About

• Description
• Kankakee Area YMCA

• Job Title: Childcare Center Director
• FLSA Status: Full-Time/Exempt
• Pay Rate: $40,000-44,000 Annually ($3,350-$3,670 Monthly) (DOE)
• Reports to: Childcare Director

• POSITION SUMMARY
• The Childcare Center Director – Early Learning Programs is responsible for managing daily operations and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, licensed early learning experiences for children ages 6 weeks through Pre-K. This position supports classroom staff, oversees curriculum implementation, and ensures a safe, nurturing environment that promotes school readiness, social-emotional growth, and alignment with YMCA values. The Childcare Center Director acts as an operational partner to the Childcare Director in the full-day childcare program.

• ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
• · Oversee the day-to-day operations of Early Learning classrooms to ensure safe, developmentally appropriate care.
• · Hire, train, schedule, and evaluate teaching and support staff within DCFS guidelines.
• · Support classroom teams in curriculum planning, documentation, and behavioral guidance.
• · Support kitchen staff and assist in maintaining health department standards.
• · Maintain licensing compliance, including safety procedures, documentation, and required inspections.
• · Ensure cleanliness, supply management, and safety of classrooms and outdoor play areas.
• · Cultivate strong relationships with families through regular communication, conferences, and engagement.
• · Coordinate transportation and logistics for field trips and special events.
• · Monitor developmental progress and coordinate with families and support services when needed.
• · Collect and maintain data for assessments, licensing, and grant reporting as directed.
• · Play a key role in the ISBE food grant, specifically in data collection and reporting.
• · Serve as a role model and mentor for classroom staff in best practices and mission-driven care.
• · Assist with marketing, enrollment tours, and community outreach for early childhood programs.
• · Participate in YMCA events and staff development opportunities.

• STRATEGIC PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES
• Program Quality & Compliance
• · Deliver high-quality early learning aligned with DCFS, Y-USA, and early childhood standards.
• · Maintain strong DCFS compliance and positive relationships with licensing officials.
• Staff Development & Culture
• · Build a team of nurturing, skilled educators who feel supported and empowered.
• · Lead regular training and coaching to support instructional quality and consistency.
• Family Engagement & Outcomes
• · Strengthen family partnerships and feedback loops to promote positive developmental outcomes.
• · Improve retention and satisfaction through communication and care alignment with family needs.
• LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES
• · Mission Advancement: Models inclusive care and fosters development of the whole child.
• · Collaboration: Builds a culture of trust and respect with staff and families.
• · Operational Effectiveness: Ensures classroom quality, safety, and daily efficiency.
• · Personal Growth: Pursues professional growth and fosters learning among others.

• QUALIFICATIONS
• · Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field required.
• · 2+ years of supervisory experience in a DCFS-licensed childcare setting.
• · Meets all DCFS licensing requirements including background checks, TB testing, and qualifications.
• · Familiarity with Illinois Early Learning Guidelines and Gateways to Opportunity preferred.
• · Ability to manage multiple tasks, coach educators, and communicate effectively with families.
• · CPR, First Aid, and Child Abuse Prevention certification (or within 30 days).
• · Flexibility to work hours that support program coverage, family needs, and licensing ratios.

• Performance Indicators
• · Maintain 90%+ classroom enrollment and increase infant/toddler enrollment by 5% annually.
• · Complete monthly coaching check-ins and ensure 100% of staff meet licensing and training benchmarks.
• · Host quarterly family engagement events and achieve 90%+ satisfaction scores.
• · Build at least 2 early childhood community partnerships annually (e.g., libraries, health providers).