Program Director - School Age Child Care

Lead a team. Support families. Help children thrive.

The YMCA of the Iowa Mississippi Valley is looking for a hands-on leader to help oversee our growing school-age child care programs. If you enjoy developing staff, creating engaging experiences for children, and keeping programs running smoothly, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on children, families, and your community.

What You’ll Do

• Oversee daily operations across assigned school-age child care sites.
• Recruit, train, schedule, supervise, and develop staff.
• Ensure safe, engaging programs that meet Iowa DHS licensing requirements.
• Support Site Coordinators with staffing, substitute coverage, and daily operational needs.
• Plan field trips, special activities, and day camp programming.
• Monitor site quality, staff performance, records, and regulatory compliance.
• Manage program budgets, payroll, and supplies.
• Build a positive team culture that reflects the YMCA mission, values, and SPARK Leadership framework.

What You’ll Need

• Associate degree in Education, Social Work, Business Administration, or a related field; bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.
• At least two years of experience in licensed child care or a community school district.
• Ability to meet Iowa DHS qualification requirements, including the required 75 points.
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to complete required background checks, fingerprinting, and DHS physical.
• Required Site Coordinator training and certifications, including CPR/First Aid/AED, Mandatory Reporter, Universal Precautions, and Essentials Training. Training is available through the YMCA.

Why the Y?

At the YMCA, you’ll help create a place where children can learn, grow, build friendships, and feel supported. Join a team committed to serving families, developing people, and strengthening our community.

• Comprehensive benefit package: Health/Dental/Vision/Life/Disability/FSA/HSA
• YMCA Retirement Fund & 403b: Y pays 12% after meeting eligibility requirements
• Paid Time Off: Begins accruing the first of the month following hire -19 days first year
• Free household YMCA membership! Discounts on programs
• Child Care discount 25%; Summer Camp discounts
• Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Program

We are looking for someone who displays the YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility and adheres to our mission. This position is expected to be able to successfully perform all physical activities necessary to perform essential and related functions of the job including, ability to frequently lift a minimum of 45 pounds efficiently and safely. Personal Training and CPR/AED/First Aid certifications are required prior to hire and/or prior to performing Personal Trainer duties.

The YMCA of the Iowa Mississippi Valley is a 4-star rated Charity Navigator employer for over 17 years. "Only 2% of the charities we evaluate have received at least 11 consecutive 4-star evaluations, indicating that YMCA of the Iowa Mississippi Valley outperforms most other charities in America." - Charity Navigator. We have also been voted "Best in the QC" by Locals Love Us several years in a row.