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

Please refer the Job description for details