Job Description

Imagine going to work each day knowing your work helps shape the future of our community's youngest learners. At the Summit Area YMCA, what you do matters. Every single day.

The Learning Circle YMCA is seeking a dedicated, enthusiastic Preschool Program Manager to manage the day-to-day operations of our preschool program. In this role, you will lead and support a team of preschool teachers, partner with families, and help ensure our preschool program provides a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive.

Working closely with the Executive Director, you'll provide day-to-day leadership for the preschool program by supporting staff, maintaining compliance with licensing standards, fostering strong relationships with families, and ensuring the highest quality early childhood experience for every child.

You May Be the Right Fit If You:

• Have several years of experience working in a licensed early childhood education program.
• Enjoy coaching, mentoring, and supporting fellow educators.
• Are an organized and dependable leader who can effectively manage multiple priorities.
• Communicate professionally and effectively with children, families, and colleagues.
• Are passionate about providing exceptional early childhood experiences.
• Value teamwork, inclusion, accountability, and building strong relationships.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the preschool program.
• Supervise, coach, and support preschool teachers and classroom staff.
• Foster a positive, collaborative culture that promotes staff development and high-quality programming.
• Partner with teachers to implement engaging, developmentally appropriate curriculum and classroom experiences.
• Build positive relationships with families and respond to questions and concerns in a timely manner.
• Ensure compliance with YMCA policies, NJ DCF licensing requirements, and all health and safety standards.
• Assist with staff onboarding, orientation, scheduling, training, and performance development.
• Maintain program records, licensing documentation, and classroom files.
• Coordinate parent conferences and support classroom transitions.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director to strengthen program quality and achieve department goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Salary & Benefits

This full-time non- exempt position generally works Monday–Friday during standard business hours, with occasional evening or weekend responsibilities. The salary range for this position is $50,000 – $58,000 annually, based on experience.

The Summit Area YMCA offers a generous benefits package that includes subsidized medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance. Paid time off for vacation, wellness, and holidays, Free YMCA family membership, discounts on YMCA programs and services (including childcare), Ongoing professional training and development and a 12% employer contribution to the YMCA retirement plan upon eligibility.

At the Summit Area YMCA, we are committed to equal opportunity employment regardless of gender, age, disability, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or religious affiliation. Our main purpose is to strengthen community. Every day, we work side-by-side with our neighbors to make sure that everyone can reach their full potential and we strive to live our cause with purpose every day. No matter who you are or where you’re from, we believe that we’re stronger when we come together.

Requirements

• Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education, Education, or a related field required; Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Minimum of four (4) years of experience working in a licensed early childhood education program.
• Previous experience supervising, mentoring, or leading staff preferred.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently while fostering collaboration among staff.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and other basic computer applications.

About the Summit Area YMCA:

We were founded as the Young Men's Christian Association in 1886, but today, we are The Y. Part of a world-class organization, we are one of the area’s leading nonprofits, that values, and is made stronger by, its diverse people. The Summit Area YMCA is committed to strengthening community by connecting all people to their potential, purpose, and each other. Working locally, we focus on empowering young people, improving health and well-being, and inspiring action in and across communities. By bringing together people from different backgrounds, perspectives, and generations, we ensure that we all have access to the opportunities, relationships, and resources necessary to learn, grow and thrive.