A Preschool or Childcare Director manages and directs programs for very young children. Supervises child care workers and pre-school teachers. Proposes policies, program fees and budgets for approval by a program board or administrative agency or implements policies of a national organization. Meets with parents and staff to discuss the development, learning and behavior of children in the program or center. Orders supplies and monitors maintenance and cleaning at a facility. Ensures that the program or center meets state and federal guidelines.
Director - Early Childhood Education Hire Up Recruiting Inc - 4.8 Lincoln Park, IL Job Details Full-time $70,000 - $80,000 a year 10 hours ago Benefits Health insurance Dental insurance Paid time off Vision insurance Qualifications Early childhood education center experience Customer relationship building Employee relationship building Managing education teams Leading team collaboration initiatives Working with families Enrollment management Community relationship building School staff supervision Team motivation (leadership skill) General management Team building
Full Job Description Director, Early Childhood Education Center Salary:
$70,000-$80,000 per year
Job Type:
Full-Time Lead a Thriving Early Childhood Education Center Great schools start with exceptional leaders. We're seeking an experienced, passionate, and results-driven Director to lead a well-established early childhood education center. This role is ideal for a proven childcare leader who thrives on building high-performing teams, creating an exceptional experience for children and families, driving enrollment growth, and maintaining the highest standards of educational quality, safety, and operational excellence. As the Director, you'll serve as the face of the school and the driving force behind its success. You'll partner closely with ownership and an Assistant Director to lead daily operations, inspire your team, support teacher development, cultivate lasting relationships with families, and ensure the center continues to grow and excel. If you're the type of leader who believes culture matters, accountability drives results, and every child deserves an outstanding early learning experience, we'd love to meet you. Compensation & Benefits Competitive salary of $70,000-$80,000, based on experience Performance-based bonus opportunities Medical, dental, and vision insurance Generous Paid Time Off Additional voluntary benefits The opportunity to lead an established center with the support of engaged ownership and a collaborative leadership team A chance to make a lasting impact on children, families, and educators every day What You'll Do As Director, you will: Lead all aspects of daily center operations, ensuring a safe, welcoming, organized, and nurturing environment for children, families, and staff. Recruit, hire, coach, mentor, and retain exceptional teachers and administrative team members while fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and professional growth. Drive enrollment through outstanding customer service, strong community relationships, effective tours, and consistent follow-up with prospective families. Build trust with current families by delivering an exceptional experience and maintaining open, proactive communication. Manage staffing schedules, labor budgets, financial performance, and operational goals to ensure a healthy, successful center. Maintain full compliance with all state licensing regulations, health and safety standards, and company policies. Partner with ownership to identify opportunities for continuous improvement, operational excellence, and long-term growth. Utilize childcare management software and reporting tools to monitor enrollment, staffing, compliance, and overall center performance. What We're Looking For We're looking for a confident leader who can motivate a team, solve problems, make thoughtful decisions, and create an environment where children, families, and employees thrive. Required Qualifications 2-3+ years of experience as a Child Care Center Director Currently serving—or recently served—in a Director-level leadership role Minimum of 64 college credits, including 21 credits in Early Childhood Education Demonstrated success leading teams, improving operations, and driving enrollment growth Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and relationship-building skills Excellent customer service mindset with a passion for creating exceptional family experiences Experience using childcare management software and technology to support operations Ability to work a rotating leadership schedule, opening the school three days per week and closing two days per week Preferred Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field Experience with accreditation programs such as NAEYC or NACE Experience using Procare, Paycom, CRM platforms, or similar management systems Ready to Lead? This isn't just another Director position—it's an opportunity to shape the culture of a thriving school, develop an outstanding team, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families every day. If you're an experienced early childhood leader with a passion for excellence, leadership, and growth, we encourage you to apply. We're looking for someone who is ready to lead with purpose, inspire others, and help take our center to the next level. #LEA113
