Director of Early Childhood

Job Description

Job Description

Director of Early Childhood Education Programming and Development

Program Information:

Located at YWCA Ulster County’s headquarters at 209 Clinton Avenue in Kingston, the Early

Childhood Learning Center is a full-day, full-year program, embracing children and families from historically disinvested communities. This program enrolls up to 55 children ages six weeks to five years, with scheduled breaks in late December and during the Dutchess County Fair in August. The program supports equity in early education and centers children’s joy, safety, and voice.

Position Overview:

The Director for Early Childhood Education Programming and Development provides core leadership and mentorship for creating a high quality, early child educational program and learning community. They are the visionary for excellence at all levels and pathways within the early childhood community: teachers, internships and apprenticeship programs, parents, and the broader community. The Director has responsibility for forging and grounding strong pathways in achieving excellence and growth for all working in the essential roles of building high quality early childhood education for the children and families of Kingston and beyond. The director understands that it is important for daily operations, programs and policies to reflect this mission. They are an ambassador for the mission of the YWCA’s work for social justice through excellence in early childhood education and leadership.

This individual would have 10.5 months or 12 months employment and be responsible for all aspects of the business and licensing operations of the YWCA Magic Circle Center.

Key Responsibilities:

• With the CEO, Board of Directors, and partnership agencies, establish a vision for exemplifying high quality early childhood education.

• Provide visionary, values-driven leadership for all aspects of early childhood

programming.

• Lead and mentor through reflective supervision with all employees, interns and apprentices.

• Support and mentor teaching staff in curriculum delivery, classroom management, and

professional growth.

• Maintain open, effective communication with all staff, parents and interns/apprentices to promote a positive and collaborative work environment.

• Attend and support implementation of all mandatory staff meetings, in-service trainings, and continuing education requirements.

• Step into classrooms as needed to maintain ratios and support instructional flow.

• Collaborate with Associate Director for Business and Licensing Administration on organizational responsibilities and community events.

• Serve as a key liaison to agency leadership and external partners in the early childhood

education community.

• Oversee adherence to quality standards in accordance with this vision and with state and local requirements.

Staff Supervision, Mentoring and Program Development

• With the Associate Director, recruit, hire, and retain qualified, mission-aligned early childhood educators and support staff.

• Supervise teaching staff, providing ongoing coaching, formal evaluations, and opportunities for professional growth.

• Structure time to be hands-on in the classroom with teachers, supporting and promoting development of children, parents and teaching staff.

• Prioritize and lead weekly team meetings and facilitate a culture of collaboration, care, and accountability.

• Serve as a knowledgeable, hands-on resource for meeting children’s individual needs, including leadership in seeking additional support services as needed.

• Model respectful problem-solving skills for all members of the learning community.

• Mentor teaching staff in creating and implementing daily classroom activities to ensure they are developmentally appropriate and aligned with NYS and NAEYC standards.

Family Engagement & Mission Alignment

• Work closely with the associate director of businessPlan and implement annual family engagement activities, including seasonal events, parent-teacher conferences, and community-building programs.

• Ensure consistent, responsive communication with families and caregivers.

• Uphold and advance the mission of YWCA Ulster County in all aspects of program

operation, promoting equity, empowerment, and respect.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field required (Master’s

• degree preferred).

• At least two years of leadership or supervisory experience in an early childhood setting (birth through 8 years of age)

• At least two years of working as a teacher with young children in a classroom setting.

• Strong knowledge of child development and a commitment to developmentally

appropriate practice.

• Demonstrated ability to lead, support, and inspire early childhood educators.

• Must meet all NYS Office of Children and Family Services licensing requirements, including fingerprinting, criminal background clearance, and completion of all required training hours.

• Familiarity with NYS OCFS regulations and NAEYC accreditation criteria.

• Familiarity with the Creative Curriculum for UPK classrooms (preferred)

• Bilingual in English and Spanish (preferred)