Early Childhood Education Director - Lead & Elevate Programs

YMCA of the Cedar Rapids Metro Area; Bangor (ME); On-site; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Bangor Region YMCA is seeking an experienced Early Childhood Education Director to lead our licensed childcare and preschool programs in Bangor, ME. The Director will oversee administration, program quality, regulatory compliance, curriculum implementation, staffing, budgeting, and family engagement for our ECE services.

This leadership role drives continuous quality improvement and ensures exceptional care and education for children while developing a high-performing team of educators.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, Human Services, or related field required.
• Minimum of three years of leadership or supervisory experience in early childhood education.
• Knowledge of Maine childcare licensing regulations and best practices in early childhood education.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and oversight of all early childhood education programs.
• Ensure compliance with Maine DHHS Child Care Licensing Rules, Quality for ME, CACFP requirements, and YMCA standards.
• Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate teaching staff.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and mission-driven workplace culture.
• Oversee curriculum implementation, child assessments, and program quality initiatives.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with children, families, community partners, and regulatory agencies.
• Manage enrollment, waitlists, and program capacity.
• Monitor department budgets, expenditures, and financial performance.
• Lead continuous quality improvement efforts and accreditation initiatives.
• Ensure a safe, healthy, and nurturing environment for children and staff.
• Support program growth and strategic planning efforts.

Skills

Leadership

Staff supervision

Regulatory compliance

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field

Tools

Teaching Strategies Gold

Creative Curriculum

Job description

The Bangor Region YMCA is seeking an experienced Early Childhood Education Director to lead our licensed childcare and preschool programs in Bangor, ME. The Director will oversee administration, program quality, regulatory compliance, curriculum implementation, staffing, budgeting, and family engagement for our ECE services.

This leadership role drives continuous quality improvement and ensures exceptional care and education for children while developing a high-performing team of educators.