Child Care Area Manager

ABOUT THE JOB:

Essential Functions

Program Oversight & Quality

• Provide leadership and operational oversight for assigned childcare sites, including school-age programs and, when applicable, early learning programs.
• Ensure delivery of developmentally appropriate practices across all age groups served.
• Maintain consistent program schedules, curriculum implementation, and behavior guidance practices.
• Utilize program systems to support communication, documentation, and program operations.
• Conduct regular site visits, observations, and quality assessments to ensure program standards are met.
• Support continuous program improvement aligned with YMCA standards and licensing requirements.

Staff Leadership & Development

• Provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and support related to staff performance and program delivery, including addressing routine performance concerns.
• Monitor staffing levels, ratios, schedules, and daily coverage needs to ensure compliance at all times.
• Conduct and contribute to performance evaluations, providing input and recommendations to the Director regarding staff performance and development.
• Initiate and document coaching and low-level corrective actions independently, in alignment with YMCA policies and documentation standards.Escalate and partner with the Director of Child Care Programs and Human Resources on advanced corrective action, including written warnings, final warnings, suspensions, and termination decisions.
• Collaborate with the Director and HR to address complex employee relations matters, including investigations, safety concerns, or situations involving potential policy or licensing violations.
• Support staff development planning, training completion, and coaching strategies in partnership with the Director as needed.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and team-oriented work environment aligned with YMCA values.

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure compliance with all Washington State licensing requirements, including WAC regulations, MERIT updates, and STARS training requirements.
• Maintain compliance with required staff-to-child ratios, documentation, and attendance tracking.
• Oversee incident reporting, documentation, and follow-up in accordance with policy.
• Support licensing visits, inspections, and corrective action plans as needed.
• Ensure adherence to health, safety, and emergency preparedness procedures across all sites.

Family & School/Community Partnerships

• Support Site Coordinators in addressing family concerns, including escalated or sensitive issues.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with families, school administrators, and community partners.
• Communicate program expectations, updates, and changes in a clear and consistent manner.
• Represent programs in meetings, events, and partnership opportunities as needed.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Support enrollment efforts, including waitlist management and coordination with the Director when enrollment openings occur.
• Assist Site Coordinators in monitoring site budgets, staffing costs, and supply needs.
• Review and support accurate recordkeeping, including attendance, staff files, and program documentation.
• Communicate site needs, challenges, and program performance to the Director, and collaborate on staffing, operational, and program decisions as needed.
• Contribute to planning, goal setting, and overall program strategy.

Other Position Functions

• Reviews, practices and makes recommendations to improve safety procedures and practices.
• Maintains clean, attractive, safe and functional facilities that meet or exceed Health Codes and Y standards.
• Attends and participate staff meetings, training, and special activities.
• Participates in STARS continuing education and complete required ongoing trainings as required by the Y including but not limited to Child Abuse Prevention training.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Degree in Early Childhood Education, Education, Child Development, or a related field (required). Bachelors' Degree preferred.
• Experience in school-age childcare or youth development (required).
• Experience in early learning programs (required for positions overseeing early learning; preferred for all).
• Previous supervisory and leadership experience preferred.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple sites, priorities, and staff teams effectively.

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to work with and supervise children in a highly active environment and must be able to quickly move and respond to developing issues during a majority of each work day. The employee will regularly use a computer for a portion of the day and be able to communicate using a computer and phone/smart device.
• Sufficient strength, agility and mobility to perform essential functions and to supervise program activities in a wide variety of indoor and outdoor locations (depending upon the programs). The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to travel regularly between multiple program sites.
• Ability to respond to urgent situations and provide on-site support as needed.
• Must meet all Washington State childcare licensing requirements, including background check and MERIT registration.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Every day, hundreds of children participate in YMCA childcare programs that provide a safe, engaging, and enriching environment before and after school and, in some locations, throughout the early learning years. Be part of a dedicated team that creates opportunities for children to build confidence, develop social skills, explore new interests, and reach their fullest potential through high-quality childcare experiences.

The Area Manager for School-Age & Early Learning Programs supports the Director of Child Care in the development, organization, and delivery of high-quality licensed childcare programs. This position provides leadership and oversight for multiple childcare sites, ensuring program quality, regulatory compliance, positive staff development, and strong relationships with children, families, schools, and community partners. The Area Manager supports day-to-day operations, promotes effective risk management practices, and helps ensure the successful delivery of YMCA programs and services consistent with the YMCA's mission, values, and standards.