Director of Curriculum and Engagement

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Director of Curriculum & Engagement serves as the educational leader and operational liaison of the YMCA Early Learning Academy. Acting as the Center Director's designee in their absence, this position is responsible for ensuring excellence in curriculum implementation, family engagement, classroom quality, school-wide programming, and daily operations.

As the primary "front-of-house" leader, the Director of Curriculum &  Engagement helps create a true school culture by supporting teachers, fostering meaningful family relationships, coordinating educational initiatives, and ensuring consistency across all classrooms. This individual serves as the bridge between administration, teaching staff, families, and educational partners while maintaining a strong focus on school readiness, child development, and program quality.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

College & Community Partnerships

• Serve as the primary liaison between the YMCA Early Learning Academy and educational partners, including CCU, HGTC, and other community organizations. 
• Coordinate classroom observations, student placements, internships, and practicum experiences. 
• Maintain communication with college faculty and ensure educational partnerships run smoothly. 

Curriculum Leadership

• Oversee the implementation of Creative Curriculum throughout the Academy. 
• Ensure lesson plans are completed, aligned with school-wide themes, and support school readiness. 
• Coach and support teachers in creating engaging, developmentally appropriate learning experiences. 
• Monitor classrooms to ensure curriculum is implemented with consistency and quality. 

Assessment & Child Development

• Oversee developmental assessments, including Ages & Stages Questionnaires (ASQ). 
• Support teachers in tracking child development and communicating with families. 
• Promote school readiness by ensuring children receive appropriate educational support. 

Family Engagement

• Foster positive relationships with families through communication and support. 
• Coordinate newsletters and school-wide family communications. 
• Support parent conferences and family engagement opportunities. 

School Culture & Student Engagement

• Plan and coordinate school-wide themes, events, celebrations, and enrichment activities. 
• Create engaging experiences that promote a positive school culture. 
• Support classroom transitions and maintain consistency across the Academy. 

Leadership & Operations

• Assist in managing the daily operations and flow of the Academy. 
• Serve as Acting Director in the absence of the Center Director. 
• Support teachers through classroom observations, coaching, onboarding, and professional development. 
• Ensure classrooms remain compliant with YMCA, DSS, ABC Quality, and Academy standards.

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader):

Mission Advancement
Collaboration
Operational Effectiveness
Personal Growth
Educational Leadership
Relationship Building
Communication Excellence

COMMITMENT TO CHILD SAFETY

The YMCA of Coastal Carolina is committed to creating environments where children are safe, supported, and empowered to thrive. 

Employees and volunteers who directly supervise children are expected to: 

• Adhere to YMCA policies regarding professional boundaries with youth.
• Attend all required Abuse Risk Management and Child Protection trainings.
• Follow established procedures for supervising children and managing high-risk activities.
• Immediately report suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations.
• Comply with all mandated reporting requirements and child protection protocols.
• Follow all YMCA and Praesidium standards related to child abuse prevention and youth protection.
• Every employee shares responsibility for protecting the children and families entrusted to our care.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education & Experience

• Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of three years of experience in an early childhood educational setting.
• Previous leadership, coaching, or curriculum oversight experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of Creative Curriculum, developmental assessments, and school readiness practices.
• Experience with Ages & Stages Questionnaires (ASQ) preferred.
• • Strong organizational, communication, and relationship-building skills.

Certifications & Requirements

• CPR/First Aid Certification (or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire).
• Must complete background check, TB test, and all required DSS training within designated timeframes.
• Maintain compliance with annual training hours and health/safety policies.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Ability to plan, lead and participate in activities.
2. Ability to be physically active to include but not limited to walking, sitting, squatting, standing, kneeling, climbing, running, lifting, pushing, pulling, etc.
3. Must have the physical, visual and auditory ability to perform the essential functions of the job.