Association Director of Early Learning

Ready to lead with purpose? Join the YMCA and make a lasting impact by guiding the growth of early learning programs that help every child thrive.

POSITION SUMMARY: Under the direction of YMCA leadership, the Association Director of Early Learning is responsible for the strategic leadership, growth, and quality of Early Learning programs across the Crossroads YMCA Association. This includes oversight of licensed Early Learning Academies and preschool programs, as well as ensuring excellence in curriculum, staff development, compliance, and participant experience. The Association Director of Early Learning guides a team of site-level leaders to deliver high-impact, mission-driven programming that meets the developmental needs of children in a safe, engaging, and nurturing environment. This role is a vital member of the YMCA leadership team and a highly visible representative of the YMCA’s mission, core values, and commitment to child development and family support.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Contributes to the overall YMCA mission of strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
2. Administers Early Learning programs in accordance with Indiana state licensing regulations, CCDF (Child Care Development Fund) policies, National Early Learning Standards, and Y-USA’s best practices.
3. Recruits, hires, trains, develops, schedules, and supports Early Learning leaders and staff across multiple sites. Conducts regular performance evaluations and develops growth plans.
4. Leads all Early Learning operations by providing direction, leadership, and support through fiscal oversight, strategic planning, standardization, quality audits, crisis intervention, and risk management.
5. Champions curriculum development and implementation that aligns with state developmental standards and YMCA core values. Ensures consistent application and regular review of curriculum outcomes across sites.
6. Partners with Executive Directors and site teams to ensure aligned delivery, program quality, and enrollment growth at all Early Learning locations.
7. Secures new funding sources by researching and pursuing grants, subsidies, and partnerships.
8. Collaborates with branches and Association staff to support Annual Campaign and donor relations.
9. Assesses unmet early childhood education needs in the community and initiates short- and long-term plans for sustainable growth in alignment with the YMCA’s strategic plan.
10. Develops and manages the Early Learning annual budget(s), including income and expense forecasts. Analyzes trends and takes corrective action to address financial or enrollment challenges.
11. Maintains high-quality programs that support the developmental, emotional, physical, intellectual, and social needs of children.
12. Ensures children’s health and safety by establishing high standards for training, supervision, and adherence to YMCA and licensing procedures.
13. Implements the Association’s Risk Management Program to ensure safe facilities, staffing, and equipment.
14. Oversees emergency preparedness protocols including regular drills and safety training.
15. Monitors and maintains staff certifications, ensuring compliance with YMCA and state licensing standards.
16. Develops and sustains relationships with key partners, community agencies, schools, and stakeholders to advance Early Learning services and influence community impact.
17. Responds promptly to all parent, participant, and community inquiries and concerns.
18. Plays a lead role in the Annual Campaign by engaging staff, collecting and sharing impact stories, supporting campaign events, and involving volunteers in cause-driven initiatives.
19. Demonstrates flexibility by performing a variety of tasks and additional responsibilities as needed to support evolving program and association needs.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, or a related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
2. Minimum of five years of leadership experience in early childhood education, including multi-site or program-wide oversight.
3. Strong knowledge of Indiana State licensing standards, CCDF, accreditation, and quality rating systems.
4. Demonstrated success in staff development, program growth, budgeting, and community engagement.
5. Excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
6. Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.
7. Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365; experience with early learning management software preferred.
8. Complete ongoing yearly compliance training.

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Multi Team Leader):

The National YMCA Mission:

“To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.”

Caring: Models compassion in leadership. Builds a culture of service across teams. Recognizes and supports staff and volunteer contributions.

Honesty: Leads with integrity and promotes ethical behavior across multiple teams. Ensures policies are followed consistently.

Respect: Promotes inclusion across departments. Supports equitable practices in staffing and program design.

Responsibility: Leads with strategic vision. Manages multiple priorities and drives performance improvement.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Visual, auditory, and verbal ability to communicate effectively.
• Must have a high level of alertness, concentration, and initiative.
• Sufficient strength, agility, and mobility to perform job responsibilities.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. and stand, walk, or sit for extended periods of time; occasionally stoop/bend.
• Always maintain a neat and professional appearance.