Preschool Director - Howard County

Ymca Of Central Maryland, Inc.; Columbia (MD); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible schedule

Competitive pay

Paid time off

Medical insurance

Retirement plan

Job summary

Ymca Of Central Maryland, Inc. in Columbia, MD is seeking a Preschool Director to lead daily operations of a preschool center, ensuring safety, high-quality learning, and strong collaboration with families and staff.

The role oversees enrollment, budgeting, licensing, and staff development, while aligning with OCC regulations and accreditation standards. Requires management experience, ECE credentials, and effective communication in a fast-paced community setting.

Qualifications

• Passion for early childhood education and helping children reach their full potential.
• Strong leadership skills to coach, develop, and support a team of educators.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships with children, families, associates, and community partners.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, solve problems effectively, and make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• Two years of child care management experience and three years of preschool classroom experience.
• 90-Hour Early Childhood Education Certificate or equivalent college coursework.
• Qualifications to serve as Preschool Director under Maryland OCC regulations, including eligibility to hold an ECD Child Care License for 60+ children.
• Proficiency with computers (Word, Excel, email, internet-based systems).
• Ability to lead staff training, support professional development, manage conflict, and maintain a positive team culture.
• Ability to respond appropriately during emergencies and ensure safety of children and staff.
• Commitment to completing Y training within 90 days and annual continuing education requirements.

Responsibilities

• Oversee enrollment, budgeting, licensing compliance, staff development, and program quality.
• Lead daily operations of the preschool center ensuring a safe, welcoming learning environment.
• Provide coaching, training, and classroom observations to staff.
• Build relationships with families and address concerns while engaging parents.
• Develop partnerships with local schools and community organizations to strengthen impact.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Coaching

Problem solving

Time management

Education

Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education

Bachelor’s Degree in related field

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Email

Internet-based systems

Job description

7115 Columbia Gateway Dr, Columbia, MD 21046, USA

Job Description

Posted Monday, July 20, 2026 at 4:00 AM

At the Y in Central Maryland, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth. Enjoy flexible schedules, competitive pay, and generous paid time off, alongside medical, dental and vision benefits, as well as dependent care FSA. We offer a generous employer contribution to the Y retirement fund, and opportunities for career advancement. Our commitment to fostering a positive work environment means you'll have access to training and development programs that align with our mission to empower individuals and strengthen communities. Join us and bring your passion to a fulfilling career where you can truly make a difference!

How this role contributes to the Y’s mission:

As a Y Preschool Director, you will lead the daily operations of a preschool center, creating a safe, welcoming, and high-quality learning environment for children, families, and staff. You will oversee enrollment, budgeting, licensing compliance, staff development, and program quality while ensuring the center meets Y standards, Maryland Office of Child Care (OCC) regulations, and accreditation requirements.

You’ll provide leadership and support to your team through coaching, training, classroom observations, and ongoing professional development. You will build strong relationships with families, address concerns, assess participant needs, and create opportunities for parent engagement. You’ll also develop partnerships with local schools, community organizations, and other industry partners to strengthen the preschool’s impact within the community.

As a Y Preschool Director, you’ll play an important role in preparing children for success in school and life while supporting families and creating a positive, inclusive environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive.

This work is right for you if you have:

• A passion for early childhood education and helping children reach their full potential.
• Strong leadership skills and the ability to coach, develop, and support a team of educators.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships with children, families, associates, and community partners.
• The ability to manage multiple priorities, solve problems effectively, and make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• An Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or a Bachelor’s Degree in a related field.
• At least two years of child care management experience and three years of preschool classroom experience.
• A 90-Hour Early Childhood Education Certificate or equivalent college coursework.
• The qualifications required to serve as a Preschool Director under Maryland OCC regulations, including eligibility to hold an ECD Child Care License for a center serving 60 or more children.
• Proficiency with computers, including Microsoft Word, Excel, email, and internet-based systems.
• The ability to lead staff training, support professional development, manage conflict, and maintain a positive team culture.
• The ability to respond appropriately during emergencies and ensure the safety and well-being of all children and staff.
• A commitment to completing required Y training within the first 90 days and maintaining annual continuing education requirements.

All Y associates agree to abide by The Code of Conduct with Youth that sets clear expectations for associates and volunteers to ensure a safe and respectful environment for young people. It emphasizes treating youth with respect and fairness, avoiding inappropriate physical or verbal interactions, and adhering to established standards of affection. The policy strictly prohibits any form of abuse, bullying, or harassment and mandates the reporting of suspected mistreatment. Additionally, associates and volunteers must complete training on child abuse prevention and comply with legal reporting requirements to safeguard youth.