Starting August 2026
Ask about the W.A.G.E.S. Program: 6 weeks to 5 years old
Shift options: 7:00 am–4:00 pm or 8:30 am–5:30 pm (alternate with the assistant director).
Position Summary
Under the direction of the Senior Program Director of Child Care, the Early Learning Director is responsible for overall management, supervision, and promotion of the site in accordance with the mission and policies of the YMCA of East Tennessee, Department of Human Services (DHS), and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Additionally, the director upholds the YMCA’s Judeo-Christian principles by modeling behaviors that exemplify core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
Core Functions
- Ensure compliance with state and local regulations, including staff ratios, financial records, enrollment documentation, and inspection readiness; maintain consistency with YMCA, DHS, STARS, and NAEYC policies.
- Participate in annual budget planning; manage and implement the approved budget, correct variances, and provide program statistics.
- Possess thorough knowledge of center philosophy, policies, TDHS licensing, TNELDS, ITERS/ECERS criteria, and communicate them effectively to coworkers, parents, and community members.
- Handle administrative duties such as collecting participant fees, posting weekly snack menus, communicating with parents and the Parent Advisory Committee, submitting purchase orders and reports, and monitoring payroll time and attendance.
- Maintain a safe, risk‑free environment that meets each participant’s individual needs.
- Implement program quality controls, including parent evaluations at least three times per calendar year, and strive for Tennessee 3‑Star standards while working toward NAEYC accreditation.
- Plan and promote monthly family engagement activities that support overall child development.
- Apply best practices for early childhood development.
Supervisory Responsibilities
Directly or indirectly manage all center staff, substitute staff, and volunteers. Responsibilities include planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; training, rewarding, and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving conflicts; and ensuring daily operations adhere to YMCA health and safety standards.
Requirements
- Ability to perform essential duties satisfactorily.
Education and Experience
- Graduated from an accredited four‑year college and 1 year of full‑time experience in a group setting, or 60 semester hours of college and 2 years of full‑time experience, or high school diploma or GED with 4 years of full‑time experience, or continuously employed as an early child care director or agency owner since July 2001.
- 1–3 years of supervisory experience; strong supervisory and organizational skills.
- Strong communication skills with the public and school professionals.
- Experience with DHS‑licensed child care preferred; Y Team Leader certification preferred; familiarity with diverse populations valued.
Diversity, Equality, Inclusion, and Belonging
The YMCA of East Tennessee is an equal‑opportunity employer. We welcome applicants of all ages, colors, disabilities, ethnicities, family or marital status, gender identities or expressions, languages, national origins, physical and mental abilities, political affiliations, races, religions, sexual orientations, socioeconomic statuses, veteran status, and other characteristics that make our employees unique. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Certificates, Licenses, Courses
- Adult/Child CPR (required for hire, must be maintained).
- First Aid (required for hire, must be maintained).
- Completed Required Redwoods Training Courses within 30 days of hire, provided by the YMCA.
- New Employee Orientation required before start, provided by the YMCA.
- Annual training: Minimum 36 hours annually.
- Additional training, licenses, and courses may be required during employment.
Salary: $42,105.00 – $46,000.00
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