Senior Director of Early Care & Education

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Senior Director of Early Care & Education provides strategic and operational leadership for Early Care and Education across the Association. This role ensures high-quality, safe, and compliant programming that aligns with YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. The Senior Director leads program innovation, staff development, fiscal management, and community partnerships while ensuring full compliance with Pennsylvania licensing and regulatory requirements. This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

POSITION HIGHLIGHTS

• Ensure ongoing compliance and licensure of all assigned program sites in accordance with Pennsylvania Department of Human Services regulations.
• Monitor and support compliance with Keystone STARS participation requirements and Pennsylvania child care licensing standards and regulations.
• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for Early Care (Infant) and Education programs, including grant-funded initiatives such as Pre-K Counts and other assigned child care programs.
• Hire, supervise, coach, and evaluate Child Care Directors through regular site visits, observations, and performance reviews.
• Establish and maintain collaborative partnerships with schools and school districts.
• Provide oversight and guidance related to enrollment management across Early Care and Education programs.
• In collaboration with senior leadership, develop, manage, monitor, and report on operating budgets for assigned programs.

QUALIFICATIONS HIGHLIGHTS:

1. Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
2. Minimum of five (5) years of progressive leadership experience in early childhood education or a related field.
3. Demonstrated knowledge of Pennsylvania child care licensing regulations and compliance requirements.
4. Experience with and knowledge of Pre-K Counts preferred.
5. Proven experience in staff supervision, budgeting, and program management.
6. Strong understanding of early childhood pedagogy and applicable regulatory standards.
7. Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
8. Proficiency in ProCare or a similar child care management system preferred.
9. Minimum age requirements of 21.
10. Typical requirements within 30 days of hire include completion of: Child Abuse Prevention for Supervisory Staff; Working with Program Volunteers; CPR; First Aid; AED; Bloodborne Pathogens.
11. Fulfillment of state-specific hiring standards (if any) and completion of YMCA program specific certifications (list).
12. Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.
13. Understands the YMCA is a public accommodation committed to inclusion and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
14. Must have advanced computer skills.