Preschool Director

Job Details

Job Location:

Dean & Barbara White Southlake YMCA
- Crown Point, IN 46307

Position Type:
Full Time Lead, Inspire, and Help Children Thrive
- Every Day.

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.

• Lead the day-to-day operations of the preschool and related youth programs.
• Provide leadership and oversight for camp programming and seasonal youth experiences.
• Create safe, welcoming, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate environments where children feel a sense of achievement and belonging.
• Develop and implement engaging early learning programs that support children's growth and development.
• Recruit, hire, onboard, train, schedule, coach, and evaluate teachers, camp staff, and program personnel.
• Build a strong team culture through coaching, communication, recognition, and accountability.
• Ensure programs and facilities meet YMCA standards, safety expectations, and applicable state licensing requirements.
• Manage class and camp schedules, staffing, program spaces, equipment, and supplies.
• Monitor enrollment, participation, retention, program quality, and family satisfaction; use data and feedback to identify opportunities for improvement and growth.
• Develop and monitor program budgets while supporting enrollment, marketing, and program growth.
• Build positive relationships with children, families, staff, volunteers, community organizations, and YMCA partners.
• Respond professionally and promptly to family questions, concerns, and feedback.
• Support YMCA fundraising efforts, special events, community outreach, and mission-driven initiatives.
• Maintain accurate staff certifications, program records, statistics, and other required documentation.

• A passionate early childhood leader who genuinely enjoys working with young children and families.
• A hands-on leader who enjoys developing, motivating, and supporting a team.
• Someone who understands child development and the importance of purposeful, age-appropriate programming.
• A leader who can balance program quality, licensing, family relationships, staff leadership, and daily operations.
• Someone who can shift comfortably between the structure of preschool and the energy and flexibility of camp.
• A confident, empathetic communicator who can navigate parent and staff concerns professionally.
• A flexible problem-solver who can adapt quickly in a busy environment.
• Someone who is passionate about creating a safe, welcoming environment where every child belongs.

• You prefer a quiet, predictable or desk-only work environment.
• You don't enjoy working directly with children, families, and staff.
• You're uncomfortable leading a team, addressing concerns, or holding others accountable.
• You don't enjoy balancing hands-on program leadership with administrative responsibilities.
• You're uncomfortable adapting to the different pace and energy of preschool and camp.
• You're unable to work a flexible schedule that may include seasonal programming, evenings, weekends, and special events.

• Make a meaningful impact on children and families every day.
• Help children build confidence, independence, social skills, and a lifelong love of learning.
• Create an environment where children feel safe, supported, included, and encouraged to grow.
• Lead and develop a team of teachers and youth-program staff.
• Help children experience both the nurturing environment of early learning and the excitement and exploration of camp.
• Build programs that respond to the needs of children and families in your community.
• Develop meaningful relationships with families and become a trusted part of their children's lives.
• Join a mission-driven organization committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

• CDA credential, Associate's…