Early Childhood Center Director

At Kido River North, we provide a truly global early childhood education experience that inspires curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning. As part of Kido's international network of schools, our students benefit from a world-class curriculum that thoughtfully combines the best practices of Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and other internationally recognized educational approaches .

If you're passionate about shaping the future of early childhood education, Kido River North is a place where you can grow your career while making a meaningful impact every day.

We're looking for an exceptional leader to join our team as Center Director.

Position Summary

The Center Director is responsible for the overall leadership, management, and success of the preschool. This role oversees school operations, enrollment, financial performance, regulatory compliance, curriculum implementation, and staff development while ensuring every child receives exceptional care and education.

As the leader of the school, you will build a positive culture for teachers, develop strong partnerships with families, and create an engaging learning environment where children and staff can thrive.

What You'll Do

• Lead, coach, and develop teachers and administrative staff while fostering a positive, high-performing school culture.
• Oversee all daily school operations to ensure exceptional care, education, and customer service.
• Build strong relationships with families and create an outstanding parent experience.
• Drive enrollment growth through tours, community outreach, and family engagement initiatives.
• Manage the school's budget, financial performance, and operational goals.
• Ensure compliance with Illinois DCFS licensing (407), health and safety regulations, and company policies.
• Partner with Kido's Curriculum Team to ensure high-quality curriculum implementation and classroom excellence.
• Recruit, hire, onboard, and retain exceptional educators and school staff.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and well-resourced learning environment for children and employees.
• Represent Kido within the community while collaborating with corporate leadership to support continuous improvement and school success.

Qualifications

Required

• Must meet all qualifications for Center Director as outlined in Illinois Child Care Licensing Standards (407) .
• Previous experience as a Preschool Director, Child Care Center Director, Assistant Director, or School Leader.
• Strong knowledge of Illinois child care licensing regulations.
• Experience leading teams in an early childhood education environment.
• Demonstrated success with enrollment growth, family engagement, and staff development.
• Strong financial and operational management skills.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and relationship-building abilities.
• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, Business, or a related field preferred.

Physical Requirements

Applicants must be able to:

• Hear conversational speech with or without accommodation.
• Read printed materials with or without corrective lenses.
• Speak clearly and effectively.
• Lift and carry children or other items weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Bend, kneel, stoop, and work at child level throughout the day.
• Push, pull, and reach overhead.
• Assist with emergency evacuations and respond quickly during emergency situations.

Background Check

As part of our commitment to safeguarding children, employment is contingent upon successfully completing an enhanced fingerprint-based background check and all required pre-employment screenings.

Why Join Kido?

At Kido River North, you'll lead a passionate team dedicated to delivering an exceptional early childhood education experience inspired by global best practices. You'll have the opportunity to shape the future of our school, support the growth of educators, build lasting relationships with families, and make a meaningful impact on children's lives every day.

As part of our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children in our care, the successful candidate is expected to undergo an enhanced fingerprint-based background check

equal opportunity employer.

The pay range for this role is:

70,000 - 76,000 USD per year (Chicago)