Preschool Program Coordinator

YMCA Buffalo Niagara is looking for talented individuals with a passion for the YMCA mission and cause, an understanding of YMCA programs and services, and whose everyday priorities are a reflection of the core YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

YMCA Buffalo Niagara is an equal opportunity employer committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Plans and implements the program design for the before and after preschool program, and the preschool day camp program.  Provides direction to staff, publishes staff schedules, and ensures a high-quality and safe experience for children and their parents.

GENERAL WORK SCHEDULE:

40 hours per week.  Must be available to work between the hours of 7:00 am – 6:00 pm, Monday – Friday.

BENEFITS:

Free health insurance, employer paid group term life insurance at 1x salary, employer paid long term disability, EAP through Child & Family Services, and various voluntary benefit options.

Employees are immediately eligible to enroll and contribute to the Y Retirement Fund 403B plan and will receive a 12% employer paid Y Retirement Fund contribution after eligibility requirements are met. 

There is a generous paid time off program, which includes personal time off, holidays, and sick leave. 

All employees receive a complimentary YMCA Buffalo Niagara family membership and program discounts.

Other benefits include leadership development opportunities and career advancement. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1.    Organizes and oversees program activities and events. Plans and implements weekly lesson plans. Follows all YMCA program standards.

2.    Provides direction to staff. Coaches to ensure a high-level of performance. Enforces policies and procedures.

3.    Develops and publishes the staff schedule and fills in for absences. Manages time off requests and authorizes time sheets as per policy.

4.    Implements and maintains policies, rules, regulations, and standards as required by the NYS Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS), school administration, Department of Health, YMCA Buffalo Niagara, and any other regulatory agencies.

5.    Follows and enforces department protocol to clean and disinfect commonly used surfaces. Maintains the cleanliness and organization of program/work areas. Ensures PPE compliance.

6.    Provides a safe environment for all activities. Enforces safety rules and reports/treats any injuries.

7.    Conducts site audits and reports deficiencies. Initiates changes to improve the quality and safety of the program.

8.    Maintains all program supplies and equipment.

9.    Reacts to customer feedback and implements plans to resolve problems. Finds appropriate and timely solutions to complaints.

10.  Develops and maintains positive relationships with children, parents, staff, and school administration.

11.  Communicates regularly with parents, school administration, and the OFCS.

12.  Maintains all required certifications. Attends and participates in all staff meetings and training sessions.

13.  Carries out other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1.    Must be at least 21 years old.

2.    Meeting Day Care Director licensing requirements per NYS Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) is preferred but not required: Bachelor’s Degree in a child care/development related field, 1 year full-time teaching experience, and 1 year supervisory experience in a childcare setting, or NYS Children’s Program Administrator Credential, 1 year full-time teaching experience, and 1 year supervisory experience in a childcare setting or Associate’s degree in Early Childhood with a plan of study leading to a Bachelor’s degree or NYS Program Administrator Credential, two years full-time teaching experience, and 2 years supervisory experience in a childcare setting.

3.    Successfully completes the OCFS comprehensive background clearance requirements before beginning work at the program site.

4.    Able to lead activities for preschool and elementary school age children including group work, values education, and age-appropriate activities.

5.    Experience in program administration and staff supervision.

6.    Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills. Able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with participants, parents, school administration, and staff.

7.    American Red Cross, American Health Association, American Safety & Health Institute certification in CPR/AED (Adult, Child, Infant) and First Aid. Responding to Emergencies certification is preferred.

8.    Medication Administration Training (MAT) certification may be required.