Preschool Director

• 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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