Childcare Director

Join our team at the new Grand Rapids Central Station Early Childhood Center,  located within The Rapid Central Station, creating an environment to meet families where they live.  The center prioritizes delivering accessible, affordable early care and education to children and wraparound services to whole families and the broader community at an intersection of transportation and childcare needs.   

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Child Care Director II is responsible for overseeing the daily operations and administration of one or more child development centers or programs with 6 or more classrooms or a complex funding program. This role includes managing a staff team of up to 30 teachers and site administrators, developing educational programs, ensuring compliance with state and local regulations, and maintaining a safe and nurturing environment for all children. This role also mentors and coaches assistant directors and directors of smaller centers. The Child Care Director II will also handle budget compliance and monitoring, program enrollment, and communication with parents and guardians. The ideal candidate is a dedicated leader with a passion for early childhood education, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to create a positive and supportive atmosphere for both staff and children. 

This position requires face-to-face leadership in these programs and may involve early morning, evening, and weekend responsibilities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Manages the day-to-day operation of the child development center to ensure a safe, nurturing, and educational environment for children 
• Maintains and improves quality standards for educational and care practices. 
• Manages recruiting, orientating, and enrolling of children/families, in collaboration with outreach and enrollment specialist
• Advises and supports parents/guardians of necessary child/family referrals
• Confers with parents/guardians regarding child/ren progress, facility activities, policies, and enrollment procedures
• Advises teaching staff regarding child's behavioral or learning problems, and recommends methods of modifying inappropriate behavior and encouraging learning experiences
• Reviews and evaluates facility activities to ensure conformance to state and local regulations and licensing requirements. Maintains a positive relationship with assigned licensing consultants
• Conduct regular inspections and assessments to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations Builds and maintains community partner relationships in the facility and in the community
• Interviews, hires, onboards, and trains teaching staff, in collaboration with Senior Director, Early Learning Workforce Development 
• Plans, assigns, and directs work; create staff schedules and manage staffing needs; addresses complaints and resolves problems 
• Confers with teaching staff regarding child's behavioral or learning problems, and recommends methods of modifying inappropriate behavior and encouraging learning experiences
• Sets goals and objectives for staff members; conducts performance evaluations and provides feedback to improve teaching practices. Monitors monthly budget and year-end forecast for responsible program areas
• Assists with Annual Campaign
• Liaise with contracted custodial team and maintain all areas in a clean, presentable fashion
• Serves in ratio as needed to cover PTO, vacancies, or leaves of absence.  
• Prepare and draft reports for funders as requested
• Participate in management meetings, strategic planning, and effectively cascade communication to team members
• Holds and maintains licensure for program center
• Ensures grant compliance, as required 

Perform additional duties as assigned to ensure the success of the YMCA and its mission-driven work.

COMPENSATION

$60,000 - $70,000 ; Full-Time, Annually

BENEFITS

• Free YMCA Family Membership – Enjoy full access to facilities & program discounts for you and your family!
• 50% Childcare Discount – Discount is off the regular rate for each child enrolled in a YMCA childcare program, excluding the infant room.
• Comprehensive Medical Coverage – Up to 93% employer paid plan options through Blue Care Network.
• Dental and Vision Insurance – low-cost coverage options.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) – Receive up to $1,040 in employer contributions each year to help cover qualified medical expenses.
• Generous Paid Time Off – Beginning with 4 weeks of PTO per year, plus 9 paid holidays.
• Paid Parental Leave - Dedicated time off to support you during the arrival or adoption of a child.
• Retirement Savings – 12% employer retirement contribution, no match requirement (upon eligibility) and a 403(b) savings plan.
• Paid DisabilityLeave – short & long term disability coverage.
• Life Insurance – employer paid life insurance, plus voluntary coverage for the entire family.
• Optional Insurance – Customize your coverage with options like accident, hospital, pet, and legal insurance, plus more to fit your lifestyle and needs.
• Pay on Demand – Access your earned wages before payday.
• Professional Growth – Access to ongoing training, development programs, and career advancement opportunities
• Loan Forgiveness - Eligible employees can also take advantage of Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Free, confidential resources and counseling for you and your family.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education: Bachelor's degree (BA) from four-year college or university in Early Childhood Education or Child Development; 2 semester hours in child care administration. Must meet minimum licensing requirements
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years’ experience with licensed child care management and development; or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Past supervision experience preferred. 
• Proven Expertise: Strong knowledge of state regulations and licensing requirements for childcare centers. Must have working knowledge of sound fiscal principals. Excellent leadership, organizational, and communication skills. Working knowledge of computers and experience with a variety of software applications. 
• Mission-Driven Leadership: Ability to interact with people of all ethnic backgrounds, ages and lifestyles. Ability and desire to work with children infant to 6 years of age.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATION

• Complete required trainings as specified in Michigan State Licensing for Childcare Centers
• Blood Borne Pathogen training
• CPR Certification required within the first 60 days
• First Aid Certification required within the first 60 days
• State of Michigan criminal background clearance (ICHAT)
• Fingerprinting

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

TRAVEL:

5 - 10% of local travel within the state of Michigan; occasional out-of-state travel may be required for educational conferences or training.

PM21

Compensation details: 60000-70000 Yearly Salary

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