Early Learning Center (ELC) Director (August-Tentatively)
Organization: Osage Prairie YMCA
Location: Nevada, Missouri
Job Type: Full-Time
Position Summary
The Osage Prairie YMCA is seeking a passionate and experienced Early Learning Center (ELC) Director to lead our childcare and early childhood education programs. This position is responsible for the daily operations, staff supervision, licensing compliance, curriculum oversight, and family engagement within the Early Learning Center.
The ELC Director plays a vital role in ensuring a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for children while supporting families and leading a team of early childhood professionals. This role aligns with the YMCA mission to strengthen community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide leadership and daily management of the Early Learning Center.
- Ensure compliance with all state childcare licensing regulations and YMCA policies.
- Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate ELC staff.
- Maintain appropriate staff-to-child ratios and scheduling.
- Oversee curriculum implementation and ensure developmentally appropriate practices.
- Manage enrollment, waitlists, and family communication.
- Maintain accurate records for licensing, subsidy programs, and YMCA reporting.
- Develop and manage the ELC program budget.
- Foster positive relationships with families and create a welcoming environment.
- Ensure a safe, clean, and engaging learning environment for children.
- Collaborate with YMCA leadership on program growth and community partnerships.
- Support YMCA initiatives, special events, and mission-driven programming.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, or related field preferred. Must be able to obtain Director Certification for 100+ kids through DESE.
- Minimum 2–5 years of leadership experience in a licensed childcare or early learning environment is required.
- Knowledge of state childcare licensing requirements and best practices in early childhood education is required.
- Experience supervising staff and managing program operations.
- Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills.
- Experience working with state childcare subsidy programs is required.
- Experience in nonprofit or YMCA environments.
- Strong understanding of developmentally appropriate practices for children ages 0–5.
Pre-Hire Qualifications
- Must pass a comprehensive background screening- including fingerprints through MACHS.
- Complete Praesidium Child Abuse Prevention training
- Able to obtain Director Level Certification of 100+ kids through DESE.
- Hold a current CPR/AED certification or willingness to do so in the first 30 days.
Benefits
- Competitive salary based on experience
- YMCA membership
- Paid time off
- Employee paid insurance
- YMCA retirement
- Professional development opportunities
- Opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community
Why Work at the YMCA?
At the Osage Prairie YMCA, we believe in strengthening the foundations of our community. Our Early Learning Center supports families by providing high-quality early childhood education in a nurturing and mission-driven environment. When you join our team, you become part of an organization dedicated to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $40,000.00 - $50,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
Education:
Experience:
- childcare director : 2 years (Required)
Work Location: In person
