Sr Early Child. Site Dir

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

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health, dental, and视视眼保险

PTO and paid holidays

403(b) plan with company contributions

Wellness programs

Flexible work hours

Job summary

The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago seeks an Early Childhood Site Director to oversee developmentally appropriate early learning programs, ensuring compliance with licensing and funding regulations. The role includes overseeing ExceleRate Illinois, accrediting bodies, and serving as Director on Record for childcare programs on site.

Qualifications include a Bachelor's degree in a related field and 3–5 years in early learning with supervisory experience; bilingual capabilities are preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, Recreation or a related field with additional coursework in early childhood education or administration.

Responsibilities

• Oversee program management and ensure compliance with licensing and accreditation standards.
• Monitor and support licensing visits (IDHS, ExceleRate Illinois, NAEYC).
• Recruit, supervise and develop staff to maintain quality programming.
• Administer program budgets, payroll, and inventory; support grant reporting.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Leadership

Bilingual English/Spanish

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Early Childhood Education or related field

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 certificationsApplication Requirements:To be considered for a position in our early learning program, applicants must submit the following with their application: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.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:Implements programming in accordance with the YMCA mission and the Illinois Department of Human Services requirements by performing the following duties:Program ManagementMonitors 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 visitsMaintains compliance with local, state, and federal funding agenciesPlans and conducts parent and staff meetings to adhere to YMCA and contract requirementsConducts tours of the facility for potential families; manages enrollment and waiting listsSupports implementation of the Creative Curriculum System as the essential curriculum. Designs meetings and professional development experiences as needed to support this processSupports the Learning and Evaluation team to train, manage and evaluate staff in accordance with NAEYC, IDHS, ExceleRate Illinois and YMCA policiesAssists in grant applications and grant reporting as neededAssists in the development of plans for ongoing growth and improved quality of services to children and familiesMonitors and makes staffing adjustments, as necessary, to ensure that ratios are in compliance for the age groups servedEnsures 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 programWill 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 childrenMonitors 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 programIs responsible for recruiting and enrolling children in programs per contract requirementsMaintains staff files in compliance with the IDCFS licensing standardsMaintains children's files in compliance with the IDCFS licensing standards, and maintaining IDCFS rules and regulations in all areas of the child care centerMaintains and communicates YMCA policies and procedures with the staff, children, and familiesHonors and respects families by implementing culturally responsive practicesCompletes daily, weekly and monthly program reports in a timely mannerConfers with parents regarding facility activities, policies, and enrollment procedures by maintaining either written or verbal communication with parents as neededWears YMCA uniform and arrives at the program on time and ready to work.SupervisoryAssists 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 familiesConducts monthly classroom observations (at a minimum) and reviews 20% of center files for each program componentConducts annual evaluations with employees and encourages annual goal development and growth of all staffEnsures 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 relationshipsinstills motivation, promotes collaboration and supports the well-being of othershas clear/consistent classroom routines, transitions, and lesson activitiesimplements developmentally appropriate instructional strategiessupports a learning environment around inquiry and play-based experiencesutilizes effective, age-appropriate classroom management practices that promote responsibilityembeds the experiential learning approach within all learning experiencesConfers with teaching staff regarding children's learning and development Encourages and supports teaching staff to utilize children’s evaluation data when planning learning experiencesEncourages the input of the family into the goals of children using portfolios and assessment materialsAssists 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.Financial ManagementProvides 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/DemonstrationBuilds 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 managementMinimum of 3 - 5 years in an early learning setting with 3 - 5 years direct supervisory experienceExperience required in the operation of a child development center, daycare center, nursery school, or kindergartenBilingual in English and Spanish preferredPreferred 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 hireExperience leading, motivating, and supporting a diverse, high-performing team including identifying, selecting, onboarding, developing, and evaluating team members and facilitating changeDemonstrated 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 othersAbility to organize and prioritize multiple, competing for priorities to maximize personal and team effectivenessContinuous learner who leverages opportunities for learning and applies new knowledge and skillsProficient 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 constituentsCommitment to, and a passion for, the YMCA of Metro Chicago’s missionIntermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) and email; ability to learn and adapt to new technologyDemonstrates evidence of YMCA Team Leader competencies in previous experience or practiceMeets physical qualifications required as outlined in the job description. The YMCA will provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilitiesChild Abuse Prevention - Supports the YMCA’s commitment to child abuse prevention by:Reporting any items that may provide a health or safety hazard to staff, members, or guests to your supervisorFollowing all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe in our facilities and programs, including those related to the monitoring and supervision of childrenReporting any suspicious behavior and violation of policy and procedures to your supervisorCompleting all child abuse prevention training as required