Child Care Assistant Director

Child Care Assistant Director

The Stevens Point Area YMCA is seeking a passionate, organized, and relationship-driven leader to join our Child Care team as a Child Care Assistant Director. This position plays a key role in supporting high-quality early childhood and school-age programs while helping children, families, and staff thrive in a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment.

This leadership position combines program operations, staff support, family engagement, and behavioral support services to help ensure every child receives the care and support they need to succeed.

At the YMCA, we're more than a workplace — we're a mission-driven organization focused on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

Benefits Include:

• Free YMCA family membership
• Full benefit package including: Medical insurance, Dental insurance, Life insurance
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Paid holidays
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Supportive and team-oriented work environment

Under the direction of the Licensed Child Care Senior Director, the Child Care Assistant Director assists in the daily leadership and operations of YMCA child care programs, including licensed child care, preschool, 4K, school-age care, mini classes, and Vacation at the Y programming.

This role provides leadership and support to staff, ensures compliance with Wisconsin DCF licensing regulations, assists with staff scheduling and training, supports children with behavioral or developmental needs, and builds strong relationships with families and community partners.

The ideal candidate is compassionate, highly organized, flexible, and passionate about creating positive experiences for children, families, and staff.

Essential Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Operations

• Assist with oversight of all child care and school-age programs
• Help recruit, hire, onboard, train, and support child care staff
• Assist with staff scheduling and payroll approval
• Ensure programs maintain high standards for safety, quality, and licensing compliance
• Maintain required staff, child, volunteer, and emergency records
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, special events, and YMCA leadership responsibilities
• Assist in classrooms or program sites as needed
• Help oversee kitchen operations and food program compliance

Family & Behavioral Support

• Build positive, supportive relationships with children and families
• Support children with behavioral, emotional, or developmental needs
• Assist with development and implementation of Behavioral Intervention Plans (BIPs)
• Collaborate with families, classroom staff, and community partners to support child success
• Serve as a resource and advocate for families by connecting them with community services when appropriate
• Promote inclusive practices and positive behavior strategies throughout programs

Member Service & Community Engagement

• Provide exceptional customer service to children, families, staff, and community members
• Conduct tours and assist with enrollment support
• Help promote YMCA programs and community partnerships
• Foster a welcoming, caring, and inclusive environment for all

Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years of age
• Must meet Wisconsin DCF 251 requirements for a Child Care Director for 50 children or fewer
• Associate's Degree required; Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field preferred
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in a licensed early childhood or school-age program
• Experience supporting children with behavioral or developmental needs preferred
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills
• Ability to work effectively with children, families, and staff from diverse backgrounds
• CPR/First Aid certification required within 60 days of hire
• Must successfully pass required fingerprint background check and provide a physician-signed health examination

Physical Requirements

This position requires the ability to actively engage with children and staff throughout program spaces, observe by sight and sound, and safely lift and carry children, equipment, and supplies up to 50 pounds.

If you are passionate about helping children grow, supporting families, and making a positive impact in the community, we'd love to hear from you.