Early Childhood Director (Greenpoint YMCA)

The Early Childhood Director will provide leadership for the program's strategy, systems, supervision, and structure.

Job Description

The Greenpoint YMCA is seeking an Early Childhood Director who will be responsible for implementing a safe and quality program, including, but not limited to, staff supervision, training, budgeting, curriculum development, YMCA, funder, and regulatory compliance, DOH, Early Childhood Learning Centers, fee-based enrichment, Early Childhood Summer Day Camp, and wraparound or Early Childhood After-school programming.

Under the supervision of the Executive Director, the Early Childhood Director will provide leadership for the program's strategy, systems, supervision, and structure, including, but not limited to, the overall development, administration, and evaluation of programs. They will grow enrollment and the program portfolio to serve more children via structured, engaging, educational, recreational, and developmentally appropriate activities. They will ensure a high level of quality, communication, and collaboration within the Early Childhood programs. The Early Childhood Director will support family and community programs and sit on the branch and community committees as needed.

Qualifications

Master’s in Early Childhood Education (or a related field with 30 credits in Early Childhood specific courses) and has State Certification. OR Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education, has State certification in Early Childhood Education, and is enrolled in a Master's program related to Early Childhood Education.

Teaching license or certificate valid for services in the early childhood or childhood grades according to New York State Universal Prekindergarten (UPK) regulations.

Minimum of two (2) years of Lead Teacher experience in a program for children under the age of six.

• 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.
• Must be a self-starter, highly organized, patient, and able to work well with others.
• Strong and polished interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills that facilitate the achievement of desired results.
• Creative, strategic, and analytical thinker who can manage multiple projects.
• Experience developing and managing budgets, hiring, training, supervising, and assessing personnel is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of Creative Curriculum is preferred.
• Bi-lingual English and another language commonly spoken in our community is preferred.
  
  

Essential Functions

• Successfully maintain and continue to improve the quality of all Early Learners, Early Childhood After-school, and
• Early Childhood Enrichment programs. Plan and create new and innovative early learners, youth, family, and community programs that meet the community's needs per the branch's priority objectives and strategic plan.
• Ensure that all contractual and regulatory obligations of the Department of Education and the Department of Health are met while fulfilling the program mandates of the YMCA of Greater New York and its funders.
• Supervise exempt, full-time, part-time, and non-exempt staff, volunteers, and interns by monitoring performance, providing support, training, coaching, and recognition, and holding staff accountable for performance expectations.
• Develop, manage, and successfully meet budget objectives.
• Act as the branch’s liaison with other community organizations and coalitions within the borough and partner appropriately to provide services, programs, and referrals to YMCA participants and families.
• Represent the branch at Early Childhood Cabinet meetings. Become an active member of all Youth & Family related committees at the branch level.
• Successfully maintain and continue to improve the quality of all Early Childhood programs. Leverage program surveys to improve programming and maintain consistent quality.
• Become a certified trainer in two youth areas, such as Child Abuse Prevention and Ethics and Boundaries, and lead training events.
• Work with the branch and AO leadership to design, develop, and implement a marketing and communication plan that promotes the Early Learner, Early Childhood After-school, and Early Childhood Enrichment programs to local community groups.
• 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, including 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 special events.
• May serve as the Manager on Duty (MOD) when requested.