Preschool Director

YMCA; Crown Point (IN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

YMCA seeks a hands-on, people-centered leader to grow a high-quality preschool and camp program. You will oversee daily operations, coach staff, and create exceptional experiences for children and families while ensuring safety, inclusivity, and developmentally appropriate practices.

You will balance structured early learning with the energy of camp, engaging with children, families, teachers, volunteers, and YMCA leadership to manage licensing, scheduling, enrollment, and problem-solving.

Qualifications

• CDA credential or higher in early childhood education as required.
• 3+ years of related experience in early childhood or camp programs.
• Strong knowledge of early childhood development and developmentally appropriate programming.
• Experience supervising, training, coaching, and developing staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead and grow a high-quality preschool and camp program.
• Oversee daily operations and safety/licensing compliance.
• Coach and develop staff and volunteers; interact with families and YMCA leadership.
• Balance structured early learning with the energy and flexibility of camp.

Skills

Leadership

Staff coaching

Child development knowledge

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Safety awareness

Licensing knowledge

Education

CDA credential

Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education

Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education or Elementary Education (Kindergarten Endorsement)

Tools

Microsoft Office 365

Job description

About the Role

This is a hands-on, people-centered leadership role responsible for leading and growing a high-quality preschool and camp program, while also supporting camp programming throughout the year. You'll oversee daily operations, develop and coach staff, create exceptional experiences for children and families, and ensure programs are safe, engaging, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate. You'll balance the thoughtful structure of early learning with the energy and flexibility of camp. Every day, you'll interact with children, families, teachers, camp staff, volunteers, and YMCA leadership while balancing staff leadership, program quality, licensing, scheduling, enrollment, operations, and problem-solving.

• CDA credential, Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education, or Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education or Elementary Education with a Kindergarten Endorsement.
• At least three (3) years of related experience.
• Knowledge of early childhood development and developmentally appropriate programming.
• Experience supervising, training, coaching, and developing employees or program staff.
• Knowledge of applicable state childcare licensing regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, conflict-resolution, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills with strong attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 and basic computer skills.
• Ability to respond appropriately to safety and emergency situations.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and communities.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand, walk, or sit for extended periods.
• Commitment to providing a safe, welcoming, inclusive, and high-quality experience for every child and family.