OUR CULTURE:
Our mission and core values are brought to life through our culture. At the YMCA of South Hampton Roads, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day.
We are welcoming: we are open to all and create spaces where people can belong and become.
We are genuine: we value people and embrace individuality.
We are hopeful: we believe in the potential of people to grow, lead and become catalysts for change.
We are nurturing: we support individuals throughout their journey to reach their full potential.
We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger, beginning with our people.
Our culture is not a People & Culture initiative; it is how we lead, serve, develop talent, make decisions and deliver on the YMCA's mission.
POSITION SUMMARY:
As the Early Learning Director at the YMCA of South Hampton Roads, you will have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of young children and families by leading high-quality early learning programs serving children ages 0–5.
Under the direction of the Executive Director, the Early Learning Director oversees the daily operations of licensed early learning programs, including program quality, staff leadership, family engagement, licensing compliance, and curriculum implementation. This role creates a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive through developmentally appropriate experiences rooted in the YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Division of Duties:
- 90% supervision and management of assigned licensed early learning programs serving children ages 0–5
- 10% leadership support to Annual Giving and other association and department initiatives
Priorities:
- Provides supervision and management of licensed early learning programs serving children ages 0–5.
- Serves as the Program Director for assigned early learning programs.
- Ensures programs operate in accordance with YMCA policies, health and safety standards, and Virginia Department of Education licensing requirements.
- Supports high-quality, developmentally appropriate programming that promotes children’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development.
- The Early Learning Director must understand and be willing to learn the necessary skills required for the successful completion of duties, including:
Program Management and Operations
- Provides day-to-day management of early learning program operations and staff
- Hires, trains, supervises, and evaluates early learning staff
- Ensures assigned programs meet or exceed Virginia Department of Education licensing requirements
- Ensures assigned programs meet or exceed program quality standards
- Supports implementation of developmentally appropriate curriculum and learning experiences for children ages 0–5
Program Management and Operations
- Creates opportunities for children and families to build meaningful relationships within the YMCA community
- Establishes positive and collaborative relationships with parents/guardians through ongoing communication and engagement opportunities
- Provides strong leadership and support for attaining goals and objectives of the Association Strategic Plan
- Expands current early learning offerings with high-quality programming in accordance with Association operating guidelines
Team Performance Towards Organizational Goals
- Recruits and trains program volunteers
- Participates in association leadership meetings and trainings
- Works collaboratively and in partnership with association child care and youth development leaders to deliver on assigned responsibilities
Fundraising
- Participates in a successful annual support campaign. Active leadership required in staff giving and membership involvement
Professional Development
- Maintains current CPR/AED/O2/First Aid and MAT certifications
- Attends trainings as required, including YMCA New Staff Orientation, bloodborne pathogens, and child abuse prevention training
- Attends mandatory staff meetings
- Follows the Code of Conduct established by the YMCA of South Hampton Roads
- Demonstrates an enthusiastic, positive, and motivating approach with children, families, staff, and peers
- Communicates the YMCA mission and objectives to the community
- Incorporates the YMCA core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility into all aspects of program leadership and operations
- Performs all other duties as assigned
