Director of Childcare (South School)
Penbayymca, Rockland, ME, United States
Are you a child care professional ready to lead and grow a program that makes a real impact?
The Penobscot Bay YMCA is seeking a Child Care Director to lead our program at South School in Rockland. This role oversees multiple classrooms, including our public Pre‑K partnership with RSU 13, and plays a key part in shaping a growing early learning program.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys both leadership and hands‑on involvement—supporting teachers, engaging with children and families, and helping build a strong, high‑quality program from the ground up.
Our child care program serves toddlers through Pre‑K and is rooted in creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment for every child. As part of the YMCA, you’ll be joining a mission‑driven organization that is deeply connected to the Midcoast community.
What You’ll Do
Lead daily operations of the child care program, supporting both staff and classrooms
Supervise, coach, and develop a team of child care professionals
Provide classroom support and coverage as needed
Ensure a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment for children
Support implementation of age‑appropriate curriculum and activities
Build strong relationships with families through clear and responsive communication
Oversee program operations including scheduling, enrollment, and compliance
What We’re Looking For
Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field (or working toward)
Experience in child care or education, with leadership experience preferred
Strong communication, organization, and problem‑solving skills
Ability to build positive relationships with children, families, and teammates
Comfort with basic computer systems and required trainings
Schedule & Additional Benefits
Monday – Friday daytime schedule
(between 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM) — no nights or weekends
Monthly State of Maine stipend
(currently $240+) in addition to base pay
Opportunity to work across classrooms serving toddlers through Pre‑K
Why Join the Y?
Consistent Schedule
– Monday through Friday between 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Retirement Benefits
– Access beginning Day 1, with potential eligibility for up to a 10% employer match after two years
YMCA Membership
– Complimentary family membership
Additional Compensation
– Eligible for monthly State of Maine stipend (currently $240+)
Meaningful Work
– Be part of a team that supports children, families, and the broader community every day
Requirements Essential Functions
Lead the daily operations of the child care program, ensuring a high-quality experience for children and families
Supervise, support, and mentor child care staff through coaching, communication, and professional development
Provide classroom coverage and support lesson planning and activities as needed
Implement age‑appropriate curriculum that supports children’s physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development
Ensure the safety and well‑being of children in a clean, secure, and nurturing environment
Manage program operations including staff scheduling, enrollment, and day‑to‑day oversight
Maintain compliance with state licensing regulations, NAEYC standards, and YMCA policies
Lead staff meetings, training sessions, and ongoing professional development opportunities
Communicate effectively with families, providing updates and addressing questions or concerns
Maintain accurate records including attendance, incidents, and licensing documentation
Build strong relationships with families and connect them to additional YMCA programs and community resources
Foster an inclusive, welcoming environment for children, families, and staff
Support community engagement and outreach efforts
Perform all other duties necessary for the success of the program and organization
Qualifications
Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field (or working toward or equivalent experience)
1–2+ years of experience in child care, education, or a related setting
Interest or experience in leadership, team development, and program operations
Strong understanding of early childhood development and classroom practices
Excellent communication, organizational, and problem‑solving skills
Ability to manage multiple responsibilities in a dynamic environment
Commitment to creating an inclusive environment and working with diverse populations
Comfortable using basic computer systems or willingness to learn
Required certifications include Mandated Reporter and YMCA Child Abuse Prevention training (completed during onboarding), with CPR/First Aid/AED certification required within 30 days
Work Environment & Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made.
Ability to lift up to 40 pounds multiple times per day
Frequent bending, kneeling, twisting, and movement throughout the day
Ability to see, hear, and respond to the needs of children in a classroom environment
Ability to safely supervise and respond to active indoor and outdoor environments
Ability to manage and de‑escalate unsafe behavior when necessary
Regular exposure to outdoor conditions in all seasons
Moderate noise levels, with occasional higher levels typical in child care settings (85–110 dBA)
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This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys both leadership and hands‑on involvement—supporting teachers, engaging with children and families, and helping build a strong, high‑quality program from the ground up.
Our child care program serves toddlers through Pre‑K and is rooted in creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment for every child. As part of the YMCA, you’ll be joining a mission‑driven organization that is deeply connected to the Midcoast community.
What You’ll Do
Lead daily operations of the child care program, supporting both staff and classrooms
Supervise, coach, and develop a team of child care professionals
Provide classroom support and coverage as needed
Ensure a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment for children
Support implementation of age‑appropriate curriculum and activities
Build strong relationships with families through clear and responsive communication
Oversee program operations including scheduling, enrollment, and compliance
What We’re Looking For
Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field (or working toward)
Experience in child care or education, with leadership experience preferred
Strong communication, organization, and problem‑solving skills
Ability to build positive relationships with children, families, and teammates
Comfort with basic computer systems and required trainings
Schedule & Additional Benefits
Monday – Friday daytime schedule
(between 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM) — no nights or weekends
Monthly State of Maine stipend
(currently $240+) in addition to base pay
Opportunity to work across classrooms serving toddlers through Pre‑K
Why Join the Y?
Consistent Schedule
– Monday through Friday between 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Retirement Benefits
– Access beginning Day 1, with potential eligibility for up to a 10% employer match after two years
YMCA Membership
– Complimentary family membership
Additional Compensation
– Eligible for monthly State of Maine stipend (currently $240+)
Meaningful Work
– Be part of a team that supports children, families, and the broader community every day
Requirements Essential Functions
Lead the daily operations of the child care program, ensuring a high-quality experience for children and families
Supervise, support, and mentor child care staff through coaching, communication, and professional development
Provide classroom coverage and support lesson planning and activities as needed
Implement age‑appropriate curriculum that supports children’s physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development
Ensure the safety and well‑being of children in a clean, secure, and nurturing environment
Manage program operations including staff scheduling, enrollment, and day‑to‑day oversight
Maintain compliance with state licensing regulations, NAEYC standards, and YMCA policies
Lead staff meetings, training sessions, and ongoing professional development opportunities
Communicate effectively with families, providing updates and addressing questions or concerns
Maintain accurate records including attendance, incidents, and licensing documentation
Build strong relationships with families and connect them to additional YMCA programs and community resources
Foster an inclusive, welcoming environment for children, families, and staff
Support community engagement and outreach efforts
Perform all other duties necessary for the success of the program and organization
Qualifications
Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field (or working toward or equivalent experience)
1–2+ years of experience in child care, education, or a related setting
Interest or experience in leadership, team development, and program operations
Strong understanding of early childhood development and classroom practices
Excellent communication, organizational, and problem‑solving skills
Ability to manage multiple responsibilities in a dynamic environment
Commitment to creating an inclusive environment and working with diverse populations
Comfortable using basic computer systems or willingness to learn
Required certifications include Mandated Reporter and YMCA Child Abuse Prevention training (completed during onboarding), with CPR/First Aid/AED certification required within 30 days
Work Environment & Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made.
Ability to lift up to 40 pounds multiple times per day
Frequent bending, kneeling, twisting, and movement throughout the day
Ability to see, hear, and respond to the needs of children in a classroom environment
Ability to safely supervise and respond to active indoor and outdoor environments
Ability to manage and de‑escalate unsafe behavior when necessary
Regular exposure to outdoor conditions in all seasons
Moderate noise levels, with occasional higher levels typical in child care settings (85–110 dBA)
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