Come join a team of cause-driven leaders with the Jamestown Area YMCA. Educators who carry a NYS Early Childhood Certification would be ideal candidates to live out the YMCA's focus on Youth Development with our youngest YMCA participants. Come join our thriving team now, just as we prepare for our child care expansion in a renovated facility on the campus of JCC estimated to open in Fall 2027.
Position Summary
The Heritage House Child Care Director provides strategic and operational leadership for the YMCA's licensed early childhood education programs. The Director is responsible for ensuring exceptional care, educational quality, regulatory compliance, financial stewardship, staff leadership, safety, risk management, and positive family engagement while advancing the YMCA's mission of strengthening community.
This position cultivates a safe, welcoming environment where children, families, and staff experience a genuine sense of belonging and have opportunities to learn, grow, and succeed. As the Association's leader for early childhood education, the Director guides the continued growth of YMCA childcare services, including expansion into the future Early Learning Center on the campus of Jamestown Community College.
Our Cause
The YMCA is dedicated to strengthening community through Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility.
The Heritage House Child Care Director fulfills this mission by ensuring every child is provided a safe, nurturing, developmentally appropriate environment where they are encouraged to discover who they are, build meaningful relationships, and realize their potential.
Essential ResponsibilitiesProgram Leadership
· Direct the daily operation of the Heritage House Child Care Center.
· Ensure exceptional care and developmentally appropriate programming for infants through school-age children.
· Maintain programs that promote children's physical, emotional, social, intellectual, and creative development.
· Develop balanced educational, recreational, and enrichment opportunities.
· Evaluate program quality and participant outcomes while implementing continuous improvement, including participation in Quality Stars NY and other quality assurance and program enhancement efforts.
· Ensure programming reflects YMCA values and current best practices in early childhood education.
· Identify opportunities to strengthen and expand YMCA childcare services.
People Leadership
· Recruit, hire, onboard, supervise, coach, mentor, and retain exceptional staff.
· Foster a workplace culture built upon professionalism, teamwork, accountability, and mutual support.
· Conduct performance evaluations, coaching conversations, corrective action, and professional development planning.
· Develop future leaders by providing opportunities for increased responsibility and growth.
· Promote employee engagement, recognition, and retention.
· Ensure staffing patterns consistently meet regulatory requirements and operational needs.
Financial Stewardship
· Develop and manage departmental budgets.
· Monitor enrollment, revenue, expenditures, and financial performance.
· Ensure accurate attendance, billing, payroll, and program documentation.
· Recommend operational improvements that strengthen long-term sustainability.
· Participate in Association budgeting and planning processes.
· Utilize technology and information systems to improve efficiency and service.
Safety, Risk Management & Compliance
· Foster a culture where the safety and well-being of children is the YMCA's highest priority.
· Ensure compliance with YMCA policies related to child protection, abuse prevention, participant safety, risk management, and all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
· Maintain full compliance with New York State Office of Children and Family Services licensing requirements.
· Promote active supervision practices and appropriate child-to-staff ratios.
· Maintain a safe, healthy, clean, and secure environment.
· Conduct regular inspections to identify hazards and implement corrective actions.
· Lead emergency preparedness planning and staff training.
· Investigate incidents, injuries, and near misses to reduce future risk.
· Oversee infection prevention, medication administration, health screenings, and communicable disease procedures.
· Maintain confidentiality of child, family, employee, and organizational information.
· Coordinate regulatory reporting, licensing inspections, audits, and risk management reviews.
· Partner with Association leadership regarding insurance matters, regulatory compliance, and organizational risk management.
Family & Community Engagement
· Build trusted relationships with children, families, and caregivers.
· Lead enrollment, orientation, and ongoing family communication.
· Respond to questions and concerns promptly and professionally.
· Develop collaborative relationships with schools, community organizations, and early childhood partners.
· Represent the YMCA through community outreach and partnerships.
Strategic Leadership & Organizational Growth
· Lead the continued evolution of YMCA early childhood education services.
· Assist in planning and implementing the transition to the YMCA Early Learning Center.
· Support the expansion of childcare capacity.
· Identify opportunities for innovation, partnerships, and program development.
· Participate in Association strategic planning initiatives.
· Support grants, quality improvement initiatives, accreditation efforts, and organizational growth.
· Serve as an active member of the YMCA Leadership Team.
Administrative Excellence
· Maintain accurate records required for licensing, financial management, and operations.
· Prepare reports and regulatory submissions.
· Utilize YMCA information systems effectively.
· Communicate professionally with staff, families, community partners, and leadership.
· Attend required meetings and professional development.
· Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Candidates must meet the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) qualifications for Child Day Care Center Director.
Option 1
· NYS Certified Early Childhood Teacher
OR
Option 2
· Bachelor's degree including:
· 12 credits in Early Childhood, Child Development, or a related field; and
· One year full-time teaching experience in a child day care center, family or group family day care home, or other early childhood program; and
· One year of experience supervising staff.
OR
Option 2
· Associate's degree in Early Childhood or a related field with a plan of study leading to a Bachelor's degree; and
· Two years full-time teaching experience in a child day care center, family or group family day care home, or other early childhood program; and
· Two years of experience supervising staff.
Required Certifications & Compliance
· Meet all OCFS health assessment requirements, including required testing and documentation.
· Successfully complete all required background screenings and clearances.
· Maintain all certifications and training required by OCFS and YMCA policy.
· Complete and maintain required child abuse prevention, mandated reporter, and safety training.
YMCA Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies
· Engaging Community
· Change Leadership
· Communication and Influence
· Fiscal Management
· Functional Expertise
· Developing Self and Others
Pay: $54,000.00 - $64,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 403(b)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
Education:
Experience:
- Early Childhood Teaching: 1 year (Preferred)
- Staff Supervision : 1 year (Preferred)
License/Certification:
- NYS Early Childhood Teacher Certification (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
