Director of Early Learning at YWCA Lancaster

eliminating racism 
 empowering women 
 YWCA Lancaster 
 
 
 YWCA Lancaster is looking for full-time Director of Early Learning in our Child Enrichment Center, who is an integral part of our team.

What your day looks like:

• Ensures that childcare staff are adhering to the DHS guidelines and regulations. 
• Hires, trains, supervises, and evaluates the childcare staff, Assistant Director, and Administrative Assistant. 
• Plans for the long-term growth and development of childcare programs, ensuring that they are consistent with the YWCA Mission, goals, and philosophy. Oversees achievement of relevant strategic plan goals and objectives. 
• Ensures that all childcare programs meet licensing and all other legal compliance regulations.  
• Prepares, monitors, and analyzes budget and statistics for all Childcare programs. 
• Works with the Development and Communications Department to fund and market childcare programs. 
• Negotiates yearly contracts with partners.  
• Assists in preparation of grant proposals and presentations to fund childcare programs. Maintains relationships with funding sources and monitoring agencies. 
• Staff of the Program Committee as needed. 
• Represents the YWCA on Success by Six and other boards, committees, and organizations as assigned. 
• Assists in preparation of national and regional statistical reports and United Way proposal and reports.
• Keeps abreast of community and societal developments in relevant areas of service through direct contact with staff of other agencies, participation in PACCA, NAEYC, and NAA community boards and committees, consultations, and professional reading and research. 
• Works with YWCA Public Policy coordinator to facilitate advocacy on childcare issues. 
• Complies with and ensures compliance with all YWCA policies and procedures. 
• Holds a PA Director Core Certificate or will be willing to pursue one. 
• Holds or pursues a PQAS (Pennsylvania Quality Assurance System) to provide Keystone Stars training to staff and Assistant Directors. 
• Oversees and is responsible for Child and Adult Care Food Program grant and paperwork.   
• The Director will be required to stay in the classroom if necessary to maintain ratio. Ratio must always be maintained.  
• Participate in at least one mission related activity a year. 
• Adheres to YWCA policies and procedures. 
• Performs other duties as assigned. 

Who you are: 

• Demonstrated knowledge of DHS, Pre-K Counts and Keystone Stars regulations and guidelines. 
• Candidates must possess the desire and ability to embody the YWCA’s mission of eliminating racism and empowering women.
• Respect for children and their parents, as well as a belief in the individuality of each child. 
• Relevant bachelor’s degree (Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Special Education, and Elementary Education) 
• Minimum of five years’ supervisory experience in a childcare program is required. Master’s degree is a plus. 
• Demonstrated skills in fiscal and program management and supervision.  
• Excellent communication skills are required.  
• Demonstrated knowledge of child development is essential. 
• Possession of a valid PA driver’s license. 
• Adherence to confidentiality policies and commitment to the rights of children is required. 
• Commitment to the YWCA Mission and Public Policies.  
• Physical ability to access files, and use a telephone, computer, and a calculator.
• Working cooperatively with other childcare and YWCA programs. 
• Facilitate staff meetings. 
• Participate in at least one mission related activity a year. 
• Attend a minimum of 24 hours of training per year. 
• Ability to lift to 45 pounds. 

Who we are: 

YWCA Lancaster is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. Everything we do is based on the belief that all women and families have the right to be safe and choose the direction of their lives. Since 1889, we have served children and adults in the community through a variety of programs. Current offerings include the Racial Equity Institute, Dorothy Height Book Club and Lunch & Learns on current topics; Kepler Hall residence, home to fifty women, men and children; YWonderful Kids providing child enrichment for ages six weeks to five years and before/after school care in a number of settings; Sexual Assault Prevention and Counseling Center with a 24 hour hotline and no-cost professional counseling for survivors of sexual assault and their significant others. Our programs address the fact that far too many individuals experience violence, and lack economic security, and these issues disproportionately impact women and people of color. If we want to empower all women, we must also tackle racism. When all women and families can reach their full potential, our communities thrive.

Benefits: 

• Medical, Dental, Vision after 30 days of employment 
• Retirement plan with employee match 
• 403b plan 
• Aflac supplemental insurance plans 
• Employee Assistance Program 
• Life Insurance 
• Long/Short Term Disability 
• Paid Time Off (PTO) 
• 15 days (1^st year), paid holidays, floating holiday 
• Training and Development Opportunities 
• Participation in YWCA activities and seminars 
• Childcare at a discounted rate
• Parental leave
• 20% tuition discount at Widener University (including graduate and continuing studies-bachelor’s completion) 

We are always looking for talented individuals to join our team. As a progressive company with strong core values, we offer a professional working environment and a competitive benefits package as well as the opportunity for personal and professional growth.

Equal Opportunity Employer

YWCA is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship.