Early Childhood Education (ECE) / Academy Director

Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Plains, Inc.; Vermillion (SD); On-site; USD 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A local youth development organization in Vermillion seeks an Early Childhood Education (ECE) / Academy Director to oversee licensed early childhood and academy programs. This role includes ensuring compliance with state regulations, managing program budgets, and fostering positive relationships with families. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, relevant experience with youth, and strong leadership skills. A commitment to safety and quality programming is essential. Competitive salary offered based on experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree from an Accredited University preferred.
• Experience working with youth from 3 years old through 5th grade.
• Management/supervisory experience required.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with South Dakota Child Care Licensing requirements.
• Supervise staff and maintain program compliance.
• Communicate regularly with families to support engagement.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Behavior management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field

Valid Child Development Associate (CDA) credential

Four years of experience in a licensed childcare center

Job description

Early Childhood Education (ECE) / Academy Director

REPORTS TO: Unit Director
CLASSIFIED: Full-Time, Exempt
SALARY: $50,000-$55,000/year, depending on experience
MISSION: To inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens.
JOB SUMMARY: The Early Childhood Education (ECE) / Academy Director serves as the Program Administrator for licensed early childhood and academy programs and is responsible for the overall leadership, compliance, and quality of programming. This role oversees daily operations, supervises staff, ensures full compliance with South Dakota Child Care Licensing requirements, Boys & Girls Club of America (BGCA) standards, and Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Plains (BGCNP) policies and procedures. The ECE/Academy Director builds strong relationships with families, manages budgets and grants, supports staff development, and ensures a safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate environment that supports positive youth outcomes.

Job Duties

• Ensure full compliance with all South Dakota Child Care Licensing requirements and Boys & Girls Club of America (BGCA) and Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Plains (BGCNP) policies, procedures, and regulations, including staff-to-child ratios, documentation, programming standards, and required trainings.
• Provide day-to-day leadership and oversight of licensed early childhood and academy programs, ensuring safe, high-quality operations aligned with state licensing and Club standards.
• Recruit, interview, hire, supervise, evaluate, and discipline assigned employees in accordance with state licensing regulations, BGCA standards, and BGCNP policies and procedures.
• Supervise staff to ensure all personnel meet state licensing, BGCA, and BGCNP requirements, including background checks, training, and certification requirements.
• Maintain program compliance with South Dakota Child Care Licensing, BGCA, and BGCNP standards, including:
  • Health and safety practices
  • Staff-to-child ratios
  • Accurate documentation and recordkeeping
  • Required trainings and certifications
• Serve as a primary point of contact for families by providing clear, professional, and consistent communication, fostering positive relationships, and upholding Club values and expectations.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date licensing and compliance documentation and coordinate licensing visits, inspections, internal reviews, and corrective actions as needed.
• Model and uphold the Club Values of excellence, being impact-driven, teamwork, and good character in all interactions with youth, families, staff, and community partners.
• Manage and monitor program budgets, ensuring fiscally responsible purchasing and alignment with organizational priorities and grant requirements.
• Communicate regularly with parents and guardians through phone calls, emails, and daily interactions to support family engagement, transparency, and trust.
• Support youth social-emotional development by addressing behavioral challenges and assisting with the development and implementation of youth success plans, consistent with Club behavior guidance practices.
• Plan and execute special programming events each semester that align with BGCA priority outcomes and developmental best practices.
• Oversee licensed program budgets and assist with financial tracking related to Academic Success, Good Character & Leadership, and Healthy Lifestyles.
• Implement, monitor, and track assigned grant-funded programs, ensuring compliance with grant requirements, reporting timelines, and organizational standards.
• Facilitate regular staff meetings and participate in required Club trainings, including monthly all-staff meetings and required professional development.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support program quality, compliance, and organizational goals.
• HOURS OF OPERATION: Monday–Friday
  • Summer Hours: 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. • School Year Hours: 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. and after school until 6:00 p.m.
  • Occasional weeknight and weekend hours may be required to support special events, family engagement activities, trainings, or organizational needs.

Employment Qualifications

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• Bachelor’s Degree from an Accredited University is preferred.
• Must meet South Dakota Child Care Licensing qualifications for a Program Administrator by meeting at least one of the following:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Education, or Human Development
  • Two-year degree in Early Childhood Education
  • Valid Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or similar recognized credential
  • Certification in a specific child-learning philosophy (e.g., Montessori) plus at least one (1) year of experience in a licensed child care setting
  • Child Development Technician diploma
  • Four (4) years of verifiable experience in a licensed child care center or school-age childcare program.
• Experience working with youth from 3 years old through those in 5th grade.
• Management/supervisory experience.
• Must understand, implement, and demonstrate behavior management principles and other youth treatment modalities, per the Club training and values of fun, supportive relationships, recognition, opportunities and expectations, and safety.
• Must be able to provide leadership, on-the-spot and reflective feedback, and supervision to assigned employees to ensure they, too, understand and demonstrate principles of behavior management and other youth treatment modalities, per the Club training and values of fun, supportive relationships, recognition, opportunities and expectations, and safety.
• Experience working with state childcare licensing is preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Must be of the mental and physical capacity to observe, interact, and communicate with youth, staff, volunteers, parents, etc. at the Club to ensure the safety of the space and others, provide guidance and reflection per the Club priority outcomes and goals
• Ability to stand/sit for long periods throughout a shift
• Ability to operate various types of general office equipment including PC, telephone, copier, etc.
• This position is considered a safety-sensitive position.