Lead. Inspire. Make a Difference.
The YMCA of Catawba Valley is seeking an experienced and passionate Preschool Director to lead the Hickory Foundation YMCA Child Development Center. This position provides overall leadership and management of a licensed preschool program serving children ages 8 weeks through 5 years.
The Preschool Director is responsible for ensuring high-quality early childhood programming, maintaining licensing compliance, supporting and developing staff, building strong family relationships, overseeing enrollment and retention efforts, and managing daily operations in alignment with YMCA values and standards.
What You'll Do
- Lead the daily operations of a licensed early childhood center
- Hire, train, coach, supervise, and evaluate teaching staff
- Ensure compliance with NC DCDEE licensing regulations and YMCA standards
- Maintain safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environments
- Support curriculum implementation and classroom quality
- Build strong relationships with families through excellent communication and customer service
- Monitor enrollment, retention, and waitlists while supporting growth strategies
- Manage site-level budgets and operational performance
- Ensure readiness for licensing visits, audits, and quality assessments
- Foster a positive team culture focused on excellence, accountability, and child outcomes
- Promote YMCA values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility, and Faith
Qualifications
Required:
- Bachelor's Degree in Birth-Kindergarten, Early Childhood Education, Childhood Education, Human Services, Business Management, or a related field
- Level III Early Childhood Administrator Credential
- Minimum of 5 years of experience as a Child Care Director, Child Care Consultant, or other regulatory leadership position in early childhood or youth development
- Strong knowledge of NC child care licensing requirements and developmentally appropriate practices
- Experience supervising staff and managing program operations
- Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills
What We're Looking For
The ideal candidate is:
- A strong leader who can build and develop teams
- Passionate about early childhood education
- Experienced in licensing compliance and quality improvement
- Customer-focused and relationship-driven
- Organized, proactive, and solutions-oriented
- Committed to creating exceptional experiences for children and families
Why the YMCA?
At the YMCA of Catawba Valley, you'll join a mission-driven organization dedicated to strengthening communities and helping children thrive. You'll have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on children, families, and staff while working alongside a supportive leadership team.
Apply Today
If you're passionate about early childhood education and ready to lead a high-quality preschool program, we'd love to hear from you.
YMCA of Catawba Valley is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Pay: $45,000.00 - $50,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
