The Burke Foundation Early Childhood Center at the YWCA Princeton is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing high-quality childcare services to support families in need. We believe that all children deserve a safe, nurturing environment that promotes their social, emotional, and cognitive development. Our mission is to empower children and families through compassionate care and educational opportunities.
Job Summary: The Director of Childcare will oversee the daily operations of our childcare program, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, providing leadership to childcare staff, and implementing high-quality programs that meet the developmental needs of children in our care. The Director will collaborate with internal teams, parents, and the community to enhance the services we offer and support our mission to deliver accessible, affordable childcare.
Key Responsibilities:
Program Management:
Oversee the planning, development, and implementation of childcare programs.
Ensure that programs meet the educational and developmental needs of children.
Maintain compliance with all licensing regulations and health and safety standards.
Staff Leadership:
Recruit, hire, and train childcare staff, ensuring they understand and adhere to program goals and policies.
Provide ongoing professional development and performance feedback to staff.
Foster a positive, supportive work environment that encourages teamwork and professional growth.
Budget and Operations Management:
Manage the childcare center's budget, resources, and supplies.
Ensure efficient allocation of staff, equipment, and resources to meet program goals.
Oversee enrollment processes and maintain accurate records.
Family and Community Engagement:
Serve as the primary point of contact for parents and families, addressing their concerns and needs.
Build relationships with families to ensure their active participation in their children's development.
Collaborate with community partners to strengthen the impact of the childcare program.
Quality Assurance and Improvement:
Conduct regular assessments to ensure program quality and effectiveness.
Identify opportunities for improvement and implement changes as needed.
Ensure that the facility is clean, safe, and conducive to child development.
Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field. Master's degree preferred.
A minimum of 5 years of experience in a leadership role within a childcare or early childhood education setting.
Strong understanding of child development principles and early education best practices.
Knowledge of state licensing requirements and safety standards for childcare.
Experience in budget management, program development, and staff supervision.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience working in a nonprofit or community-based organization.
Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus.
Familiarity with trauma-informed care and inclusive education practices.
