Inspire teachers. Nurture children. Lead a preschool where learning and community come first.
Job Description
The Raritan Bay Area YMCA’ Early Learning Center seeks a dynamic, mission-driven leader to serve as Preschool Director. Under the direction of the Branch Director, the Preschool Director provides overall leadership, direction, and management of the Early Learning Center and oversees all aspects of daily operations.
The YMCA Early Learning Center operates in collaboration with the Perth Amboy, New Jersey Board of Education and currently serves children through five classrooms, delivering a high-quality, developmentally appropriate educational experience. The Preschool Director is responsible for ensuring excellence in programming, staffing, compliance, and family engagement while advancing the YMCA’s mission to strengthen community through youth development.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, or a related field
- Meets all New Jersey DCF Office of Licensing requirements for a Preschool/Center Director
- Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in an early childhood education setting, including supervisory or administrative experience
- Strong working knowledge of developmentally appropriate practice and early learning standards
- Demonstrated leadership, organizational, and communication skills
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field
- Experience working within a YMCA, school district partnership, or community-based nonprofit
- Experience with quality rating systems, accreditation, or continuous improvement initiatives
Essential Functions
- Provide leadership and oversight of all Early Learning Center operations, ensuring a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate environment for children
- Ensure compliance with YMCA policies, and all NJ Department of Children and Families (DCF) Office of Licensing regulations, Board of Education requirements, and all applicable local, state, and federal guidelines
- Recruit, hire, train, supervise, evaluate, and support teaching and support staff; ensure appropriate staffing coverage, ratios, and scheduling
- Foster a positive, inclusive, and professional work culture aligned with YMCA values and best practices in early childhood education
- Oversee the implementation of a high-quality early childhood curriculum that supports children’s social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development
- Monitor classroom quality, instructional practices, and learning environments to ensure consistent program standards and continuous improvement
- Serve as a primary liaison with families, maintaining open communication, addressing concerns, and promoting strong family partnerships
- Collaborate with the Perth Amboy Board of Education and other community partners to support program goals and educational alignment
- Manage administrative functions including enrollment, recordkeeping, reporting, and documentation required for licensing, funding, and YMCA standards
- Develop and manage the program budget in collaboration with the Branch Director, including monitoring expenses, enrollment, and operational resources
- Promote the YMCA’s mission, values, and commitment to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility in all aspects of the role
Required Certifications
Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, or a related field
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