Childcare Director

YMCA of the USA; Topeka (KS); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

YMCA of the USA's Early Learning Center Program Director oversees day-to-day operations of the childcare programs, guiding staff and ensuring branch policies are followed while expanding services to meet family needs in Topeka. The role emphasizes staff development, regulatory compliance (KDHE), budget oversight, and community partnerships.

You will coach teams, manage schedules, monitor enrollment, and promote a culture of inclusion and excellence.

Qualifications

• Minimum age 21.
• Minimum education associate degree.
• Minimum 1 year of management / supervisory experience.
• Meet KDHE staff qualifications based on assigned program type and license capacity.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operation of child care program(s) implementing branch policies and procedures.
• Develop and promote a participant-focused culture among staff through relationship building and service.
• Coach, train and hold staff accountable for compliance with KDHE regulations and branch policies.
• Complete hiring protocols and manage staff schedules and time sheets for payroll accuracy.
• Grow program enrollment and maintain minimum staffing levels.
• Monitor staff performance and conduct annual evaluations.
• Facilitate program audits, ensure licensing standards, and promote safety and inclusion.
• Develop partnerships with community organizations and promote CACFP/food program services.
• Oversee budgets, grants, and financial controls; support fundraising and donor engagement.
• Ensure program records and reports are maintained and communications with leadership are timely.

Skills

Staff development

Budget management

Leadership

Communication skills

Education

Associate degree

Job description

GENERAL FUNCTION: The ELC Program Director is responsible for the overall management and development of assigned Child Care Branch program(s) and staff. Primary areas of responsibility include enrollment, program promotion, staff recruitment and training, budget development and fiscal management, financial development (fundraising), parent and partnership engagement, regulatory compliance and program participant outcomes.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: The Early Learning Center Program Director is responsible for day-to-day operation of child care program(s) implementing branch policies and procedures, growing programs to meet the needs of families in our service delivery areas and leading a team of staff

Staff Development

Develop and promote a participant-focused culture among staff, based on relationship building, active listening and service above self

Coach, train and hold staff accountable for compliance in KDHE regulations, association and branch personnel policies/procedures, and adherence to developmentally appropriate practices for students based on individual age and competencies as well as current high quality early childhood standards

Complete hiring protocols and manage staff schedules and time sheets to ensure that payroll and personnel information is accurate and submitted on a timely basis

Participate and seek out recruitment opportunities in an effort to maintain minimum staffing levels and to grow program enrollment

Monitor staff performance on meeting association expectations, KDHE regulations, participant satisfaction and the quality of program activities and instructional practices including regular, and/or as needed an annual performance evaluation

Program Operations

• Facilitate program audits and improvement plans to ensure quality, safety, compliance, and customer satisfaction


• Ensure that the program meets and or exceeds licensing standards per the KDHE guidelines and as applicable CACFP/Food Program services


• Develop and maintain contacts with community partners to promote and further connections


• Create and maintain an atmosphere that values diversity and inclusion


• Be visible to staff and program participants in classrooms daily, present during peak pick up and/or drop off times, available and accessible to families and staff


• Maintain program supplies and purchase schedule to ensure programs have all equipment and supplies necessary for weekly activities.


• Monitor and maintain accurate records for all locations including but not limited to; food service, enrollment (rosters/child files), monthly reports, emergency drills, staff orientation, monthly meeting minutes and behavior documentation


• Evaluate program safety on a regular basis including but not limited to general repair, playground safety, architectural risk, and storage of chemicals and other toxic or dangerous substances or equipment


• Child Abuse Prevention - Responsible for screening for abuse risk, providing ongoing supervision and training, offering regular feedback on boundaries, enforcing policies and procedures, responding promptly to violations, taking reports seriously and confidentially, following mandated reporting, communicating the organization's commitment to child abuse prevention.


• Report in a timely manner all maintenance and janitorial issues to the facility, and communicate any barriers/challenges to your direct supervisor

Fiscal Management

• Accountable for annual budget development, monthly budget monitoring, grant reporting and compliance resulting in achievement of budget


• Implement strategies to grow program enrollment through successful, high-quality programs and great customer service, as well as marketing the program and vacancies outside of the YMCA


• Maintain and be thoroughly knowledgeable with systems of financial control including revenues, expenses, and inventories

Financial Development/ Strong Community Campaign

• Develop new ideas and income strategies


• Engage, lead and support staff in accomplishing their respective donor and volunteer recruitment, development campaign events and promotion to achieve program goals for the Strong Community campaign


• Participate in stewardship of current donors and actively recruit new donors to meet campaign goals, individual and program


• Achieve continued retention and growth in donor giving

General

• Ensure Association goals and strategies are adhered to and effectively communicated to staff and volunteers


• Participate in association-wide projects, meetings and events as assigned


• All other duties as assigned

Effect on End Result: Leadership and guidance is provided that ensures the achievement of the goals and objectives of the Association and Branch with high levels of participation, satisfaction, and retention of participants, employees and generous supporters.

Education/Experience Requirements

Minimum Age of 21

Minimum education associate degree

Minimum 1 Year Of Management / Supervisory Experience

Meet KDHE staff qualifications based on assigned program type and license capacity

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

The successful employee will demonstrate individual competence in the following areas:

Ability to mentor, supervise and develop adults

Experience managing budgets

Knowledge of child development and positive, age-appropriate behavior strategies

Excellent organizational skills

Ability to work independently without close oversight, but also as a team player

Effectively respond to questions from employees, directors, and other entities in a timely manner

Possess the ability to be flexible

Ability to manage high stress and emergency situations

Educate staff on current KDHE and CACFP regulations and practices

Commitment to the YMCA mission, vision, and values

Must complete Pediatric CPR, AED and First Aid in accordance with Conditions of Employment

Complete all KDHE required trainings and maintain annual training hours and certifications

Ability to lead and direct a team to reach organizational goals

Maintain positive open communication with all YMCA Branches, off-site programs, other community partners

Ability to effectively supervise and motivate staff, both direct reports and front-line staff

Ability to interpret, implement and enforce all childcare regulations

Understand and abide by all policies and procedures as set forth by the association and gain trust and buy-in from staff teams

Work a schedule that reflects the needs of the branch which may include frequent split shifts and some evenings and weekends