Metro YMCA of the Oranges, the largest Association of YMCA's in NJ, has an exciting opportunity for a mission-driven candidate to join us.
The Wayne YMCA, a branch of the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges, is seeking a seasoned, professional Child Care Director with excellent business planning and management skills. The successful candidate should have a demonstrated track record of growing Center enrollment and revenue, while maintaining the highest standards for operational quality, child development and child safety. The successful candidate will be recognized as a respected leader of staff teams and an active partner with Center families. Under the general direction of the Associate Executive Director, the Child Care Director is responsible for the overall daily operation of the ABC Early Childhood Learning Center.
Major areas of responsibility and accountability include, but are not limited to, financial management, quality control, parent involvement, staff development, and implementation of curriculum and activities as they relate to the philosophy of the YMCA. The Child Care Director will supervise and train teachers and assistants in compliance with YMCA policy and philosophy of early childhood education.
The Child Care Director fills a vital role for the Wayne YMCA staff team. The effectiveness of the incumbent will be determined by the degree to which the following goals are met:
- Children in attendance at YMCA Child Care programs are in a safe, nurturing and positive environment.
- Progressive growth and expansion of the Child Care Program.
- Staff and program meet all necessary state licensing requirements, NAYEC accreditation and YMCA guidelines.
- Classrooms and the overall Child Care facility are clean and well maintained.
- Annual performance goals are met; community needs are impacted according to the Branch strategic plans.
- Staff development and retention is increased.
- The program promotes the core values of the YMCA and staff act as role models for students.
- Our membership enrollment is increased.
- A positive image of the YMCA is maintained.
- Supervises the daily operations of the ABC Early Childhood Learning Center, and is the main point of contact with families in the program.
- Builds and executes an annual business plan to support enrollment growth and quality management.
- Develop, oversee and manage all budgetary items related to the operation of Child Care operations.
- Maintains all licensing records for the ABC Early Childhood Learning Center to meet State and local licensing requirements.
- Develops a plan and takes necessary actions to achieve NAEYC accreditation. Once accredited, maintains licensing requirements of the accrediting agency.
- Reviews and monitors curriculum implementation.
- Communicates with parents on a daily basis through emails, memos and parent boards regarding calendar and curriculum updates, as well as any events or issues occurring in the program.
- Conducts quarterly parent meetings to collect feedback for implementation and improvement of classrooms and Center management.
- Recruits, hires, trains, and directs assigned staff and volunteers for the program. Develops staff schedules. Reviews and evaluates performance.
- Develops strategies to motivate staff and achieve goals; models relationship-building skills in all interactions. Mentors teachers in the development of their teaching skills and curriculum.
- Completes monthly classroom observations for each Head Teacher and Teacher Assistant classroom in order to monitor teacher performance as it relates to curriculum and Center philosophy.
- Provides teaching staff with direction and guidance for monthly themes, goals and activities that are developmentally and chronologically appropriate.
- Carries out all aspects of the current strategic plan applicable to position.
- Prepares, maintains and submits weekly reports.
- Monitors the organization, appearance and appropriateness of Center décor, (i.e. Bulletin boards, classroom displays, learning materials, storage areas, etc.).
- Maintains adequate classroom supplies by completing a monthly inventory.
- Coordinates and works with all other YMCA programs to ensure consistency and communication among all families.
- Works with the branch Executive Director and Marketing Director to ensure that all advertising, social media, public relation pieces, etc. are accurate and of the highest quality.
- Works with the Association Child Care Registrar to ensure that registrations and related information is accurate, on file and updated.
- Participates in required Branch and Association-wide activities and events.
- Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field from a 4-year accredited college or university.
- YMCA Team Leader Certificate, or obtain within 12 months.
- Minimum of five years practical experience working in Child Care capacity.
- Minimum of two years proven supervisory experience.
- Knowledge of successful Child Care practices and quality program development.
- Excellent financial skills including budget preparation and business planning.
- Skills in project management.
- Outstanding communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Strong time management and organizational skills.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Strong computer skills.
- Must maintain CPR/First Aid certification (training provided).
- Ability to respond to safety and emergency situations.
- Must have flexible work schedule.