Child Care Director

Job Description

We are looking for an experienced childcare professional to provide leadership to the Forest City Family YMCA’s infant through school-age child care programs. The Child Care Director needs to provide leadership, direction, and oversight for two childcare operations, including the Hanson Family Life Center and Kids Club. The Director is accountable for program quality, staffing, enrollment, compliance, and strategic growth while utilizing Site Supervisors to support day-to-day operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field preferred; equivalent leadership and childcare experience considered.
• Minimum of two years of direct supervisory experience.
• A minimum of two years of childcare experience with the YMCA or within another organization.
• Excellent relationship building skills and the ability to establish and maintain collaborations with other community organizations.
• Current CPR and First Aid certifications.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, direction, and support to childcare staff.
• Recruit, hire, onboard, train, supervise, and evaluate employees.
• Conduct performance reviews and address performance concerns.
• Foster a positive, professional, and mission-driven work environment.
• Develop future childcare leaders through coaching and mentorship.
• Promote staff retention and professional development.
• Provide overall oversight of childcare programs and services.
• Establish and monitor program goals, objectives, and quality standards.
• Ensure daily operations are conducted safely and effectively.
• Work collaboratively with Site Supervisors to support classroom operations.
• Evaluate program effectiveness and implement improvements when necessary.
• Maintain a welcoming and positive environment for children, families, and staff.
• Ensure overall compliance with Iowa childcare licensing regulations, YMCA standards, and applicable health and safety requirements.
• Oversee licensing preparation, inspections, corrective action plans, and ongoing compliance efforts.
• Monitor compliance systems, records, and documentation maintained by Site Supervisors and childcare staff.
• Ensure required staff training, certifications, background checks, and documentation remain current.
• Develop and implement policies, procedures, and operational practices that support compliance and risk management.
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous quality improvement.
• Serve as the primary organizational contact for regulatory agencies, licensing representatives, and compliance reviews.
• Oversee enrollment management and waitlist processes.
• Monitor enrollment trends and recommend strategies for program growth.
• Serve as the primary contact for escalated family concerns and complaints.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with families and community partners.
• Promote YMCA childcare programs throughout the community.
• Develop and manage childcare budgets in collaboration with the CEO.
• Monitor program revenue, expenses, enrollment, staffing levels, and labor costs.
• Assist in long-range planning to support program sustainability.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and financial performance.
• Support grant opportunities, fundraising efforts, and community partnerships.
• Serve as a member of the YMCA leadership team.
• Participate in organizational planning and decision-making.
• Support YMCA fundraising, marketing, and community engagement efforts.
• Represent the YMCA positively within the community.
• Perform other duties as assigned that support the mission and operations of the YMCA.

Required Certifications

CPR, First Aid and AED Certification

Must meet the qualifications to be a Child Care Director according to Iowa Child Care Licensing requirements.

Must be able to pass a Nationwide Criminal and Sex Offender Registry Background Screening.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $50,960.00 - $56,160.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person