The Preschool Director is responsible for overseeing the daily operations, administration, and growth of the YMCA’s preschool program. This role ensures a high-quality, developmentally appropriate early childhood education program that aligns with YMCA values, licensing regulations, and best practices in child development. The Director will lead staff, manage budgets, engage families, and foster a nurturing environment that supports the holistic development of young children.

For information on Y Employee Perks, click on this link: Employee Benefits | YMCA of San Diego County (ymcasd.org)

Schedule

• Monday - Friday 
• Preschool hours of operation are from 7:30AM - 5:30PM 
• Requires flexible scheduling, occasional nights and weekends with branch events 

• Directs and supervises assigned program and program activities to meet Y objectives
• Provide leadership for the development and operation of assigned program area
• Develops and prepares department budget for assigned programs. Controls and accounts for the expenditure of funds in accordance with the approved budget
• Makes recommendations to branch leadership regarding program development and budget for assigned program
• Expands programming within the community in accordance with operating plans
• Increase program revenue, participants and expand program development
• Assists in the marketing and distribution of assigned program information
• Effectively lead department/program team and program volunteers
• Provide timely and consistent communication to staff, volunteers and members
• Responsible for department/program hiring, selection, evaluation, training and coaching assigned team and program volunteers
• Implement standards for providing the highest level of safety for all program participants
• Provide excellent customer service to members and staff team
• Actively involved in all branch fundraising events and activities
• Ability to work effectively with others in alignment with the YMCA 4 core values
• Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time and repetitive hand motion is required
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and general office equipment
• Visual & auditory ability to respond to critical incidents and the physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency
• Other duties as assigned 

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field required; Master's degree preferred 
• 12 Core units of Early Childhood Education (ECE) plus 3 unit course in Administration of Child Development required, BA in Early Childhood Education is highly desirable
  • ECE Core courses include: Child Growth & Development, Child, Family and Community and Program/Curriculum
• Knowledge of state licensing regulations and early childhood best practices 
• 5+ years’ experience in managing or implementing programs/departments in early childhood education
• 2+ years' of supervisory experience required for a team of two or larger
• 2+ years’ experience with program development, program operations, and budget management
• Experience in implementing administrative and safety standards
• Must be able to lift up to 40lbs and actively engage with young children 
• Licensing, state law and our government funders require that staff within YMCA of San Diego County be fingerprinted, prior to reporting to work, and include subsequent arrest notifications
• Criminal record clearance by being fingerprinted prior to reporting to work and signing a statement regarding criminal convictions
• A physical exam and negative TB test results within 7 days of hire
• Pediatric CPR and Pediatric First Aid certification required within 30 days of hire, unless specified otherwise on contract, and must be from one of the following:
  • American Red Cross
  • American Heart Association
  • American Safety & Health Institute

YMCA will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the San Diego County Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if the YMCA is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Ordinance by visiting the San Diego County Office of Labor Standards and Enforcement.