Preschool Director

• Position: Preschool Director — Montessori Kids Universe at St. Charles (DBA), St. Charles, IL

• About Us: Montessori Kids Universe (MKU) at St. Charles is an innovative early childhood education center providing high-quality care and education from infancy through kindergarten. Our curriculum blends Montessori and Reggio Emilia philosophies to create a nurturing, engaging learning environment.

• Position Summary: Provide strategic and operational leadership for the center: oversee daily operations, licensing compliance, enrollment growth, staff development, family engagement, and overall school performance. Hands-on leader required to launch, manage, and grow a high-quality early childhood program while fostering a positive culture for children, families, and staff.

• Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee daily school operations to ensure a safe, organized, high-quality learning environment

• Ensure compliance with 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

• Serve as primary point of contact for families and school leadership; build strong relationships with current and prospective families

• Maintain high educational standards and support curriculum implementation aligned with Montessori and Reggio Emilia principles

• Develop staff through 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 represent the center at local networking events

• Foster a positive, collaborative, and inclusive school culture

• Required Qualifications:

• Must meet Illinois DCFS Director qualifications

• Minimum 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

• Compensation & Benefits:

• Salary range: $50,000 - $60,000 annually

• Paid holidays

• 401(k) program available

• Potential PTO based on experience and tenure

• Professional development and growth opportunities

• Additional Information:

• External client: DBA Montessori Kids Universe at St. Charles

• Important: This role requires meeting Illinois DCFS Director qualifications and passing all required checks

• Location: St. Charles, IL

• Note: This position involves launching and growing a new center; hands-on leadership and operational experience preferred.

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