Preschool Director

Preschool Director

Dean & Barbara White Southlake YMCA - Crown Point, IN 46307

Overview

Position Type Full Time

Description

Lead, Inspire, and Help Children Thrive—Every Day. Apply Today for Preschool Director!

About the Role

This is a hands-on, people-centered leadership role responsible for leading and growing a high-quality preschool and camp program, while also supporting camp programming throughout the year. You'll oversee daily operations, develop and coach staff, create exceptional experiences for children and families, and ensure programs are safe, engaging, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate. You'll balance the thoughtful structure of early learning with the energy and flexibility of camp. Every day, you'll interact with children, families, teachers, camp staff, volunteers, and YMCA leadership while balancing staff leadership, program quality, licensing, scheduling, enrollment, operations, and problem-solving.

What You'll Do

• Lead the day-to-day operations of the preschool and related youth programs.
• Provide leadership and oversight for camp programming and seasonal youth experiences.
• Create safe, welcoming, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate environments where children feel a sense of achievement and belonging.
• Develop and implement engaging early learning programs that support children's growth and development.
• Recruit, hire, onboard, train, schedule, coach, and evaluate teachers, camp staff, and program personnel.
• Build a strong team culture through coaching, communication, recognition, and accountability.
• Ensure programs and facilities meet YMCA standards, safety expectations, and applicable state licensing requirements.
• Manage class and camp schedules, staffing, program spaces, equipment, and supplies.
• Monitor enrollment, participation, retention, program quality, and family satisfaction; use data and feedback to identify opportunities for improvement and growth.
• Develop and monitor program budgets while supporting enrollment, marketing, and program growth.
• Build positive relationships with children, families, staff, volunteers, community organizations, and YMCA partners.
• Respond professionally and promptly to family questions, concerns, and feedback.
• Support YMCA fundraising efforts, special events, community outreach, and mission-driven initiatives.
• Maintain accurate staff certifications, program records, statistics, and other required documentation.

What We're Looking For

• A passionate early childhood leader who genuinely enjoys working with young children and families.
• A hands-on leader who enjoys developing, motivating, and supporting a team.
• Someone who understands child development and the importance of purposeful, age-appropriate programming.
• A leader who can balance program quality, licensing, family relationships, staff leadership, and daily operations.
• Someone who can shift comfortably between the structure of preschool and the energy and flexibility of camp.
• A confident, empathetic communicator who can navigate parent and staff concerns professionally.
• A flexible problem-solver who can adapt quickly in a busy environment.
• Someone who is passionate about creating a safe, welcoming environment where every child belongs.

This Role Might Not Be a Fit If…

• You prefer a quiet, predictable or desk-only work environment.
• You don't enjoy working directly with children, families, and staff.
• You're uncomfortable leading a team, addressing concerns, or holding others accountable.
• You don't enjoy balancing hands-on program leadership with administrative responsibilities.
• You're uncomfortable adapting to the different pace and energy of preschool and camp.
• You're unable to work a flexible schedule that may include seasonal programming, evenings, weekends, and special events.

Why You'll Love It Here

• Make a meaningful impact on children and families every day.
• Help children build confidence, independence, social skills, and a lifelong love of learning.
• Create an environment where children feel safe, supported, included, and encouraged to grow.
• Lead and develop a team of teachers and youth-program staff.
• Help children experience both the nurturing environment of early learning and the excitement and exploration of camp.
• Build programs that respond to the needs of children and families in your community.
• Develop meaningful relationships with families and become a trusted part of their children's lives.
• Join a mission-driven organization committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

What You Bring

• CDA credential, Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education, or Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education or Elementary Education with a Kindergarten Endorsement.
• At least three (3) years of related experience.
• Knowledge of early childhood development and developmentally appropriate programming.
• Experience supervising, training, coaching, and developing employees or program staff.
• Knowledge of applicable state childcare licensing regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, conflict-resolution, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills with strong attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 and basic computer skills.
• Ability to respond appropriately to safety and emergency situations.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and communities.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand, walk, or sit for extended periods.
• Commitment to providing a safe, welcoming, inclusive, and high-quality experience for every child and family.

What the Job Is Really Like

You'll spend your day balancing leadership, relationship-building, staff coaching, child development, family communication, program quality, compliance, and operations.

No two days are exactly alike. You may observe a classroom, coach a teacher, welcome a family, respond to a parent question, adjust a staffing plan, review enrollment, troubleshoot a program challenge, or prepare for camp.

You'll be highly visible and serve as a go-to leader for teachers, camp staff, children, and families. You'll spend time both in program spaces and handling administrative responsibilities, so this is not a desk-only leadership role.

Preschool requires consistency, intentionality, patience, and a strong understanding of early childhood development. Camp brings a different level of energy, flexibility, staffing complexity, and outdoor programming. Success requires a leader who can thrive in both environments.

Our Benefits Include

• Health care medical coverage
• Dental and vision insurance
• Employer-paid Long-Term Disability (LTD) and Life Insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
• 12% employer retirement contribution
• Complimentary YMCA family membership
• 50% discount on most YMCA programs
• Ongoing professional development and leadership development opportunities

We encourage our staff to take full advantage of YMCA programs and facilities to support their own health, well-being, and work-life balance.

Our Mission

To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.