• May be required to stand for extended periods.
• Work in different temperature environments.
The physical demands described are representative of those that an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.
YMCA COMPETENCIES (Team Leader)
• Mission Advancement: Models and teaches the Y’s core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. Ensures a high level of service with a commitment to changing lives. Provides volunteers with orientation, training, development, and recognition. Cultivates relationships to support fund-raising.
• Collaboration: Champions inclusion activities, strategies, and initiatives. Builds relationships to create small communities. Empathetically listens and communicates for understanding when negotiating and dealing with conflict. Effectively tailors communications to the appropriate audience. Provides staff with feedback, coaching, guidance, and support.
• Operational Effectiveness: Provides others with frameworks for making decisions. Conducts prototypes to support the launching of programs and activities. Develops plans and manages best practices through team engagement. Effectively creates and manages budgets. Holds staff accountable for high-quality results using a formal process to measure progress.
• Personal Growth: Shares new insights. Facilitates change and models adaptability and an awareness of the impact of change. Utilizes non-threatening methods to address sensitive issues and inappropriate behavior or performance. 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.
EFFECTS ON END RESULTS
• The Early Childcare Director will provide quality programs that will increase the participation and retention of the licensed childcare programs of the Salina Family YMCA.
This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive but to give a basic structure of the duties; employees may be requested to perform other reasonable related duties as assigned by their supervisor. Job descriptions and duties may be modified when management deems them appropriate.
Non-profit Organizations
Education and Training
Part-time