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