Early Childhood Education Manager - Mary Ryan in Milwaukee, Wisconsin at Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee

Title: Early Childhood Education Manager

Reports To: Mary Ryan Senior Club Manager

Employment Type: Full Time Exempt

Schedule: Monday - Friday from 7:00AM-3:30PM

Job Summary

The Early Childhood Education Manager provides strategic and operational leadership for BGCGM’s early childhood and school readiness programming at the Mary Ryan Club. This position is responsible for creating a safe, nurturing, developmentally appropriate, and high-quality learning environment that supports kindergarten readiness and aligns with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee Strategic Plan.

This role oversees all daily childcare operations, licensing compliance, curriculum implementation, staff supervision, family engagement, and program quality efforts related to the Get Kids Ready Initiative and DCF251 regulations. The Manager serves as a culture-builder and leader who empowers staff, strengthens systems, and ensures children and families receive an equitable and exceptional member experience.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative and organized leader who can balance compliance, operational excellence, relationship-building, and educational quality in a fast-paced environment.

Essential Functions & :

Mission Impact & Member Experience

• Lead implementation of high-quality early childhood programming that supports kindergarten readiness, social-emotional growth, and positive developmental outcomes.
• Ensure all programming aligns with the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards, BGCGM’s Strategic Plan, DCF 251, and the goals of the Get Kids Ready Initiative.
• Oversee delivery of the required 437 annual hours of approved school readiness instruction.
• Create a welcoming, inclusive, and family-centered environment that promotes a positive experience for children, caregivers, staff, and community partners.
• Implement continuous quality improvement (CQI) practices to strengthen program effectiveness and member outcomes.
• Manage implementation and utilization of approved curriculum platforms, including Experience Curriculum and Brightwheel.
• Support data-informed decision making through accurate attendance tracking, child assessments, and reporting in BGCGM systems including My Club Hub.

People Leadership

• Recruit, hire, onboard, supervise, and evaluate childcare staff in alignment with BGCGM and DCF251 requirements.
• Develop a positive team culture focused on accountability, collaboration, growth, and child-centered practices.
• Provide coaching, regular feedback, professional development, and performance management to staff.
• Ensure compliance with required staff certifications, Wisconsin Registry requirements, and ongoing training expectations.
• Maintain staffing schedules and classroom coverage to ensure required child-to-staff ratios are consistently met.
• Conduct regular staff meetings, 1:1 check-ins, and team communication to support operational alignment and employee engagement.

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with DCF251 licensing requirements, YoungStar expectations, CACFP standards, and all BGCGM policies and procedures.
• Maintain a safe, clean, secure, and developmentally appropriate environment for children and staff.
• Lead implementation of emergency preparedness procedures, child tracking systems, incident reporting protocols, and health and safety practices.
• Conduct regular safety walkthroughs, emergency drills, and compliance reviews.
• Maintain accurate documentation related to attendance, incidents, medical logs, licensing, and child records.
• Ensure all required compliance reports, inspections, and audits are completed accurately and on time.

Family & Community Engagement

• Build strong partnerships and communication with parents and caregivers to support child development and family engagement.
• Conduct tours and enrollment support for prospective families.
• Address family questions and concerns professionally, compassionately, and proactively.
• Collaborate with community partners, schools, and internal departments to strengthen wraparound support for children and families.

Operational & Financial Management

• Support financial sustainability through effective enrollment management, WI Shares processes, fee collection, purchasing oversight, and budget monitoring.
• Track attendance, enrollment, and participation data to support reporting and funding requirements.
• Manage classroom and program supply ordering while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
• Ensure accurate recordkeeping and timely completion of administrative tasks and reporting deadlines.
• Monitor enrollment and daily attendance trends to ensure program sustainability, compliance with funding requirements, and alignment with budgeted staffing levels.

Education & Experience:

One of the following is required:

Additional requirements:

• Minimum Level 12 on the Wisconsin Registry
• Previous experience in licensed childcare or early childhood education required
• Prior supervisory or leadership experience preferred
• Experience working with diverse children and families strongly preferred

Competencies

A successful employee in this role demonstrates knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors aligned with the following competencies:

Working Conditions:

This is a full-time, salaried leadership position based at the BGCGM Mary Ryan Club. The role requires flexibility to support program operations, staff supervision, and family engagement, including occasional early morning or evening responsibilities. The position involves regular interaction with children, families, staff, and community stakeholders in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.