Director of Early Childhood Education

YMCA of the Lowcountry Inc; Ridgeland (MS); On-site; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Retirement Plan

Complimentary YMCA Membership

Program Discount

Job summary

YMCA of the Lowcountry is seeking a Full-Time Exempt Childcare Director to lead and grow our childcare program. You will recruit, train, and supervise educators, manage the department budget, and build strong partnerships with families and community agencies to ensure high-quality, compliant programming.

The role requires a Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education and a minimum of three years in childcare management with supervisory experience. SC DSS standards and safety trainings are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field.
• Minimum of three years in childcare management with supervisory experience.
• Experience establishing SC state-approved programs and compliance.
• Ability to lead and motivate diverse teams and communities.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a high-quality childcare program aligned with community needs and SC DSS standards.
• Recruit, hire, train, and supervise educators; manage scheduling and annual performance reviews.
• Develop and manage the childcare department budget, ensure fee collection and financial compliance.
• Build relationships with families, partners, and state agencies to promote programs and ensure compliance.
• Ensure safety standards and licensing requirements, including CPR/First Aid training and accreditation compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Staff Training

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education

Job description

Description

Salary: Minimum $45,000 - Maximum $55,000

Type: Full-Time – Exempt

Schedule: 40 Hours Per Week (Flexible Schedule)

Organization Overview

At the YMCA of the Lowcountry, we are more than an organization — we are a cause. Together, we strengthen our community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Our staff are at the heart of this mission, creating safe, welcoming environments where children grow, families thrive, and everyone feels a sense of belonging.

Department Overview

The Childcare Department provides safe, nurturing, and engaging environments where children can learn, grow, and thrive.

Benefits You'll Receive

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance with an employee premium share of $49.19 per pay period.
• $10,000 Life Insurance benefit paid in full by the YMCA.
• 12% employer-funded retirement contribution (eligible after 2 years of service).
• Complimentary nationwide YMCA membership for you and your household.
• 50% discount on YMCA programs, including childcare, aquatics, youth sports, and swim lessons.
• Flexible scheduling that supports work-life balance.

What You'll Do

• To develop and implement a high-quality childcare program that aligns with community needs and satisfies the South Carolina Department of Social Services (SC DSS) standards.
• Recruit, hire, train, and supervise a team of high-quality educators, manage scheduling, and conduct yearly performance reviews to ensure a high-performing team and exceptional program delivery.
• Develop and manage the child care department budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility, proper fee collection, and adherence to financial guidelines for all child care programs.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with families, community partners, and state agencies to promote programs and ensure compliance.
• Ensure all childcare programs meet or exceed safety standards and state licensing requirements, including staff training in CPR, First Aid, and compliance with state, federal, and Praesidium accreditation requirements.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Child Psychology, or a related field.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in childcare management or a related field, with prior supervisory experience required.
• Experience establishing and implementing South Carolina state-accredited school programs in compliance with regulatory standards required.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and relate effectively to diverse populations from all social and economic backgrounds.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

The YMCA of the Lowcountry is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. Applicants requiring accommodation during the application or interview process should contact Human Resources.