Assistant Director - Full Time - Early Learning & Care

Greater Philadelphia YMCA; Wilmer (PA); On-site; USD 26,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free YMCA membership

50% off programming including swimming

Tuition reimbursement and benefits

Job summary

The Greater Philadelphia YMCA is seeking an Assistant Director for the Early Learning and Care program in Wilmer, PA. This full-time hourly role ($19.00–$22.00) focuses on delivering high-quality programming, ensuring safety, and guiding staff to support children’s growth within licensing and QA standards.

You will plan, promote, and provide leadership for the program, supervise staff, and work within state and YMCA policies to maintain accreditation and care excellence.

Qualifications

• Degree from an accredited college or university in education or human services as defined by state licensing regulations.
• Minimum of 2 years (2500 hours) of childcare experience.

Responsibilities

• Read and follow YMCA Policies, State Licensing regulations, and Quality Rating System standards.
• Supervise staff and ensure safety in direct care group; maintain attendance.
• Communicate with parents/guardians about program experience and child progress; preserve confidentiality.
• Provide positive Adult/Child interactions and age-appropriate verbal guidance.
• Attend required trainings per policy and regulatory requirements (e.g., 6 hours annually).
• Lead and manage a professional, accountable environment; supervise site staff.
• Prepare consistent, up-to-date parent communications and program updates.
• Plan monthly lesson plans, weekly reports, and supply requests; manage time/resources.

Skills

Childcare experience

Leadership/communication

Education

Degree in education or human services

Job description

Full Time, Hourly | $19.00-$22.00

The Assistant Director is responsible for ensuring consistent implementation of quality programming that supports the unique needs of each child within the structure of the program creating a safe, enriching, and environment for all to thrive. Plan, promote and provide leadership for the Early Learning and Care program. Maintains program quality in accordance with YMCA, the state licensing agency, Quality Rating System standards, ACA policies and guidelines.

Some rewards for joining our team:

• Free YMCA membership - access to all branches!
• 50% off programming including swimming lessons as well as childcare programs (early learning care, before and after care, day camp and overnight camp).
• Planning for your future? Ask us how we do it at the Y - it's awesome!
• Comprehensive benefits package which includes health, dental and vision insurance, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, etc.

What is needed for this job:

• Present documentation of achieved degree from an accredited college or university in education or human services related field as defined by state licensing regulations.
• Verify a minimum of 2 years (2500 hours) of childcare experience.

The responsibilities we will trust you with:

• Read and be accountable for YMCA Policies, State Licensing Body (PA- DHS / NJ-NJ OOL) regulations, and Quality Rating System standards (Example: NAEYC, Keystone STARS, Grow NJ Kids, ACA).
• Supervise by being able to identify, SEE, HEAR, DIRECT and ASSIST to ensure the safety of each child in your direct care group at all times. Adhere to small group/ratio established by the state licensing agency. Accurately maintain attendance of the children in your care.
• Communicate effectively and timely with parents/guardians regarding children's program experience, progress (written as well as verbal). Maintain confidentiality, use sensitivity, and patience at all times.
• Provide quality Adult/Child interactions through engagement, positive and encouraging feedback, and asking open-ended questions. Maintain age-appropriate verbal interaction guidelines at all times; exercising patience.
• Attend and renew as needed all necessary trainings as reflected in your training plan in coherence with YMCA Policies, State Licensing Body regulations, and Quality Rating System standards, including but not limited to 6 hours of childcare related trainings annually.
• Direct and maintain control of environments that build children’s self-esteem. Utilize positive reinforcement techniques for redirection as a form of behavior management.
• Conduct/record weekly child observations as well as any related to child behavior concerns or development that may require early intervention with parent/guardian(s).
• Coordinate, plan, and implement daily child centered and developmentally appropriate learning experiences within YMCA, state licensing and quality rating system guidelines. Adapt the program whenever possible to meet the individualized needs of the children.
• Maintain operation of the program consistent with YMCA policies, state licensing regulations and Quality rating system standards and initiatives in preparing for annual audits (state inspections and quality rating system assessments).
• Lead by example and interact with a high level of professionalism and accountability at all times.
• Supervise all staff assigned to the site.
• Prepare and distribute quality, brand compliant, up to date, written communication with the parent/guardian(s) (example: Family Board maintenance, monthly newsletters, program updates, and announcements).
• Meet deadlines: Ensure monthly lesson plans, weekly and specialized reports, and supply requests are submitted and managed in a timely manner. Plan and manage time and resources effectively.
• Success will be measured by the degree to which enrollment levels are maintained.

What you can expect:

• Support from an amazing team
• Opportunities to learn & grow
• Being a part of a non-profit organization that works to make the community stronger