Early Learning Director

OUR CULTURE:

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world.

We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

As the Early Learning Director at the YMCA of South Hampton Roads, you will have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of young children and families by leading high-quality early learning programs serving children ages 1–5.

Under the direction of the Executive Director, the Early Learning Director oversees the daily operations of licensed early learning programs, including program quality, staff leadership, family engagement, licensing compliance, and curriculum implementation. This role creates a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive through developmentally appropriate experiences rooted in the YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

• 90% supervision and management of assigned licensed early learning programs serving children ages 1–5
• 10% leadership support to Annual Giving and other association and department initiatives

Supports high-quality, developmentally appropriate programming that promotes children’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development.

The Early Learning Director must understand and be willing to learn the necessary skills required for the successful completion of duties, including:

• Provides day-to-day management of early learning program operations and staff
• Hires, trains, supervises, and evaluates early learning staff
• Ensures assigned programs meet or exceed Virginia Department of Education licensing requirements
• Ensures assigned programs meet or exceed program quality standards
• Supports implementation of developmentally appropriate curriculum and learning experiences for children ages 1–5

• Creates opportunities for children and families to build meaningful relationships within the YMCA community
• Establishes positive and collaborative relationships with parents/guardians through ongoing communication and engagement opportunities
• Provides strong leadership and support for attaining goals and objectives of the Association Strategic Plan
• Expands current early learning offerings with high-quality programming in accordance with Association operating guidelines

• Recruits and trains program volunteers
• Participates in association leadership meetings and trainings
• Works collaboratively and in partnership with association child care and youth development leaders to deliver on assigned responsibilities

• Participates in a successful annual support campaign. Active leadership required in staff giving and membership involvement

• Maintains current CPR/AED/O2/First Aid and MAT certifications
• Attends trainings as required, including YMCA New Staff Orientation, blood borne pathogens, and child abuse prevention training
• Attends mandatory staff meetings
• Follows the Code of Conduct established by the YMCA of South Hampton Roads
• Demonstrates an enthusiastic, positive, and motivating approach with children, families, staff, and peers
• Communicates the YMCA mission and objectives to the community
• Incorporates the YMCA core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility…