Early Learning Director

YMCA of Portsmouth; Virginia Beach (VA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The YMCA of South Hampton Roads is seeking an Early Learning Director to lead high-quality programs for children ages 0–5 in our licensed facilities. Under the Executive Director, you will oversee daily operations, staff leadership, family engagement, licensing compliance, and curriculum implementation, ensuring a safe, nurturing environment aligned with YMCA values.

The role requires strong program management, experience with licensing standards, and a passion for developing young children and

Qualifications

• Meet the minimum qualifications for “Program Director” as defined by the Virginia Department of Education Division of Child Care Health and Safety and/or applicable North Carolina child care licensing regulations based on program location
• Staff shall be of good character and reputation
• Meets a minimum age of 21 years or older
• Capable of carrying out assigned responsibilities; capable of accepting training and supervision; capable of communicating with emergency personnel; and capable of communicating effectively both orally and in writing as applicable to the job responsibility.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of licensed early learning programs
• Provide day-to-day management of early learning program operations and staff
• Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate early learning staff
• Ensure programs meet Virginia DOE licensing requirements and program quality standards
• Implement developmentally appropriate curriculum and learning experiences for children ages 0–5
• Create opportunities for children and families to build meaningful relationships within the YMCA community
• Engage with parents/guardians through ongoing communication and engagement opportunities
• Lead fundraising and participation in annual campaigns
• Maintain CPR/AED/O2/First Aid and MAT certifications and attend required trainings

Skills

Program/Project Management

Developing Self & Others

Functional Expertise

Communication & Influence

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, Human Services, or related field

48 credit hours minimum with 12 in child-related courses

Job description

OUR CULTURE

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

Description

OUR CULTURE: Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

Position Summary

As the Early Learning Director at the YMCA of South Hampton Roads, you will have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of young children and families by leading high-quality early learning programs serving children ages 0–5.

Under the direction of the Executive Director, the Early Learning Director oversees the daily operations of licensed early learning programs, including program quality, staff leadership, family engagement, licensing compliance, and curriculum implementation. This role creates a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive through developmentally appropriate experiences rooted in the YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

Essential Functions

Division of Duties

• 90% supervision and management of assigned licensed early learning programs serving children ages 0–5
• 10% leadership support to Annual Giving and other association and department initiatives

Priorities

• Provides supervision and management of licensed early learning programs serving children ages 0–5.
• Serves as the Program Director for assigned early learning programs.
• Ensures programs operate in accordance with YMCA policies, health and safety standards, and Virginia Department of Education licensing requirements.

Supports high-quality, developmentally appropriate programming that promotes children’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development.

Required

• Program Management and Operations
• Provides day-to-day management of early learning program operations and staff
• Hires, trains, supervises, and evaluates early learning staff
• Ensures assigned programs meet or exceed Virginia Department of Education licensing requirements
• Ensures assigned programs meet or exceed program quality standards
• Supports implementation of developmentally appropriate curriculum and learning experiences for children ages 0–5
• Program Management and Operations
• Creates opportunities for children and families to build meaningful relationships within the YMCA community
• Establishes positive and collaborative relationships with parents/guardians through ongoing communication and engagement opportunities
• Provides strong leadership and support for attaining goals and objectives of the Association Strategic Plan
• Expands current early learning offerings with high-quality programming in accordance with Association operating guidelines
• Team Performance Towards Organizational Goals
• Recruits and trains program volunteers
• Participates in association leadership meetings and trainings
• Works collaboratively and in partnership with association child care and youth development leaders to deliver on assigned responsibilities
• Fundraising
• Participates in a successful annual support campaign. Active leadership required in staff giving and membership involvement
• Professional Development
• Maintains current CPR/AED/O2/First Aid and MAT certifications
• Attends trainings as required, including YMCA New Staff Orientation, bloodborne pathogens, and child abuse prevention training
• Attends mandatory staff meetings
• Follows the Code of Conduct established by the YMCA of South Hampton Roads
• Demonstrates an enthusiastic, positive, and motivating approach with children, families, staff, and peers
• Communicates the YMCA mission and objectives to the community
• Incorporates the YMCA core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility into all aspects of program leadership and operations
• Performs all other duties as assigned

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT COMPETENCIES

• Program/Project Management
• Developing Self & Others
• Functional Expertise
• Communication & Influence

Qualifications

The Early Learning Director will meet the qualifications established by the YMCA of South Hampton Roads and applicable state licensing agencies for licensed early learning programs serving children ages 0–5. Minimum qualifications include:

Meet the minimum qualifications for “Program Director” as defined by the Virginia Department of Education Division of Child Care Health and Safety and/or applicable North Carolina child care licensing regulations based on program location

• Staff shall be of good character and reputation
• Meets a minimum age of 21 years or older
• Capable of carrying out assigned responsibilities; capable of accepting training and supervision; capable of communicating with emergency personnel; and capable of communicating effectively both orally and in writing as applicable to the job responsibility.
• A minimum of 48 credit hours from a college or university, of which 12 credit hours are in child-related courses, plus 1 year of programmatic experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, Human Services, or related field preferred
• Experience leading licensed early learning programs preferred
• Experience supervising and developing staff preferred
• YMCA Team Leader Certification preferred

Work Environment And Physical Demands

• Will be required to walk, stand, kneel, stoop, push, and lift up to 50 pounds
• While performing duties the employee may occasionally work in the outside weather conditions, and is exposed to wet, cold and /or humid conditions
• Continuous operations requiring attention to detail and multi-tasking
• Will be exposed to cleaning supplies
• Must be able to stand or sit for long periods of time
• Must be physically able to successfully complete required certifications
• During peak program seasons, may be expected to work night and weekend hours to meet program needs

Background Checks

An offer of employment is contingent upon receipt of satisfactory results to meet minimum requirements of the position. They may include criminal background and reference checks, E-Verify, drug test, driver’s license record, and/or a Child Protective Services Check (CPS). Additional driver’s license check, CPS, criminal background check, alcohol, and/or drug testing may be required to be processed in the future in order to meet and/or maintain the requirements of this position.

Salary Description

$40,000-$45,000 a year