Preschool Director - Hickory Foundation YMCA

The Preschool Director provides leadership and day-to-day management for full day licensed child care in alignment with the YMCA’s mission, values, policies, and operational standards. This position is responsible for the overall administration of the licensed preschool program serving children ages 8 weeks to 5 years, including staff supervision, licensing compliance, program quality, enrollment, family experience, and site-level budget stewardship.

Under the direction of the Senior Director of Early Childhood Programs, the Preschool Director ensures the successful implementation of YMCA early childhood standards and expectations at the center level. This includes maintaining a safe, nurturing, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate environment for children; supporting and developing staff; building strong family relationships; and ensuring the program operates in accordance with North Carolina child care licensing requirements and YMCA policies.

• Provide daily leadership and oversight of the licensed preschool program.
• Ensure full compliance with NC DCDEE licensing standards, sanitation and health regulations, and YMCA policies and procedures.
• Hire, onboard, supervise, coach, and evaluate preschool staff; support staff development and maintain clear performance expectations.
• Monitor staff-to-child ratios, classroom coverage, and daily schedules to ensure compliance, safety, and effective program operations.
• Oversee curriculum implementation, classroom environments, and program planning to ensure developmentally appropriate practice and high-quality experiences for children.
• Maintain accurate records related to enrollment, attendance, staff files, child files, incidents, assessments, and other required documentation.
• Support site-level implementation of CACFP requirements, sanitation procedures, and other operational standards; ensure documentation is complete and accurate.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with families through responsive communication, positive customer service, and timely resolution of concerns.
• Monitor enrollment, withdrawals, and waitlists; support enrollment growth and retention efforts in alignment with YMCA goals and procedures.
• Provide stewardship of the assigned program budget by monitoring revenue and expenses, identifying variances, and working with the Senior Director of Early Childhood Programs and finance staff to support sound fiscal management.
• Maintain readiness for licensing visits, audits, monitoring, and internal quality reviews; implement corrective actions and improvement plans as needed.
• Collaborate with the Senior Director of Early Childhood Programs and association support staff, including compliance, finance, HR, and branch leadership, to ensure strong site operations and alignment with YMCA expectations.
• Support center-level planning and implementation for Pre-K and Kindergarten summer programming, as applicable.
• Represent the YMCA in a professional manner at community events, meetings, and partnership opportunities that support program visibility and success.
• Support annual campaign efforts within the center by promoting staff engagement, sharing the YMCA story, and helping achieve assigned goals.
• Ensure all staff and volunteers understand and comply with YMCA abuse prevention policies, actively monitor staff interactions with children, address boundary concerns, and ensure prompt reporting in accordance with YMCA policy and state law.
• Requires the use of a personal vehicle to travel as needed for meetings, trainings, and support across the YMCA of Catawba Valley Association. Program assignments and support needs are subject to change based on organizational priorities.
• Act as Manager on Duty (MOD) as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

The Preschool Director will be responsible for observing the following rules:

• No alcohol or drugs will be used on the job at any time.
• Report all job accidents the same day the accident happens.
• Obtain authorization from your supervisor for all non-emergency treatments for accidents.
• Wear seat belts at all times in company vehicles.
• Keep the area where you work clean and neat at all times.
• Do not remove or bypass any guards on any machinery at any time.
• Ask your supervisor when you need additional equipment or instructions to get the job done safely.
• Lift with your legs, not your back, and get assistance with loads over 50 pounds.
• Advise your supervisor of any hazardous conditions.
• Follow all other written and spoken safety rules.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelors’ Degree in Birth-Kindergarten, early childhood, or childhood education, human services, business management or related field required. 
• Documentation of 5 years' experience as child care director, child care consultant, or other regulatory position in early childhood/youth development.
• Level III Early Childhood Administrator Credentials
• Experience developing and implementing developmentally appropriate early childhood education programs.

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of NC DCDEE licensing requirements, sanitation and safety standards, and other applicable child care regulations.
• Knowledge of early childhood development, developmentally appropriate practice, and quality standards in preschool settings.
• Understanding of staffing structures, enrollment practices, classroom management, and family communication in early childhood programs.
• Knowledge of CACFP systems and site-level documentation requirements.
• Ability to create, manage, and implement the assigned center budget in alignment with association financial goals.

Skills:

• Strong leadership skills, including experience supervising staff, providing feedback, and supporting professional growth.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build positive relationships with staff, families, and community partners.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and other software programs.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills with the ability to address operational, staffing, and family concerns effectively.
• Ability to clearly document observations, incidents, concerns, and action steps.

Abilities:

• Ability to lead the daily operations of a licensed preschool program and maintain consistent compliance with applicable standards.
• Ability to hire, onboard, train, supervise, and evaluate teaching staff and support staff.
• Ability to support curriculum implementation and maintain high-quality classroom environments.
• Ability to monitor staffing patterns, classroom coverage, and ratio compliance to ensure safe and effective operations.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with staff, families, regulatory agencies, and community partners.
• Ability to implement association expectations and site-level action plans with consistency and accountability.
• Ability to manage enrollment processes, maintain strong program participation, and implement strategies that support enrollment growth and retention at the site level.

Personal Attributes:

• High level of energy, creativity, and enthusiasm for working with children and families.
• Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Ability to work independently while also contributing to the YMCA leadership team.
• Demonstrates professionalism, sound judgment, and commitment to the YMCA’s mission and values.

Physical Requirements:

The Preschool Director must represent the YMCA in a professional manner. The employee must be able to maneuver the grounds and facilities freely and be capable of speaking clearly, including, but not limited to: walking, stooping, carrying a minimum of 50 lbs., sitting, standing, pushing, climbing, kneeling, lifting a minimum of 50 lbs., and crouching.

• Employee Assistance Program
• Retirement Contributions