This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Preschool Director develops, organizes, and implements high-quality YMCA child care program(s). This position also develops and manages the overall strategy for delivering programs and services related to full day preschool while ensuring staff excellence in the delivery of all programs in a safe manner with high quality. This position also manages all aspects of the Preschool program and ensures that the programs meet the Department of Licensing, Department of Education, NAEYC, and Grow NJ Kids standards. Familiarity and experience with programs formerly called Abbott programs a plus.
- Manages, directs,and coordinates the preschool program. Ensures a high-quality program and establishes new program activities.
- Recruits, hires, trains, develops, schedules and directs personnel and volunteers as needed. Reviews and evaluates staff performance. Develops strategies to motivate staff and achieve goals. Provides written evaluations as required by the Vineland School District and the YMCA.
- Supervises all staff assigned to the Preschool program and arranges coverage to meet required ratios.
- Develops, manages and controls budgets related to the position. Ensures program operates within budget and that program fees are collected.
- Assures compliance with federal, state and local regulations as they relate to program areas, including ADA accommodations where appropriate. Ensures a quality preschool program by adhering to YMCA, District, NAEYC, and Grow NJ Kids program standards are met and safety procedures followed.
- Provides for upkeep of assigned program facilities and equipment and ensures the physical environment supports healthy living.
- Develops and maintains relationships with state child care licensing agency, school administration, parent groups and other organizations and agencies related to assigned programs. Responds to all agency, parent and community inquiries and complaints in a timely manner.
- Understanding of the High Scope curriculum.
- Ensure that all staff receive the required 20 hours of professional development hours annually.
- Provides staff leadership for annual fundraising campaign and committees as assigned.
- Maintains proper records/department files including, but not limited to, tracking attendance records and approving time sheets for staff and compiling monthly enrollment and attendance statistics for the children in the program.
- Organizes special events for parents. Assists in YMCA fund raising activities.
- Attends and participates at Directors’ meeting as well as YMCA functions as needed including, but not limited to, meetings for the Association and Board Meetings as needed.
- Assists in the marketing and distribution of program information.
- Compiles program statistics. Monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of and participation in program.
The Preschool Director must meet the qualification required by the State of New Jersey Department of Children and Families
- 5 years of experience as a Children’s Director and/or 5 years of experience in working with children and adults in a supervisory role
- At least 3 years of experience in staff supervision, committees, and in providing leadership to groups preferred
- Experience in staff supervision, committees, and in providing leadership to groups
- Experience in developing and monitoring financial projections, budgets, and assessment of program effectiveness
- Bi-lingual is preferred but not required
- The minimum age requirement for this position is 21
- Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all segments of the community.