• Position: Preschool Director• Position Summary: The Preschool Director provides strategic and operational leadership for the center, overseeing daily operations, licensing compliance, enrollment growth, staff development, family engagement, and overall school performance. This hands-on leader will launch, manage, and grow a high-quality early childhood education program while fostering a positive culture for children, families, and staff.• Key Responsibilities:• Oversee all daily school operations, ensuring a safe, organized, and high-quality learning environment.• Ensure compliance with all Illinois DCFS licensing standards, regulations, and center policies.• Recruit, hire, onboard, train, coach, evaluate, and retain high-performing teachers and staff.• Drive enrollment growth through tours, family engagement, community outreach, and marketing initiatives.• Build strong relationships with current and prospective families; serve as the primary point of contact for school leadership.• Maintain high educational standards and support curriculum implementation aligned with Montessori and Reggio Emilia principles.• Develop staff through ongoing coaching, mentoring, and professional development opportunities.• Manage scheduling, staffing, budgeting, recordkeeping, and administrative functions.• Monitor center performance, enrollment goals, and operational metrics.• Establish partnerships with community organizations and participate in local networking events.• Foster a positive, collaborative, and inclusive school culture.• Required Qualifications:• Must meet Illinois DCFS Director Qualifications.• Minimum of 5 years of experience in Early Childhood Education.• Previous leadership experience in a preschool, daycare, childcare center, or early learning program.• Strong knowledge of childcare licensing requirements, regulatory compliance, and center operations.• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop teams.• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and time-management abilities.• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and childcare management software.• Ability to successfully pass all required background checks and screenings.• Preferred Qualifications:• Montessori experience and/or Montessori certification.• Experience opening or launching a new preschool or childcare center.• Enrollment management, admissions, and family retention experience.• Marketing and community outreach experience.• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Education, Business Administration, or a related field.• Experience managing budgets and financial performance.• Strong community engagement and relationship-building background.• Physical Requirements:• Ability to move throughout the facility, including classrooms, offices, and outdoor play areas.• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and sit for extended periods as needed.• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds occasionally.• Ability to actively participate in school events, classroom activities, and emergency situations.• Ability to use computers, phones, and office equipment for extended periods.• Ability to communicate effectively with children, families, staff, and community partners.• Visual and auditory ability to supervise children and maintain a safe environment.
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