Director - Daycare Center

Center Director - Early Childhood Education Little Blue Wagon Daycare 207 S. Walnut St., Rochester, IL 62563 $24 per hour | Full-Time | Monday-Friday | Leadership Role Position Overview The Little Blue Wagon is seeking an experienced and motivated Center Director to lead daily operations and ensure high-quality care and education within our early childhood program. The Center Director is responsible for overseeing staff, maintaining compliance with Illinois DCFS licensing standards, and creating a safe, structured, and nurturing environment for children, families, and staff. This role is ideal for a strong early childhood leader who is organized, proactive, and confident managing center operations, staff performance, and regulatory compliance. Schedule Full-time Monday - Friday Scheduled during center operating hours Pay $24 per hour Approximately 40 hours per week Benefits 80 hours Paid Time Off (PTO) annually 6 paid holidays Child care availability for employees Tuition reimbursement opportunities for continuing education in early childhood education Key Responsibilities Serve as the on-site Center Director and primary leader of the program Ensure full compliance with Illinois DCFS licensing regulations (Section 407) Oversee daily center operations, including staffing, classroom coverage, and program flow Supervise, support, and coach teaching staff to maintain high performance and professionalism Manage staff scheduling, evaluations, and development Maintain a safe, structured, and nurturing environment for children and staff Support family communication, enrollment inquiries, and customer service Oversee required documentation, reporting, and licensing records Monitor classroom quality and ensure developmentally appropriate practices are followed Collaborate with ownership on center operations, staffing, and program improvements Qualifications Applicants must meet Illinois DCFS Director qualifications under Section 407.130. Minimum Requirements 21 years of age or older High school diploma or GED AND one of the following: Option 1 60 semester hours (or 90 quarter hours) from an accredited college or university Including 18 semester hours in early childhood education or child development Option 2 30 semester hours of college credit including 10 semester hours in early childhood education AND 2 years (3,120 hours) of licensed child care experience AND proof of enrollment to complete 60 semester hours Option 3 DCFS-approved early childhood credential 12 ECE semester hours AND 2 years of licensed child care center experience Additional Requirements Ability to pass DCFS background checks and required clearances Prior child care leadership or administrative experience preferred Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills Ability to supervise staff and manage classroom teams effectively Ability to maintain organization and professionalism in a fast-paced environment Reliable transportation Ability to lift up to 40 lbs and move between classrooms and outdoor areas About The Little Blue Wagon The Little Blue Wagon provides high-quality early childhood education for children ages 6 weeks through 12 years in a nurturing and engaging environment. Our program emphasizes developmentally appropriate learning, safety, creativity, and school readiness while building strong relationships with families. Our team is committed to professional growth, collaboration, and providing exceptional care for every child. Apply Today If you meet the qualifications and are passionate about early childhood leadership, we encourage you to apply and join our team.

Pay:

From $24.00 per hour

Benefits:

Childcare Flexible schedule Paid time off Application Question(s): Are you willing to undergo a background check, in accordance with local laws/regulations? Have you completed the necessary college-level childcare and/or child development courses required to be director-qualified per DCFS Section 407.130 Qualifications for Child Care Director? For more information, the Section 407.130 Qualifications can be reviewed at the following link: https://acrobat.adobe.

com/id/urn:

aaid:sc:

VA6C2:9fc6fd53-633c-41ad-ab0b-4c7debc8e486 Provide the most accurate phone number & email address for follow-up communication. What date would you be available to start?

Education:

High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

Childcare:

2 years (Required) Ability to

Commute:

Rochester, IL 62563 (Required)

Work Location:

In person