Early Learning Center Director - Haven for Hope

The YMCA Early Learning Center Director is responsible for the overall leadership, administration, supervision, and daily operations of the Early Learning Center program. Under the guidance of the Youth Development Executive Director, the Director ensures high-quality childcare programming while maintaining compliance with YMCA standards and all state and local licensing regulations. This position oversees staffing, budgeting, facility operations, parent and community engagement, program growth, and staff development while fostering a safe, nurturing, and organized environment for children, families, and staff.


The Center operates Monday–Friday between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., with occasional evening or weekend meetings and trainings as needed.

This position will receive a minimum of 4 weeks Paid-Time Off, Holiday Pay, Full-Time benefits to include Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement 403(b) pension plan upon eligibility and a Free YMCA Household Membership.

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.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Manages all aspects of the Early Learning Center operations.
2. Recruits, hires, trains, develops, schedules, supervises, and evaluates staff and volunteers as needed. Develops strategies to motivate staff and achieve program goals.
3. Develops, manages, and monitors budgets related to assigned program areas. Ensures program operations remain within budget and prepares required financial or variance reports.
4. Ensures daily opening and closing procedures of the center are completed effectively and safely.
5. Assures compliance with state and local childcare regulations, licensing standards, YMCA policies, and all applicable safety procedures.
6. Provides for the upkeep and cleanliness of assigned facilities and equipment and ensures the physical environment supports healthy living and high-quality childcare.
7. Develops and maintains relationships with childcare licensing agencies, school administration, community partners, parent groups, and organizations related to assigned programs.
8. Responds to parent, agency, and community inquiries and concerns in a timely and professional manner.
9. Maintains accurate inventory records for equipment, supplies, technology devices, and program materials.
10. Oversees implementation of risk management procedures, accident reporting procedures, and emergency response practices.
11. Schedules and conducts staff meetings, trainings, and ongoing staff development opportunities.
12. Promotes the YMCA mission, values, and program s with participants, families, staff, and community members.
13. Organizes special events, parent engagement opportunities, and program activities.
14. Assists with annual fundraising campaigns, committees, and other YMCA initiatives as assigned.
15. Maintains organized records, files, and documentation related to childcare operations and licensing requirements.
16. Monitors program participation, retention goals, and growth opportunities.
17. Maintains strong communication with staff, families, and YMCA leadership to support quality programming and customer service.
18. Attends required YMCA trainings, meetings, and professional development opportunities.
19. Performs all other duties as assigned by YMCA leadership.

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:

• Mission Advancement
• Collaboration
• Operational Effectiveness
• Personal Growth

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Education, Child Development, Family Services, or a related field preferred.
2. Minimum of two years of experience in childcare administration, staff supervision, and program management preferred.
3. Must be at least 21 years of age.
4. Must meet TDFPS standards for Director qualifications.
5. Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.
6. Must understand the basic concepts of a voluntary nonprofit organization and support the YMCA mission and values.
7. Employee must have working knowledge of Mac systems, Gmail, and Microsoft Office Suite.
8. Strong organizational, leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills required.
9. Certifications required within the first week of hire: Redwoods Bloodborne Pathogens, Defensive Driving, and Hazardous Communications.
10. Certifications required within the first 60 days of hire: YMCA approved CPR, First Aid, AED, and Emergency Oxygen certifications.
11. Must be able to respond appropriately to emergency and safety situations.
12. Valid Texas Driver’s License required, with the ability to travel throughout the greater San Antonio area as needed.
13. Within the first 120 days of hire, must complete all required childcare and child abuse prevention trainings.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

1. Work is performed in fast-paced office, childcare, classroom , and outdoor environments.
2. Position may require attendance at meetings, trainings, and events at various off-site locations.
3. Sufficient strength, agility, and mobility are required to perform essential functions and safely supervise children’s activities.
4. Visual acuity is required for reading computer screens, reviewing documents, and supervising program activities.
5. Position requires high levels of alertness, concentration, multitasking, and analytical thinking.
6. Strong organizational and time management skills are required while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
7. Occasional stooping, bending, lifting, and carrying of up to 20 pounds is required.
8. Incumbent must be able to sit and stand for extended periods of time and use office equipment including keyboards, telephones, and other technology.
9. Must be able to respond appropriately in emergency situations.

Equal Opportunity Employer


This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.