Early Childhood Program Administrator

Description

Location: Bay City, Michigan (In Person)
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Compensation: $53,000 annually, with higher starting compensation available based on education, credentials, and relevant experience.

Are you a passionate early childhood leader who believes every child deserves a safe, nurturing, and inspiring place to learn and grow?

The Dow Bay Area Family YMCA is seeking an experienced Early Childhood Program Administrator to provide strategic leadership for our licensed childcare and preschool programs. This is an exciting opportunity to lead dedicated staff, build meaningful relationships with families, ensure licensing excellence, and shape high-quality early learning experiences that make a lasting impact on children in our community.

As a member of the YMCA's Senior Leadership Team, you'll play an important role in advancing our mission of strengthening our community through Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility.

Our licensed early childhood programs serve children from infancy through age five across two locations in Bay City.

• Dow Bay Area Family Y Child Development Center – Recognized as a "Demonstrating Quality" program by Great Start to Quality that is licensed for 105 children featuring seven classrooms, including a Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) Preschool classroom.
• Dow Bay Area Family YMCA Childcare at First Presbyterian Church – Rated as an "Enhancing Quality-Validated" program by Great Start to Quality that is licensed for 40 children with three classrooms located inside First Presbyterian Church.

Both locations utilize The Creative Curriculum to provide developmentally appropriate, engaging learning experiences that foster curiosity, confidence, and school readiness. Our Early Childhood programs are licensed to serve 145 children and are supported by a dedicated team of 12 full-time and 35 part-time employees. The Early Childhood Program Administrator also serves as the Licensee for our YMCA School Age Programs including Before & After School Care and Summer Day Camps.

In addition to meaningful work, we offer a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Life and Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• YMCA Retirement Fund
• Paid Time Off and Paid Sick Leave
• Paid Holidays
• FREE YMCA Household Membership

• Full-time, exempt position
• Generally Monday-Friday, eight-hour shifts between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
• Flexibility to work at least one evening each week until 6:00 p.m.
• Regular presence at both YMCA childcare locations:
  • 225 Washington Avenue
  • 805 Center Avenue (First Presbyterian Church)

As the Early Childhood Program Administrator, you will:

• Provide strategic leadership for the YMCA's licensed childcare and preschool programs.
• Foster a positive, engaging, and child-centered learning environment.
• Champion high-quality early learning through implementation of the Creative Curriculum, including STEAM-based learning experiences.
• Ensure program excellence while identifying opportunities for growth, innovation, and continuous quality improvement.

• Recruit, hire, coach, supervise, and develop a high-performing team of early childhood professionals.
• Create a positive workplace culture built on collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide ongoing coaching and professional development.

• Maintain compliance with all Michigan childcare licensing regulations, Great Start to Quality standards, GSRP requirements, and YMCA policies.
• Oversee required documentation, staff training, safety practices, and quality assurance.
• Serve as the organization's subject matter expert regarding mandated reporting requirements and child safety.

• Develop trusted relationships with families, staff, licensing consultants, Great Start to Quality, GSRP partners, community organizations, and local schools.
• Respond promptly and…