Early Childhood Director

BENEFITS:

• Sign-On Bonus
• Free membership to any YMCA of Long Island Branch
• YMCA program discounts
• Sick leave
• Referral Program (earn up to $200 for each)
• Retirement Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Incentives
• Paid Time Off
• Medical/Dental/Leave Insurances

POSITION SUMMARY:
This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Early Childhood Director plays a pivotal role in shaping the educational environment for young children and ensuring the highest standards of care and learning. This leadership position requires a strategic thinker with a passion for early childhood education, capable of managing daily operations while fostering an engaging and supportive atmosphere for both staff and students. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, a background in education administration, and the ability to implement effective strategic planning and budgeting practices.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manages, directs and coordinates the Early Childhood Program. Ensures high quality programs and establishes new program activities. Expands program within the community in accordance with strategic and operating plans.
• 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.
• Develops program curriculum for various age groups and review lessons plans developed by teachers.
• Develops, manages and controls budgets related to the position. Ensures program operates within budget and that program fees are collected. Supports and budgets for HEPA through coaching, mentoring, and monitoring menu quality
• Assures compliance with federal, state and local regulations as they relate to program areas, including ADA accommodations where appropriate. Ensures all YMCA 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.
• Provides staff leadership for annual fundraising campaign and committees as assigned.
• Maintains proper records/department files.
• Organizes special events for parents. Assists in YMCA fund raising activities.
• Assists with program related meetings.
• Assists in the marketing and distribution of program information.
• Compiles program statistics. Monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of and participation in program.
• Performs other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood education or a related field, master’s degree preferred.
• A minimum of 5 years related experience preferred, as a coordinator or supervisor of child care programs.
• Proven ability in program development, marketing and promotion.
• Proven skills as a high functioning, multi-tasker.
• Demonstrated ability and initiative in developing harmonious relationships with staff, members, volunteers and community leaders.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to engage effectively with families, staff, and community partners.
• Completion of Child Abuse Prevention training; CPR; First Aid; AED; Bloodborne Pathogens within 30 days of hire.
• Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.
• A commitment to fostering an inclusive environment that respects diversity among children, families, and staff members.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Ability to lift and carry children or equipment up to 30-50 lbs.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, and kneeling to interact with children and manage the classroom environment.
• Ability to sit on the floor and actively engage with young children.
• Good vision and hearing to monitor children’s safety and respond to their needs.
• Manual dexterity to use a computer, write reports, and handle small classroom materials.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors, sometimes in varying weather conditions.

HOW TO APPLY:

For consideration, please email your resume and cover letter to nicole.dinolfo@ymcali.org and shannon.cussen@ymcali.org.

RATE OF PAY:

Newly hired employees will be paid starting at $75,000 per year.

This position is essential for creating a nurturing educational environment that supports children's growth and development while providing leadership within the organization.

The YMCA of Long Island is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are an open and inclusive organization, welcoming a diverse workforce free of discrimination based on protected class status, including race, religion/creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation or belief, military or veteran status, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, marital or family status, domestic violence victim status, arrest record or criminal conviction history, or any other impermissible basis.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person

Salary : $75,000