Assistant Director of Early Care & Education (Project Management)

POSITION SUMMARY:
This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Provides direct leadership, instruction and motivation for students in swimming classes. The Assistant Child Care Director is responsible for assisting the Child Care Director in the development and administration of Preschool, BASE, Day Camp, Fun & Snow Days. Primary responsibilities include providing support related to office administration, program planning, Step Up to Quality, and state licensing.

OUR CULTURE:
Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

The Akron Area YMCA stands with others in denouncing prejudice, racism, intolerance, and all other forms of discrimination. We are committed to our mission: To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. In the 150-year history of the Akron Area YMCA we have always and will continue to be dedicated to doing more, doing better, and thus becoming a champion of change in our community.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Assist with planning, preparation and delivery of the following programs: Preschool, Day Camp, BASE, Fun & Snow Days.
Assist with recruiting, training, supervising and evaluating staff and volunteers for quality programs.
Help maintain continuous growth through program development and departmental goals.
Comply with all ODJFS state licensing, Step Up to Quality, and YMCA standards for all programs.
Responsible for acquiring and maintaining Step Up to Quality star ratings at all locations.
Fill in for staff when necessary to maintain ratio.
Complete menus and prepare weekly snack for programs in accordance with licensing requirements.
Maintain branch environment to meet licensing standards; storage, cleaning, rotation, materials in each space.
Ensure compliance of all ODJFS state licensing guidelines and requirements; assists in site audits.
Assist with developing and maintaining relationships with ODJFS, school district administration, parents, parent groups, and other organizations and agencies related to assigned programs.
Assist in creating and providing resources to families in accordance with Step Up to Quality and licensing requirements.
Be a part of and play an active role in the branch leadership team.
Understand the need for and play an active role in the Annual Campaign & other fundraising and special events.
Program Enrollments will increase by 1% to 5% annually.
Facilities and equipment will be well maintained to meet requirements of ODJFS, and YMCA.
Staff will be friendly and well trained and they will exceed minimum licensing requirements.
Meet and exceed school district, parent and program expectations.
Maintain appropriate staffing levels at all times.
Identify creative options to maximize the effectiveness of the program.
Identify opportunities to expand program offerings.
All other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS | ABUSE PREVENTION:
Upholding the YMCA's commitment to the safety and well-being of youth in our programs is a core responsibility of all staff regardless of position.

Attend required abuse risk management training.
Screen employees and volunteers for abuse risk according to policies and procedures.
Train, supervise, and require adherence of employees and volunteers to policies and procedures related to abuse risk.
Provide employees and volunteers with regular feedback about boundaries with consumers.
Respond quickly to policy and procedure violations.
Respond quickly and seriously to all reports of suspicious and inappropriate behaviors.
Communicate the YMCA's commitment to abuse prevention.
Follow mandated abuse reporting requirements.

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:

Emotional Maturity - Regulates behavior based on assessment of situation, personal feelings, strengths, and limitations. Demonstrates a settling presence, even during times of crisis and challenge.
Inclusion - Addresses behaviors and practices that do not support inclusion in positive and equitable ways. Ensures staff model equity, inclusion, cultural competence in all areas of their work.
Developing Self & Others - Provides staff with the support, time, tools, and resources necessary to set, meet or exceed goals. Coaches others for continuous development, including analyzing performance gaps, building development plans, delivering appreciative and developmental feedback.
Communication & Influence - Writes clearly and concisely using correct grammar, vocabulary, and appropriate tone for the message or audience. Speaks in a clear articulate manner. Maintains clear regular and concise communication within area of responsibility.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Must qualify under ODJFS stipulations to be a site administrator, Career Pathways Level CPL3 required
At least two years of experience working with children
Certifications in CPR, First Aid, Communicable Disease and Child Abuse Prevention are required to be obtained within 90 days of hire.
Must be able to provide a copy of High school diploma, a completed medical form (JFS 01296) and undergo a BCI/FBI background check prior to first day of work.
Must believe in YMCA's philosophy and mission and be willing to teach, model and implement character development values
Must be flexible and take initiative as well as maintain a positive and professional attitude
Must possess valid driver's license and have reliable transportation
Must complete required OCCRRA trainings
Four-year degree in related field preferred

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee frequently is required to sit and reach, and must be able to move around the work environment.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
Sit and stand for extended periods of time.
Indoor and outdoor work required.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Work at a computer for extended period of time.
Indoor and outdoor work required.