YMCA
Make your mark! Our redeveloped facility is now ready to launch brand-new licensed childcare programs in our beautiful new space.
Job Description
The Childcare Director leads the strategic, operational, and developmental oversight of the YMCA’s licensed childcare and afterschool programs, ensuring alignment with the Y’s mission to strengthen community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
Qualifications
Education & Licensing
Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development, or a bachelor's degree in another related field, plus an equivalent combination of education and experience meeting state licensing requirements Meets Michigan licensing standards for Child Care Director Minimum age 21; able to pass background checks and receive child safety clearance Experience & Leadership
2+ years in licensed childcare management, including supervisory experience Proven success in staff supervision: hiring, coaching, performance evaluation Demonstrated ability to lead diverse teams and foster inclusive environments Operational Expertise
Strong knowledge of early education operations: curriculum, staffing, quality assurance, facilities, and budgeting Familiarity with Michigan State Licensing Rules and YMCA of the USA Child Safety Standards Skilled in managing multiple projects, deadlines, and adapting to organizational change Skills
Exceptional communication (verbal and written), planning, and organizational skills
Proficient in technology: computers, smartphones, and internet-based systems Effective problem-solving and decision-making abilities High attention to detail and commitment to meeting deadlines Ability to respond to safety issues and emergencies Values & Professionalism
Commitment to lifelong learning and continuous improvement Flexible, mission-driven, and community-oriented Completion of all required YMCA training within designated timeframes
Essential Functions
Leadership & Staff Development
• Recruits, trains, evaluates, and mentors a diverse team of childcare professionals.
• Oversees professional development, licensing compliance, and staff scheduling.
• Serves as a substitute in classrooms when needed and fosters a culture of excellence and inclusion.
Program Operations & Quality Assurance
• Manages daily operations across multiple sites and programs, ensuring safety, curriculum fidelity, and regulatory compliance.
• Conducts site evaluations, monitors curriculum and assessment standards, and adapts programming based on data.
• Leads continuous improvement efforts to meet enrollment, revenue, and quality targets.
Community Engagement
• Acts as the primary liaison to families, schools, licensing agencies, and community partners.
• Communicates regularly with parents, supports family engagement events, and advocates for youth development initiatives in the community
• Represents the YMCA in public forums, advisory boards, and media outreach.
Fiscal & Strategic Management
• Develops and manages budgets, enrollment forecasts, and billing processes.
• Collaborates on fundraising, grant development, and strategic expansion opportunities.
• Participates in long-range planning and evaluates new program sites to meet evolving community needs.
Compliance & Risk Management
• Ensures full adherence to federal, state, and local childcare regulations.
• Leads child safety initiatives, staff training, and mandated reporting protocols.
• Maintains licensing documentation and quality assurance records.
Mission Advancement
• Understands, models, and teaches the Y's mission and core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility
• Ensures a high level of service with a personal commitment to positive community impact
• Provides team and volunteers with orientation, training, development, and recognition that align with the mission and values of the organization.
• Cultivates relationships with potential investors and partners to support fundraising and collective impact.
• Serves as a storyteller and ambassador for the Y, particularly in the area of youth development.
• Provides staff and volunteers with orientation, training, development, and recognition that promote understanding and advancement of the mission, values, and purpose of the organization.
• Provides leadership in annual campaigns, special events, and organizational committees.
Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies
YMCA COMPETENCIES AND FUNCTIONAL EXPERTISE FOR TEAM LEADERSHIP:
Collaboration: A champion for access and inclusion, builds community-wide and cross-departmental relationships within the organization. Empathetically listens and communicates for understanding when negotiating or in conflict. Communicates well with diverse audiences. Provides the team with regular feedback, coaching, guidance, and support.
Operational Effectiveness: Functional and technical knowledge and skills to do the job at an elevated level of accomplishment. Utilizes YUSA best practices and industry standards as a framework to improve performance. Design decision-making tools for the team. Oversee research and planning to support the launch of new programs. Organizes program or project resources, space, or deliverables to meet intended goals and outcomes. Consistently delivers a high-quality experience to members, participants, or project teams. Effectively creates and manages budgets. Holds staff accountable for high-quality results using a documented process to measure progress.
Developing Self and Others: Seeks and shares new insights. Facilitates change and models flexibility and adaptability. Strives for continuous improvement and learning in supervision, development, and achieving performance goals. Embraces new best practices and opportunities to learn and utilize new systems and technology. Documents and reflects upon successes, challenges, and mistakes. Proactively shares information, experiences, lessons learned, and suggestions to help others be successful. Volunteers for challenging tasks or projects to grow and develop. Solicits formal and informal learning opportunities to gain insight (e.g., performance feedback, coaching, and stretch assignments).
Required Certifications
REQUIRED CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES
• Fingerprinting, negative T.B. test, and proof of current physical exam
• State of Michigan criminal background clearance (ICHAT) and DHS clearance
• Bloodborne Pathogen training within 30 days
• Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification required within the first 30 days
• Pediatric Aid Certification required within the first 30 days
• AED-Oxygen Certification required within the first 30 days
• CDL bus driving license within 6 months
• Willingness to obtain lifeguard certification
Ymca Careers Similar Positions
Program Director - Conroe ISD
YMCA of the Greater Houston Area
Foreign Language Instructor: Spanish (Dodge YMCA)
Dodge YMCA
Assistant Child Development Director
Five Points Branch YMCA
Job Description
The Childcare Director leads the strategic, operational, and developmental oversight of the YMCA’s licensed childcare and afterschool programs, ensuring alignment with the Y’s mission to strengthen community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
Qualifications
Education & Licensing
Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development, or a bachelor's degree in another related field, plus an equivalent combination of education and experience meeting state licensing requirements Meets Michigan licensing standards for Child Care Director Minimum age 21; able to pass background checks and receive child safety clearance Experience & Leadership
2+ years in licensed childcare management, including supervisory experience Proven success in staff supervision: hiring, coaching, performance evaluation Demonstrated ability to lead diverse teams and foster inclusive environments Operational Expertise
Strong knowledge of early education operations: curriculum, staffing, quality assurance, facilities, and budgeting Familiarity with Michigan State Licensing Rules and YMCA of the USA Child Safety Standards Skilled in managing multiple projects, deadlines, and adapting to organizational change Skills
Exceptional communication (verbal and written), planning, and organizational skills
Proficient in technology: computers, smartphones, and internet-based systems Effective problem-solving and decision-making abilities High attention to detail and commitment to meeting deadlines Ability to respond to safety issues and emergencies Values & Professionalism
Commitment to lifelong learning and continuous improvement Flexible, mission-driven, and community-oriented Completion of all required YMCA training within designated timeframes
Essential Functions
Leadership & Staff Development
• Recruits, trains, evaluates, and mentors a diverse team of childcare professionals.
• Oversees professional development, licensing compliance, and staff scheduling.
• Serves as a substitute in classrooms when needed and fosters a culture of excellence and inclusion.
Program Operations & Quality Assurance
• Manages daily operations across multiple sites and programs, ensuring safety, curriculum fidelity, and regulatory compliance.
• Conducts site evaluations, monitors curriculum and assessment standards, and adapts programming based on data.
• Leads continuous improvement efforts to meet enrollment, revenue, and quality targets.
Community Engagement
• Acts as the primary liaison to families, schools, licensing agencies, and community partners.
• Communicates regularly with parents, supports family engagement events, and advocates for youth development initiatives in the community
• Represents the YMCA in public forums, advisory boards, and media outreach.
Fiscal & Strategic Management
• Develops and manages budgets, enrollment forecasts, and billing processes.
• Collaborates on fundraising, grant development, and strategic expansion opportunities.
• Participates in long-range planning and evaluates new program sites to meet evolving community needs.
Compliance & Risk Management
• Ensures full adherence to federal, state, and local childcare regulations.
• Leads child safety initiatives, staff training, and mandated reporting protocols.
• Maintains licensing documentation and quality assurance records.
Mission Advancement
• Understands, models, and teaches the Y's mission and core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility
• Ensures a high level of service with a personal commitment to positive community impact
• Provides team and volunteers with orientation, training, development, and recognition that align with the mission and values of the organization.
• Cultivates relationships with potential investors and partners to support fundraising and collective impact.
• Serves as a storyteller and ambassador for the Y, particularly in the area of youth development.
• Provides staff and volunteers with orientation, training, development, and recognition that promote understanding and advancement of the mission, values, and purpose of the organization.
• Provides leadership in annual campaigns, special events, and organizational committees.
Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies
YMCA COMPETENCIES AND FUNCTIONAL EXPERTISE FOR TEAM LEADERSHIP:
Collaboration: A champion for access and inclusion, builds community-wide and cross-departmental relationships within the organization. Empathetically listens and communicates for understanding when negotiating or in conflict. Communicates well with diverse audiences. Provides the team with regular feedback, coaching, guidance, and support.
Operational Effectiveness: Functional and technical knowledge and skills to do the job at an elevated level of accomplishment. Utilizes YUSA best practices and industry standards as a framework to improve performance. Design decision-making tools for the team. Oversee research and planning to support the launch of new programs. Organizes program or project resources, space, or deliverables to meet intended goals and outcomes. Consistently delivers a high-quality experience to members, participants, or project teams. Effectively creates and manages budgets. Holds staff accountable for high-quality results using a documented process to measure progress.
Developing Self and Others: Seeks and shares new insights. Facilitates change and models flexibility and adaptability. Strives for continuous improvement and learning in supervision, development, and achieving performance goals. Embraces new best practices and opportunities to learn and utilize new systems and technology. Documents and reflects upon successes, challenges, and mistakes. Proactively shares information, experiences, lessons learned, and suggestions to help others be successful. Volunteers for challenging tasks or projects to grow and develop. Solicits formal and informal learning opportunities to gain insight (e.g., performance feedback, coaching, and stretch assignments).
Required Certifications
REQUIRED CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES
• Fingerprinting, negative T.B. test, and proof of current physical exam
• State of Michigan criminal background clearance (ICHAT) and DHS clearance
• Bloodborne Pathogen training within 30 days
• Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification required within the first 30 days
• Pediatric Aid Certification required within the first 30 days
• AED-Oxygen Certification required within the first 30 days
• CDL bus driving license within 6 months
• Willingness to obtain lifeguard certification
Ymca Careers Similar Positions
Program Director - Conroe ISD
YMCA of the Greater Houston Area
Foreign Language Instructor: Spanish (Dodge YMCA)
Dodge YMCA
Assistant Child Development Director
Five Points Branch YMCA