Child Care Director

Child Care Director

Under the direction of the Senior Child Care Director, the Child Care Services Director provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for all Child Care and Preschool programs. This position is responsible for ensuring safe, high-quality, mission-driven programming while maintaining compliance with Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) licensing regulations, YMCA standards, accreditation requirements, and organizational policies.

The Child Care Services Director oversees program development, staff leadership, family engagement, budgeting, risk management, child abuse prevention, and continuous program improvement. This position serves as a member of the YMCA leadership team and promotes a culture of safety, excellence, collaboration, and accountability while advancing the YMCA's mission of strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Must meet Wisconsin DCF qualifications for a Child Care Center Director under DCF 251.
• Bachelor's degree preferred in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, Human Services, or a related field.
• Minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in licensed childcare or early childhood education.
• Previous supervisory and leadership experience preferred.
• Experience managing department budgets and financial performance.
• Experience with state licensing inspections, accreditation processes, and regulatory compliance.
• Experience recruiting, supervising, training, and developing staff and volunteers.

Certifications

• CPR/AED/First Aid Certification (within 60 days of employment)
• YMCA New Employee Orientation
• Child Abuse Prevention Training
• Bloodborne Pathogens Training
• OSHA and Safety Training
• Wisconsin DCF required continuing education
• Maintain all certifications and professional development required by the YMCA and state licensing.

Knowledge & Skills

• Thorough knowledge of Wisconsin DCF Child Care Licensing Rules.
• Knowledge of child growth and development.
• Strong understanding of risk management and child abuse prevention practices.
• Knowledge of positive behavior guidance and classroom management.
• Budget development and financial management.
• Excellent leadership and staff development skills.
• Strong conflict resolution and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, childcare management software, and other technology platforms.

Leadership Competencies

• Integrity and ethical leadership
• Professional judgment
• Accountability
• Initiative
• Collaboration
• Adaptability
• Excellent customer service
• Effective communication
• Confidentiality
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
• Commitment to the YMCA Core Values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility

Essential Functions

Program Leadership & Administration

• Provide leadership and oversight for all Child Care and Preschool programs.
• Develop, implement, evaluate, and continuously improve programs and services.
• Ensure programs meet YMCA quality standards, licensing requirements, accreditation standards, and community needs.
• Develop annual department goals and action plans.
• Evaluate participation trends and implement strategies to increase enrollment, retention, and program quality.
• Ensure classrooms provide safe, welcoming, developmentally appropriate learning environments.
• Maintain accurate program records and documentation.

Staff Leadership

• Recruit, hire, onboard, supervise, coach, mentor, and evaluate full-time, part-time, seasonal, and substitute staff.
• Develop staff schedules and ensure appropriate staffing levels.
• Conduct regular observations, coaching sessions, and performance evaluations.
• Facilitate staff meetings and ongoing professional development.
• Promote employee engagement, recognition, and retention.
• Ensure all staff complete required certifications and mandatory trainings.

Child Safety & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with all YMCA Child Abuse Prevention Policies.
• Promote a culture of child safety through active supervision and accountability.
• Conduct routine program observations and safety audits.
• Ensure mandatory reporting requirements are followed.
• Investigate incidents and complete required documentation.
• Maintain emergency preparedness procedures and Emergency Action Plans.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, licensing, and YMCA risk management standards.
• Monitor facilities, classrooms, playgrounds, and equipment to ensure safe operating conditions.

Licensing & Compliance

• Maintain compliance with Wisconsin DCF Child Care Licensing Rules.
• Coordinate licensing inspections and accreditation visits.
• Maintain required licensing documentation and staff records.
• Ensure staff-to-child ratios remain compliant.
• Monitor continuing education requirements.
• Implement corrective action plans as needed.

Financial Management

• Develop and administer department budgets.
• Monitor revenues and expenditures.
• Recommend pricing strategies and program improvements.
• Monitor payroll and staffing costs.
• Manage scholarship requests according to YMCA policies.
• Purchase equipment and supplies within approved budgets.

Family & Community Engagement

• Build positive relationships with children, families, staff, and community partners.
• Respond promptly and professionally to parent questions and concerns.
• Collaborate with schools, colleges, licensing agencies, and community organizations.
• Promote YMCA programs through community outreach and relationship building.
• Assist with marketing efforts and member communications.

Organizational Leadership

• Serve as an active member of the YMCA Leadership Team.
• Support YMCA fundraising events and community initiatives.
• Demonstrate and communicate the YMCA mission, vision, values, and strategic priorities.
• Collaborate with other departments to enhance member experience.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Requirements

Physical Requirements

• The employee must be able to:
• Supervise children through sight and sound.
• Move throughout classrooms, playgrounds, and program areas.
• Frequently stand, walk, bend, kneel, squat, climb, and reach.
• Lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds.
• Participate in classroom activities and outdoor programming.
• Respond quickly during emergencies.

Performance Expectations

• Success in this position is demonstrated through:
• Full compliance with Wisconsin DCF licensing requirements.
• Consistent implementation of YMCA Child Abuse Prevention standards.
• Safe, welcoming, and high-quality learning environments.
• Strong staff recruitment, retention, and professional development.
• Achievement of department budget and enrollment goals.
• High family satisfaction and positive member experiences.
• Strong collaboration with YMCA departments and community partners.
• Accurate and timely completion of documentation and reports.
• Continuous improvement of program quality and operational efficiency.
• Leadership that reflects the YMCA mission and core values.