Early Learning Director

Implements programming in accordance with the YMCA mission and the Illinois Department of Human Services requirements by performing the following duties:

Program Management  

• Monitors and supports the implementation of program practices in accordance with city and state licensing requirements, NAEYC accreditation and ExceleRate Illinois™.  Supports staff in preparing for these visits.
• Maintains compliance with local, state, and federal funding agencies.
• Plans and conducts parent and staff meetings to adhere to YMCA and contract requirements.
• Conducts tours of the facility for potential families; manages enrollment and waiting lists.
• Supports implementation of the Creative Curriculum System as the essential curriculum. Designs meetings and professional development experiences as needed to support this process.  
• Supports the Learning and Evaluation team to train, manage and evaluate staff in accordance with NAEYC, IDHS, ExceleRate Illinois™ and YMCA policies.
• Assists in grant applications and grant reporting as needed.
• Assists in the development of plans for ongoing growth and improved quality of services to children and families.
• Monitors and makes staffing adjustments, as necessary, to ensure that ratios are in compliance for the age groups served.
• Ensures that all programs are distributing newsletters, holding conferences and organizing family events. Promotes the staff in keeping portfolios on each child and developing documentation panels in the program.  
• Will respect confidentiality of each child participating in the program.
• Ensures high quality programming by providing a safe, interactive and engaging environment that assures the well-being of children.
• Monitors safety and cleanliness of program facility/areas and outdoor play areas.
• Displays the highest ethical and professional behavior and standards (including the NAEYC Code of Ethics) when working with students, parents, personnel and other agencies associated with the program.
• Is responsible for recruiting and enrolling children in programs per contract requirements.  
• Maintains staff files in compliance with the IDCFS licensing standards.
• Maintains children's files in compliance with the IDCFS licensing standards, and maintaining IDCFS rules and regulations in all areas of the child care center.
• Maintains and communicates YMCA policies and procedures with the staff, children and families.
• Honors and respects families by implementing culturally responsive practices.
• Completes daily, weekly and monthly program reports in a timely manner.
• Confers with parents regarding facility activities, policies, and enrollment procedures by maintaining either written or verbal communication with parents as needed.
• Wears YMCA uniform and arrives at the program on time and ready to work.

Supervisory

• Assists in recruitment, recommends for hire, supervises, and coaches staff of varied levels of education and experience to ensure program quality and positive outcomes for children and families.
• Conducts monthly classroom observations (at a minimum) and reviews 20% of center files for each program component.
• Conducts annual evaluations with employees and encourages annual goal development and growth of all staff.  
• Ensures that staff are establishing a safe, nurturing, supportive, and positive classroom climate that includes the following elements:
• incorporates a strengths-based approach to developing positive relationships.
• instills motivation, promotes collaboration, and supports well-being of others.
• has clear/consistent classroom routines, transitions, and lesson activities.
• implements developmentally appropriate instructional strategies.
• supports a learning environment around inquiry and play based experiences.
• utilizes effective, age appropriate classroom management practices that promote responsibility.
• embeds the experiential learning approach within all learning experiences.
• Confers with teaching staff regarding children's learning and development. Encourages and supports teaching staff to utilize children’s evaluation data when planning learning experiences.
• Encourages the input of the family into the goals of children using portfolios and assessment materials.
• Assists the onboarding team with new hire orientation of all staff, including training of Creative Curriculum, NAEYC, ExceleRate Illinois™, Ethics, Mandated Reporting, Emergency Preparedness, First Aid/ CPR, etc.  

Financial Management

• Provides input, as requested to program budget.  Assists in management of program revenue and expenditures; prepares billing and reconciliations.
• Facilitates payroll management and scheduling for the child care programs.  
• Manages inventory of program, office and other operational supplies.. Requests purchases and collaborates with staff for instructional materials and teaching aids such as books, toys and materials designed to stimulate learning.
• Assists in grant applications and grant reporting as needed.

Administrative

• Builds and manages effective relationships with internal and external partners – attends meetings, functions, and required events.  Also provides tours to stakeholders and other guests as requested.
• Participates in professional learning communities with staff to improve program practice.
• Plays an active role in promoting all YMCA offerings, programs and services.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supports the YMCA’s commitment to child abuse prevention by:

• Reporting any items that may provide a health or safety hazard to staff, members or guests to your supervisor
• Following all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe in our facilities and programs, including those related to the monitoring and supervision of children
• Reporting any suspicious behavior and violation of policy and procedures to your supervisor
• Completing all child abuse prevention training as require