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JC
Jewish Council for Youth Services
Director of Early Childhood Education
Career Insights for Preschool / Childcare Director
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Based on Illinois data
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What they do
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.
$49,658 / year median in Illinois
+14% projected growth
Job Description
Make a lasting impact on young learners and lead a team thats building brighter futures!
At JCYS, we believe early childhood education lays the foundation for lifelong success. Were seeking a dedicated, inspiring Director of Early Education (Highland Park) to nurture both children and teachers while helping our programs grow and thrive. If youre passionate about education, leadership, and building strong communities, wed love to meet you.
The Director of Early Childhood Education oversees all early childhood programs and services at the Center, providing leadership, guidance, and supervision. This role ensures full compliance with JCYS, DCFS, and all relevant federal, state, and local regulations. As a key member of the leadership team, the Director also serves as acting Center Director when needed.
Design developmentally appropriate programs aligned with the agencys mission, community needs, accreditation standards, and licensing requirements.
Build and maintain warm, professional relationships with parents, staff, and community partners.
In collaboration with the Center Director, create, monitor, and evaluate budgets for early childhood programs and services.
Recruit, hire, onboard, and support educational staff, ensuring a high-performing team.
Conduct biannual evaluations (mid-year and end-of-year) of all early childhood staff.
Provide leadership and support for staff development, spending a minimum of one hour daily in classrooms to promote instructional excellence.
Partner with the Parent Committee to foster community-building activities and lead parent fundraising initiatives.
Plan, attend, and execute all community events (e.g., Holiday Celebrations, Family Shabbat Gatherings).Collaborate with key staff, parent committees, JCYS committees, and community leaders to develop and implement the strategic plan for early childhood programs.
Work closely with the Center Director and Child and Family Development Specialist to support families and resolve challenges.
Plan and oversee Summer Camp, including budgeting, enrollment, staffing, field trip planning, and maintaining program quality.
Support the enrollment process, understanding classroom ratios, staffing needs, and enrollment trends.
Maintain and ensure compliance of DCFS student files and assist with staff file compliance.
Collaborate with the Center Director to compose and distribute weekly newsletters; oversee effective family communication through Kaymbu.
Organize and lead monthly age-specific team meetings with educators and delegate additional leadership responsibilities as needed.
Help plan and facilitate monthly staff meetings to promote continuous improvement and best practices.
Minimum 35 years of experience in early childhood education, including supervisory experience.
Strong knowledge of DCFS licensing standards, accreditation standards, and best practices in early childhood development.
Demonstrated leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
Passion for building community, nurturing staff growth, and delivering high-quality programs.
Why Join JCYS?At JCYS, youll find a supportive team, professional growth opportunities, and a mission-driven environment where your work truly matters. Help us create a place where children and those who teach them can shine!
JCYS is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
At JCYS, we believe early childhood education lays the foundation for lifelong success. Were seeking a dedicated, inspiring Director of Early Education (Highland Park) to nurture both children and teachers while helping our programs grow and thrive. If youre passionate about education, leadership, and building strong communities, wed love to meet you.
The Director of Early Childhood Education oversees all early childhood programs and services at the Center, providing leadership, guidance, and supervision. This role ensures full compliance with JCYS, DCFS, and all relevant federal, state, and local regulations. As a key member of the leadership team, the Director also serves as acting Center Director when needed.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
(Other duties may be assigned as needed)Develop, administer, supervise, and evaluate all early childhood programs and professional services.Design developmentally appropriate programs aligned with the agencys mission, community needs, accreditation standards, and licensing requirements.
Build and maintain warm, professional relationships with parents, staff, and community partners.
In collaboration with the Center Director, create, monitor, and evaluate budgets for early childhood programs and services.
Recruit, hire, onboard, and support educational staff, ensuring a high-performing team.
Conduct biannual evaluations (mid-year and end-of-year) of all early childhood staff.
Provide leadership and support for staff development, spending a minimum of one hour daily in classrooms to promote instructional excellence.
Partner with the Parent Committee to foster community-building activities and lead parent fundraising initiatives.
Plan, attend, and execute all community events (e.g., Holiday Celebrations, Family Shabbat Gatherings).Collaborate with key staff, parent committees, JCYS committees, and community leaders to develop and implement the strategic plan for early childhood programs.
Work closely with the Center Director and Child and Family Development Specialist to support families and resolve challenges.
Plan and oversee Summer Camp, including budgeting, enrollment, staffing, field trip planning, and maintaining program quality.
Support the enrollment process, understanding classroom ratios, staffing needs, and enrollment trends.
Maintain and ensure compliance of DCFS student files and assist with staff file compliance.
Collaborate with the Center Director to compose and distribute weekly newsletters; oversee effective family communication through Kaymbu.
Organize and lead monthly age-specific team meetings with educators and delegate additional leadership responsibilities as needed.
Help plan and facilitate monthly staff meetings to promote continuous improvement and best practices.
Qualifications:
Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field (required); Masters Degree preferred.Minimum 35 years of experience in early childhood education, including supervisory experience.
Strong knowledge of DCFS licensing standards, accreditation standards, and best practices in early childhood development.
Demonstrated leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
Passion for building community, nurturing staff growth, and delivering high-quality programs.
Why Join JCYS?At JCYS, youll find a supportive team, professional growth opportunities, and a mission-driven environment where your work truly matters. Help us create a place where children and those who teach them can shine!
JCYS is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.