Director

DCFS Center Director - Job Opening Description About Us At Lighthouse Academy, we are a premier early childhood education center dedicated to providing a safe, nurturing, and academically rich environment for children ages 6 weeks through kindergarten. Our programs focus on the whole child—supporting intellectual, emotional, social, and physical development through structured curriculum and meaningful relationships. Position Overview We are seeking a passionate, experienced DCFS Qualified Director to lead our Elburn location. The Director is responsible for the overall management of the center, ensuring full compliance with Illinois DCFS licensing standards while fostering a positive, high-quality learning environment for children, families, and staff. Key Responsibilities Ensure full compliance with all Illinois DCFS licensing requirements and regulations Oversee daily center operations including staffing, enrollment, and program quality Lead, mentor, and support teaching staff to maintain high educational standards Maintain a safe, clean, and nurturing environment for all children Build strong relationships with families and the community Implement and uphold curriculum standards across all age groups (infants through school-age) Manage staff scheduling, training, and performance evaluations Ensure proper record keeping, reporting, and licensing documentation Qualifications Must meet Illinois DCFS Director qualifications Experience in childcare center management or leadership role preferred Strong knowledge of early childhood education and development Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills CPR/First Aid Certification (or willingness to obtain) Passion for creating a positive, team-oriented culture What We Offer Supportive, family-oriented work environment Opportunity to lead a high-quality, growing childcare center Benefits may include PTO, health insurance, and professional development (based on role) Our Mission We pride ourselves on excellence in education, cleanliness, and relationships , creating a center where children thrive and families feel confident in their care.