Sr Early Child. Site Dir

YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 68,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Wellness programs and family gym

Generous PTO and paid holidays

403(b) plan with company contributions

Continuing education opportunities

Diversity, equity, and inclusion focus

Discounts on programs and events

Job summary

YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago seeks an Early Childhood Site Director to oversee developmentally appropriate programs, ensure licensing compliance, and drive ExceleRate Illinois accreditation efforts. You will act as DCFS Director on Record for on-site childcare and coordinate planning with education teams.

Responsibilities include staff supervision, enrollments, curriculum implementation, grants support, and strong community partnerships while maintaining high-quality, safe environments for

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 24 hours in ECE or child development and 9 hours in administration/leadership.
• 3–5 years in an early learning setting with 3–5 years of supervisory experience.
• Experience operating a child development center or similar program.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred; Illinois Director Credential preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee program practices, licensing compliance, and accreditation readiness.
• Plan meetings, manage enrollment, and ensure high-quality, safe environments.
• Lead staff recruitment, supervision, evaluations, and professional development.
• Manage program budgets, payroll, and inventory; support grants and reporting.
• Build partnerships with families and community stakeholders.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Bilingual English/Spanish

Team leadership

Supervisory experience

Program management

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field

Illinois Director Credential preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Email

Job description

The Early Childhood Site Director is responsible for the overall administration of developmentally appropriate early learning programs including compliance with all applicable licensing and funding regulations (Federal, State, City, and State Pre-K); and contributes and adheres to the development of agency and Early Education & Care plans and goals, as well as establishing relationships with community health and welfare services.

This Site Director is responsible for the overall administration of developmentally appropriate early learning programs including compliance with all applicable licensing and funding regulations (Federal, State, City and State Pre-K); and contributes and adheres to the development of agency and Early Education & Care plans and goals, as well as establishing relationships with community health and welfare services. The Site Director provides oversight and support of ExceleRate Illinois, National Accreditation and acting as DCFS Director on Record for all childcare programs on site.

Salary $75,000 per year depending on qualifications and certifications

Application Requirements

• Official transcripts from accredited institutions verifying educational qualifications relevant to early childhood education.
• Valid credentials or certifications, such as Early Childhood Education (ECE) certification, Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, or state-specific teaching licenses.

Benefits

Our staff is the Y's greatest asset. Our teams provide valuable skills, knowledge, and passion that is essential to the contribution and positive impact in our communities, which is why we offer Y employees numerous perks and benefits, including:

• Competitive salaries reflecting your skills and experience.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance for eligible employees, plus wellness programs, mental health resources, and a family gym membership.
• Generous PTO and paid holidays, with flexible work hours for work-life balance.
• 403(b) plan with company contributions for eligible employees after 2 years of service.
• Continuous learning opportunities through workshops and training programs.
• Supportive work environment valuing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Discounts on programs, employee assistance programs, and company-sponsored events.

Scope Of Responsibilities

Program Management

• Monitors and supports the implementation of program practices in accordance with city and state licensing requirements, NAEYC accreditation and ExceleRate Illinois. Supports staff in preparing for these visits
• Maintains compliance with local, state, and federal funding agencies
• Plans and conducts parent and staff meetings to adhere to YMCA and contract requirements
• Conducts tours of the facility for potential families; manages enrollment and waiting lists
• Supports implementation of the Creative Curriculum System as the essential curriculum. Designs meetings and professional development experiences as needed to support this process
• Supports the Learning and Evaluation team to train, manage and evaluate staff in accordance with NAEYC, IDHS, ExceleRate Illinois and YMCA policies
• Assists in grant applications and grant reporting as needed
• Assists in the development of plans for ongoing growth and improved quality of services to children and families
• Monitors and makes staffing adjustments, as necessary, to ensure that ratios are in compliance for the age groups served
• Ensures that all programs are distributing newsletters, holding conferences, and organizing family events. Promotes the staff in keeping portfolios on each child and developing documentation panels in the program
• Will respect the confidentiality of each child participating in the program.
• Ensures high-quality programming by providing a safe, interactive and engaging environment that assures the well-being of children
• Monitors safety and cleanliness of program facility/areas and outdoor play areas.
• Displays the highest ethical and professional behavior and standards (including the NAEYC Code of Ethics) when working with students, parents, personnel, and other agencies associated with the program
• Is responsible for recruiting and enrolling children in programs per contract requirements
• Maintains staff files in compliance with the IDCFS licensing standards
• Maintains children's files in compliance with the IDCFS licensing standards, and maintaining IDCFS rules and regulations in all areas of the child care center
• Maintains and communicates YMCA policies and procedures with the staff, children, and families
• Honors and respects families by implementing culturally responsive practices
• Completes daily, weekly and monthly program reports in a timely manner
• Confers with parents regarding facility activities, policies, and enrollment procedures by maintaining either written or verbal communication with parents as needed
• Wears YMCA uniform and arrives at the program on time and ready to work.

Supervisory

• Assists in recruitment recommend for hire supervises, and coaches staff of varied levels of education and experience to ensure program quality and positive outcomes for children and families
• Conducts monthly classroom observations (at a minimum) and reviews 20% of center files for each program component
• Conducts annual evaluations with employees and encourages annual goal development and growth of all staff
• Ensures that staff is establishing a safe, nurturing, supportive, and positive classroom climate that includes the following elements:
  • incorporates a strengths-based approach to developing positive relationships
  • instills motivation, promotes collaboration and supports the well-being of others
  • has clear/consistent classroom routines, transitions, and lesson activities
  • implements developmentally appropriate instructional strategies
  • supports a learning environment around inquiry and play-based experiences
  • utilizes effective, age-appropriate classroom management practices that promote responsibility
  • embeds the experiential learning approach within all learning experiences
  • Confers with teaching staff regarding children's learning and development Encourages and supports teaching staff to utilize children’s evaluation data when planning learning experiences
  • Encourages the input of the family into the goals of children using portfolios and assessment materials
  • Assists the onboarding team with new hire orientation of all staff, including training of Creative Curriculum, NAEYC, ExceleRate Illinois, Ethics, Mandated Reporting, Emergency Preparedness, First Aid/ CPR, etc.
• Other duties as assigned.

Financial Management

• Provides input, as requested to program budget. Assists in management of program revenue and expenditures; prepares billing and reconciliations.
• Facilitates payroll management and scheduling for the childcare programs.
• Manages inventory of program, office and other operational supplies. Requests purchases and collaborates with staff for instructional materials and teaching aids such as books, toys and materials designed to stimulate learning.
• Assists in grant applications and grant reporting as needed.

Administrative/Demonstration

• Builds and manages effective relationships with internal and external partners – attends meetings, functions, and required events. Also provides tours to stakeholders and other guests as requested.
• Participates in professional learning communities with staff to improve program practice.
• Plays an active role in promoting all YMCA offerings, programs and services.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, Recreation or a related field with a minimum of 24 semester hours related to early childhood education or child development and 9 semester hours in administration, leadership, or management
• Minimum of 3 - 5 years in an early learning setting with 3 - 5 years direct supervisory experience
• Experience required in the operation of a child development center, daycare center, nursery school, or kindergarten
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred
• Preferred candidates will have an Illinois Director Credential (unless holds another NAEYC recognized Director Credential), CLASS Certification, and/or Illinois ECE or Infant Toddler Level V or higher credential, or will be willing to pursue these within two years of hire
• Experience leading, motivating, and supporting a diverse, high-performing team including identifying, selecting, onboarding, developing, and evaluating team members and facilitating change
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively build and maintain relationships with families, staff, and other stakeholders and constituents and act as a role model to others
• Ability to organize and prioritize multiple, competing for priorities to maximize personal and team effectiveness
• Continuous learner who leverages opportunities for learning and applies new knowledge and skills
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to clearly and concisely present ideas and concepts and tailor communication to multiple, non-technical audiences including team, families, and other constituents
• Commitment to, and a passion for, the YMCA of Metro Chicago’s mission
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) and email; ability to learn and adapt to new technology
• Demonstrates evidence of YMCA Team Leader competencies in previous experience or practice
• Meets physical qualifications required as outlined in the job description. The YMCA will provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities

Child Abuse Prevention

• Reporting any items that may provide a health or safety hazard to staff, members, and guests to your supervisor
• Following all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe in our facilities and programs, including those related to the monitoring and supervision of children
• Reporting any suspicious behavior and violation of policy and procedures to your supervisor
• Completing all child abuse prevention training as required