Preschool Director - Adrian L. Shuford Jr. YMCA

Preschool Director

The Preschool Director provides leadership and day-to-day management for full day licensed child care in alignment with the YMCA's mission, values, policies, and operational standards. This position is responsible for the overall administration of the licensed preschool program serving children ages 8 weeks to 5 years, including staff supervision, licensing compliance, program quality, enrollment, family experience, and site-level budget stewardship.

Under the direction of the Senior Director of Early Childhood Programs, the Preschool Director ensures the successful implementation of YMCA early childhood standards and expectations at the center level. This includes maintaining a safe, nurturing, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate environment for children; supporting and developing staff; building strong family relationships; and ensuring the program operates in accordance with North Carolina child care licensing requirements and YMCA policies.

• Provide daily leadership and oversight of the licensed preschool program.
• Ensure full compliance with NC DCDEE licensing standards, sanitation and health regulations, and YMCA policies and procedures.
• Hire, onboard, supervise, coach, and evaluate preschool staff; support staff development and maintain clear performance expectations.
• Monitor staff-to-child ratios, classroom coverage, and daily schedules to ensure compliance, safety, and effective program operations.
• Oversee curriculum implementation, classroom environments, and program planning to ensure developmentally appropriate practice and high-quality experiences for children.
• Maintain accurate records related to enrollment, attendance, staff files, child files, incidents, assessments, and other required documentation.
• Support site-level implementation of CACFP requirements, sanitation procedures, and other operational standards; ensure documentation is complete and accurate.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with families through responsive communication, positive customer service, and timely resolution of concerns.
• Monitor enrollment, withdrawals, and waitlists; support enrollment growth and retention efforts in alignment with YMCA goals and procedures.
• Provide stewardship of the assigned program budget by monitoring revenue and expenses, identifying variances, and working with the Senior Director of Early Childhood Programs and finance staff to support sound fiscal management.
• Maintain readiness for licensing visits, audits, monitoring, and internal quality reviews; implement corrective actions and improvement plans as needed.
• Collaborate with the Senior Director of Early Childhood Programs and association support staff, including compliance, finance, HR, and branch leadership, to ensure strong site operations and alignment with YMCA expectations.
• Support center-level planning and implementation for Pre-K and Kindergarten summer programming, as applicable.
• Represent the YMCA in a professional manner at community events, meetings, and partnership opportunities that support program visibility and success.
• Support annual campaign efforts within the center by promoting staff engagement, sharing the YMCA story, and helping achieve assigned goals.
• Ensure all staff and volunteers understand and comply with YMCA abuse prevention policies, actively monitor staff interactions with children, address boundary concerns, and ensure prompt reporting in accordance with YMCA policy and state law.
• Requires the use of a personal vehicle to travel as needed for meetings, trainings, and support across the YMCA of Catawba Valley Association. Program assignments and support needs are subject to change based on organizational priorities.
• Act as Manager on Duty (MOD) as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

The Preschool Director will be responsible for observing the following rules:

• No alcohol or drugs will be used on the job at any time.
• Report all job accidents the same day the accident happens.
• Obtain authorization from your supervisor for all non-emergency treatments for accidents.
• Wear seat belts at all times in company vehicles.
• Keep the area where you work clean and neat at all…