Child Development Center Assistant Director

Armed Services YMCA of The U S A

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About The Position

The Assistant Director supports the Child Development Center (CDC) Director in the overall administration, operation, and quality assurance of the El Paso CDC. This position plays a critical leadership role in program management, staff supervision, training coordination, curriculum implementation, compliance, and family engagement.

The Assistant Director operates with minimal supervision and is responsible for ensuring a developmentally appropriate, high-quality early childhood program that supports children ages 6 weeks to Pre-K, meets DoD, State of Texas licensing, NAEYC, USDA CACFP, and ASYMCA standards, and directly contributes to the readiness and resilience of military families at Fort Bliss and the surrounding community.

Requirements

• Minimum age: 18 years.
• One of the following:
• CDA with at least 2 years of full-time experience working with children and families
• Associate degree with 2 years of experience
• Bachelor’s degree with at least 1 year of experience
• Strong knowledge of early childhood development and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Working knowledge of DoD child development standards, NAEYC accreditation, USDA CACFP, and Texas licensing requirements.
• Ability to lead, train, coach, and evaluate staff effectively.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, ProCare, curriculum management systems, and training platforms.
• Ability to operate independently, manage competing priorities, and make sound decisions.
• Must pass all required state and federal background checks.
• Must complete a pre-employment physical and meet immunization requirements.
• Must maintain all required certifications, credentials, and training.
• Must participate in ongoing professional development.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field.
• Experience in a licensed child care or military-affiliated early childhood setting strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the planning, supervision, and evaluation of a developmentally appropriate program that promotes the social, emotional, physical, cognitive, and language development of all children served.
• Support day-to-day CDC operations, ensuring safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environments.
• Model appropriate behaviors and best practices when working with children, families, and staff.
• In the absence of the Director, assume responsibility for CDC operations as directed.
• Supervise and support classroom leaders, teachers, and support staff, including performance management, coaching, and professional growth.
• Assist the Director with personnel actions including hiring, assignments, training, promotions, disciplinary actions, and recognition.
• Develop staffing schedules in compliance with required ratios and group sizes.
• Resolve staff concerns and complaints and recommend corrective actions when necessary
• Support and uphold all EEO policies and inclusive workplace practices.
• Coordinate and deliver a comprehensive staff training program aligned with DoD, state licensing, and ASYMCA requirements.
• Orient new employees to CDC policies, procedures, and program expectations.
• Execute required DoD training modules, ensuring timely completion of initial and annual training.
• Maintain training records, individual development plans, and training compliance reports.
• Identify training needs through classroom observations and staff feedback.
• Encourage and support staff in pursuing CDA credentials, college coursework, and continuing education.
• Build and maintain relationships with local colleges, universities, and professional organizations to expand professional development opportunities.
• Ensure consistent and effective implementation of the approved CDC curriculum (e.g., Frog Street / ELM).
• Observe classrooms across all operating hours to assess staff performance and program quality.
• Review lesson plans, classroom environments, and learning materials for developmental appropriateness.
• Provide feedback, coaching, and targeted training to improve instructional quality.
• Maintain curriculum and training resources to support classroom planning and enrichment.
• Support parent education initiatives and family engagement opportunities.
• Assist in ensuring compliance with Texas child care licensing, DoD standards, NAEYC accreditation, USDA CACFP, and ASYMCA policies.
• Support preparation for inspections, audits, and accreditation visits.
• Provide training and oversight related to health, safety, fire, sanitation, and risk management standards.
• Assist in maintaining accurate records, reports, and documentation required for compliance.
• Serve as a mandatory reporter for suspected child abuse or neglect in accordance with law and policy.
• Assist with budget oversight, fee collection, and accurate financial reporting related to CDC operations.
• Support data collection, surveys, and needs assessments for planning, reporting, and utilization management.
• Assist with maintaining enrollment, waitlists, and space utilization to maximize capacity.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree