Child Care Director

Imagine going to work knowing that what you do each day positively affects the lives of the people in your community. Working at the Y, you’ll discover more than a job, you’ll enjoy the opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of those around you.

The Summit Area YMCA (SAY) is seeking an enthusiastic educator to lead our childcare department team.

The Child Care Director develops, organizes, and implements high-quality YMCA childcare programs at the Berkeley Heights YMCA, ensuring a safe, enriching, and developmentally appropriate environment for all participants. This role oversees the onsite preschool and pre-kindergarten wrap programs during the school year, as well as preschool and specialty camps during the summer months.

Additionally, the Child Care Director is responsible for managing the school-age before and aftercare programs year-round, providing engaging and structured activities that support academic, social, and emotional growth. They will also focus on developing new childcare program ideas that align with the needs of families and children in the community, ensuring innovative and diverse learning opportunities.

This role is integral to the continued growth and expansion of YMCA childcare programs, working to enhance enrollment, improve program quality, and foster strong relationships with children, parents, staff, and community partners. The Child Care Director supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening the community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

The Summit Area YMCA offers a full range of employee benefits, 12% retirement upon eligibility, PTO, free family YMCA membership and subsidized childcare.

• Bachelor's degree in related field or licensing equivalent.

• Two or more years related experience preferred, as a coordinator or supervisor of childcare AND camp/summer programs.

• Fulfillment of state-specific hiring standards and completion of YMCA program-specific certifications.

• Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.

• Maintain flexibility and adaptability for change in both time and project management.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

• Understands the YMCA is a public accommodation committed to inclusion and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

• Manages, directs, and coordinates their program for assigned location(s). 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. Develop strategies to motivate staff and achieve goals.
• Develops, manages, and controls budgets related to the position. Ensure program operates within budget and that program fees are collected. Supports and budgets for healthy eating through coaching, mentoring, and monitoring menu quality.
• Assures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations as they relate to program areas, including Department of Children and Families- Office of Licensing, the American Camp Association and ADA accommodations where appropriate. Ensures that YMCA program standards are met, and safety procedures followed.
• Provides for the upkeep of assigned program facilities and equipment and ensures the physical environment supports healthy living.
• Participate in annual agency-wide training courses, regular staff meetings, and complete the required annual training hours.
• Develops and maintains relationships with state childcare licensing agencies, school administration, parent groups and other organizations and agencies related to assigned programs. Responds to all agencies, parents and community inquiries and complaints in a timely manner.
• Provides staff leadership for the annual fund-raising campaign and committees as assigned.
• Maintains proper records/department files.
• Organizes special events for parents. Assists in YMCA fundraising activities.
• Assists with Program Committee meetings.
• Assists in the marketing and distribution of program information.
• Compiles program statistics. Monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of and participation in programs.
• Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor(s).
• Demonstrates the Y’s values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
• As an Ambassador for the Y communicates to members, volunteers, and the general public that the Y is the nation’s leading non-profit committed to strengthening the community through Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility.
• As an Ambassador for the Y, communicates to members, volunteers, and the general public that diversity and inclusion are core to the Summit Area YMCA mission. The SAY is open and inclusive of all people regardless of their ability, age, culture, ethnicity, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation and socio-economic background and we must all strive courageously against any discriminatory behavior and will always abide by the Summit Area YMCA’s Diversity & Inclusion policy as explained in the Employee Handbook.

Collaboration: Creates sustainable relationships within the Y and with other organizations in service to the community.

Philanthropy – Secures resources and support to advance the Y’s work.

Communication & Influence – Listens and expresses self effectively and in a way that engages, inspires, and builds commitment to the Y’s cause.

Inclusion – Values all people for their unique talents and takes an active role in promoting practices that support diversity, inclusion, and global work, as well as cultural competence.

Developing Self & Others – Develops self and supports others (e.g., staff, volunteers, members, program participants), both formally and informally, to achieve their highest potential.

Benefits

This Full-time position is scheduled for 40 hours per week. The SAY offers generous employee benefits that include competitive salary, free YMCA membership, continued professional training and development courses, and an 12% contribution to your retirement plan upon eligibility.

At the Summit Area YMCA, we are committed to equal opportunity employment regardless of gender, age, disability, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or religious affiliation. Our main purpose is to strengthen community. Every day, we work side-by-side with our neighbors to make sure that everyone can reach their full potential and we strive to live our cause with purpose every day. No matter who you are or where you’re from, we believe that we’re stronger when we come together.