This is a rare opportunity to build a new early learning center from the ground up, backed by strong community partner and a clear mission. As Center Administrator, you will lead the launch and daily operations of a high-quality early childhood program in partnership with the Providence Housing Authority, serving children and families in the Manton Heights community. You'll build your team, shape the program, and create a high-quality learning environment that expands access and opportunity for those who need it most.
This role is ideal for an experienced early childhood leader with a background in center management, licensing, staff supervision, and program start-up. Experience working with diverse and underserved communities is strongly preferred. Bilingual/ Spanish encouraged to apply.
Position Summary
This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
The Center Administrator provides strategic and operational leadership for a new early learning center located in the Manton Heights Family Housing Development, in partnership with the Providence Housing Authority (PHA) and the Boston Celtics. The center will serve up to 42 children across three classrooms. This is a ground-up opportunity to design and implement a high-quality program that meets the needs of an underserved community. The Center Administrator is responsible for launching the center, developing systems, hiring and training staff, and establishing a culture of excellence in early childhood education. They ensure full compliance with Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS) Child Care Center regulations, with a strong emphasis on curriculum aligned with the Rhode Island Early Learning and Development Standards (RIELDS), inclusive family engagement, and team development.
Essential Duties
Program Leadership & Compliance
- Serve as the on-site administrator in full compliance with RI DHS licensing regulations, including qualifications, staff-child ratios, health/safety, and curriculum standards.
- Implement and monitor curriculum aligned with RIELDS, ensuring developmentally appropriate practices in all classrooms.
- Maintain accurate documentation for licensing, BrightStars, and other regulatory entities.
Team Management
- Lead recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and supervision of early childhood educators and support staff.
- Provide professional development, coaching, and performance feedback to build a strong, collaborative team culture.
- Create and maintain staff schedules, manage time off, and ensure adequate classroom coverage.
Family & Community Engagement
- Build trusting relationships with families, particularly those from underserved communities.
- Provide support and resources that respect families’ cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
- Collaborate with community partners, including the Providence Housing Authority and Boston Celtics, who are integral partners in this initiative.
Operational Oversight
- Develop and manage program budgets, supply orders, and center logistics in coordination with YMCA administrative staff.
- Coordinate facility maintenance and ensure a safe, clean, and welcoming environment.
- Lead or support grant-funded initiatives, data reporting, and program evaluation efforts.
Other Duties
- Participate in YMCA leadership meetings and contribute to the organization’s mission and goals.
- Perform other duties as assigned to support program quality and success.
LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:
Engaging Community: Builds bridges with others in the community to ensure the Y’s work is community-focused and welcoming of all, providing community benefit.
Inclusion: Values all people for their unique talents and takes an active role in promoting practices that support diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as cultural competence.
Communication: Listens and expresses self effectively and in a manner that reflects a true understanding of the needs of the audience. Understands and expertly utilizes current methods of communication.
Critical Thinking & Decision Making: Integrates logic, intuition, and sound judgment to analyze information to identify greatest opportunities, make sound decisions, and solve problems.
Emotional Maturity: Demonstrates the ability to understand and manage emotions effectively in all situations.
Change Capacity: Leads self and others through change by navigating ambiguity appropriately and adapting well to new situations, obstacles, and opportunities.
Program Management: Ensures programs or project goals are met and intended impact occurs.
Quality Results: Demonstrates and fosters a strong commitment to achieving goals in a manner that provides evidence-based quality experiences.
Qualifications
- Demonstrated experience in developing and launching early childhood programs, including start-up planning, licensing, staffing, and operational systems.
- Strong project management experience, including multi-tasking and meeting deadlines. Must be capable of directing the daily administrative, program-related, and supervisory responsibilities of the classroom.
- Positive role model with strong leadership, conflict resolution, and diplomacy skills.
- Experience working with underserved populations and families in public housing or similar settings.
- Must possess oral, auditory, and written communication skills appropriate for interacting with both children and adults. Bilingual in English and Spanish strongly preferred.
- Strong ability to collaborate with multiple partners, including families, community agencies, and internal YMCA departments.
- Demonstrated success implementing RIELDS in classroom settings.
- Certifications required before working with children: Child Abuse Prevention Training, New Employee Orientation, all RI DHS and/or MA EEC requirements.
- Certifications required within the first 60 days of hire: YMCA approved basic lifesaving skills such as Pediatric CPR & First Aid, AED, and Emergency Oxygen, RI DHS Pre-service Health & Safety Training. This position must have the ability to respond to safety and emergency situations.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
Prior to employment, a candidate for the Center Administrator, Early Childhood position must meet the RI DHS requirements for the role:
- The individual holds a current Rhode Island Department of Education teacher certification for grades pre-kindergarten to second grade and has three (3) months supervised teaching experience in a licensed/approved Early Childhood Program (student teaching may fulfill this requirement).
OR
- The individual holds a current Rhode Island Department of Education teacher certification for Early Childhood Special Education, which includes Early Childhood Certification, and has three (3) months supervised teaching experience in a licensed/approved Early Childhood Program (student teaching may fulfill this requirement).
OR
- The individual holds a bachelor's degree or higher in Early Childhood Education and has three (3) months supervised teaching experience in a licensed/approved Early Childhood Program (student teaching may fulfill this requirement).
OR
- The individual holds a bachelor's degree or higher in a field related to Early Childhood Education such as Child Development, Elementary Education or Special Education, and twenty-four (24) credits in Early Childhood Education from an accredited institution of higher education and has three (3) months supervised teaching experience in a licensed/approved Early Childhood Program (student teaching may fulfill this requirement).
OR
- The individual holds a bachelor's degree or higher in a field related to Early Childhood Education such as Child Development, Elementary Education or Special Education, and twelve (12) credits in Early Childhood Education from an accredited or approved institution of higher education and has one (1) year of supervised teaching experience in a licensed/approved Early Childhood Program (student teaching may fulfill this requirement).
OR
- The individual holds a bachelor's degree or higher in a field related to Early Childhood Education such as Child Development, Elementary Education or Special Education, and RIELDS Certification: Implementing a Standards-Based Program and has one (1) year of supervised teaching experience in a licensed/approved Early Childhood Program (student teaching may fulfill this requirement).
Certifications required before working with children:
- Child Abuse Prevention Training, New Employee Orientation, all RI DHS and/or MA EEC requirements.
Certifications required within the first 60 days of hire:
- YMCA approved basic lifesaving skills such as Pediatric CPR & First Aid, AED, and Emergency Oxygen, RI DHS Pre-service Health & Safety Training. This position must have the ability to respond to safety and emergency situations.
