Under the general direction of the Executive Director of Childcare Operations of the Meadowlands Area YMCA, t he Early Childhood Director provides leadership for the strategy, systems, supervision, and structure of the programs; including but not limited to the overall development, administration, and evaluation of programs as they relate to the philosophy of the Meadowlands Area YMCA. They grow enrollment and the program portfolio to serve more children via structured, engaging, educational, recreational, and developmentally appropriate activities. They ensure a high level of quality, communication, and collaboration within the Early Childhood programs. The Early Childhood Director supports family and community programs, and sits on community committees, as needed. The Early Childhood Center Director, in concert with Associate Childcare Director, and Head Teacher, will supervise and train teachers and effectively implement curriculum and activities.

• Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or related field; graduate level education highly preferred.
• Five (5) or more years of managerial experience working in a licensed childcare center or managerial or supervisory experience in an educational institution, business or program or agency related to children under the age of six (6).
• Must meet the educational, work experience and all qualifications as set forth in the Manual of requirements for Childcare Centers, State of New Jersey, for Childcare Director .
• Must be creative, possess good communication skills (oral/written), and exercise good judgment.
• Must love working with children and be able to develop positive relationships with parents, staff, co-workers, and community organizations.
• Minimum of two (2) years of Lead Teacher experience in a program for children less than six years of age.
• Must be a self-starter, highly organized, patient, and able to work well with others.
• Knowledge of principles and practices related to Early Childhood education and socioemotional growth.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Excel and working knowledge of Microsoft Suite.
• Knowledge of Windows based computer applications and database management.
• Knowledge of Creative Curriculum and implementing new curriculum within a team, preferred.

• Ensures that all contractual and regulatory obligations of the Department of Education and Department of Health are met while fulfilling the program mandates of the Meadowlands Area YMCA.
• Successfully maintain and continue to improve the quality of all Early Childhood programs. Leverage program surveys to improve programming and maintain consistent quality.
• Create Childcare Center designs, layouts, and order appropriate equipment and supplies.
• Staffing of all programs for Mara Center Childcare including interviewing, hiring, training, orientation, evaluation, scheduling, and supervision of a quality staff team.
• Manage all preschool activity/enrichment programs in addition to Mara Center Childcare for the Association.
• Communicate with parents on an as needed basis through emails, memos regarding the calendar and curriculum updates, as well as any events or issues occurring at the sites.
• Provide leadership for the daily operations of the center’s programs. Specific duties include maintaining the budget; managing enrollment; licensing compliance management; and ensuring parent satisfaction.
• Participate in workshops and conferences that will enhance professional growth.
• Serve as a member of Key Staff team which includes directors meeting attendance and participation in association-related special events.
• Monitor teacher performance as it relates to the curriculum and Center philosophy. Provide mid-Year and final evaluations as pertained to Association standards.
• Monitor the organization, appearance, and appropriateness of Center décor, (i.e. Bulletin boards, classroom displays, learning materials, storage areas, etc.).
• Participate in Association’s Annual Support Campaign and play a leadership role in this campaign of the Center.
• Supervise exempt, full time, part time, non-exempt staff, volunteers, and interns by monitoring performance; approving semi-monthly payroll, providing support, training, coaching and recognition; and holding staff accountable for performance expectations.
• Develop, manage, and successfully meet budget objectives.
• Become a certified trainer in two youth areas (such as Child Abuse Prevention and Ethics and Boundaries) and lead training events.
• Work with marketing and Executive Director to design, develop, and implement a marketing and communication plan which promotes the Early Learner Programs.
• Maintain accurate and timely program documentation (attendance, sign in/out forms, behavior reports, incident reports, and accident reports, as appropriate). Report all incidents in accordance with the Y policies and procedures.
• Promote an inclusive, welcoming, and respectful environment that embraces the diversity of all staff and participants.
• Other duties as assigned include classroom teaching responsibilities as the program dictates.
• Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of participants by understanding, maintaining, and ensuring that staff and participants follow Risk Management and safety procedures.
• Actively participate in designated meetings, all training sessions, and all Meadowlands Area special events, including Open house, Gala, and Golf Outings.

Multi-Team or Branch Leader YMCA Certification preferred