YMCA of the USA · 1 day ago
Association Director of Early Learning
Crown Point, IN
Full-time
Onsite
Lead/Staff, Director/Executive
5+ years expYMCA of the USA is dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Association Director of Early Learning is responsible for the strategic leadership and quality of Early Learning programs, overseeing licensed academies and ensuring excellence in curriculum and staff development.
Career PlanningCommunities
Responsibilities
Contributes to the overall YMCA mission of strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility
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
Recruits, hires, trains, develops, schedules, and supports Early Learning leaders and staff across multiple sites. Conducts regular performance evaluations and develops growth plans
Leads all Early Learning operations by providing direction, leadership, and support through fiscal oversight, strategic planning, standardization, quality audits, crisis intervention, and risk management
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
Partners with Executive Directors and site teams to ensure aligned delivery, program quality, and enrollment growth at all Early Learning locations
Secures new funding sources by researching and pursuing grants, subsidies, and partnerships
Collaborates with branches and Association staff to support Annual Campaign and donor relations
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
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
Maintains high-quality programs that support the developmental, emotional, physical, intellectual, and social needs of children
Ensures children’s health and safety by establishing high standards for training, supervision, and adherence to YMCA and licensing procedures
Implements the Association’s Risk Management Program to ensure safe facilities, staffing, and equipment
Oversees emergency preparedness protocols including regular drills and safety training
Monitors and maintains staff certifications, ensuring compliance with YMCA and state licensing standards
Develops and sustains relationships with key partners, community agencies, schools, and stakeholders to advance Early Learning services and influence community impact
Responds promptly to all parent, participant, and community inquiries and concerns
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
Demonstrates flexibility by performing a variety of tasks and additional responsibilities as needed to support evolving program and association needs
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, or a related field required; Master's degree preferred
Minimum of five years of leadership experience in early childhood education, including multi-site or program-wide oversight
Strong knowledge of Indiana State licensing standards, CCDF, accreditation, and quality rating systems
Demonstrated success in staff development, program growth, budgeting, and community engagement
Excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills
Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community
Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365; experience with early learning management software preferred
Complete ongoing yearly compliance training
Preferred
Master's degree in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, or a related field
Experience with early learning management software
Company
YMCA of the USA
YMCA of the USA is the national resource office for the nation's YMCAs. Located in Chicago, IL, YMCA of the USA exists to serve YMCAs.
51-200 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageLeadership Team
Suzanne McCormick
President & CEO
Recent News
First Five Years Fund
2025-09-19
2025-03-30
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