Director of Early Childhood

Director of Early Childhood

Location: Primary Learning Center

Employment Type: Full-Time Work Days: 260 Days / 12 Months FLSA: Exempt Reports to: Superintendent Salary/Benefits Salary is based on market comparisons as determined by the Superintendent and Board of Education.

Job Summary

The Director of Early Childhood provides leadership, direction, and oversight for the District's Early Childhood programs, including Preschool for All/Expansion (PFA/E) and the Birth to Three Program under the Illinois Student Success Act. The Director ensures high-quality instructional programming, compliance with all state and federal regulations, effective program operations, and continuous improvement of services for young children and their families. The Director supervises early childhood personnel, manages program budgets and grants, collaborates with district administrators and community partners, and provides leadership to ensure all early learning programs align with Prairie-Hills Elementary School District 144 goals, Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) requirements, and best practices in early childhood education.

Minimum Education, Certification, and Licensure

As required under Section 2-3.71 of the Illinois School Code, directors of Preschool for All programs must possess:

• A bachelor's degree in Child Development, Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Special Education, or a related field; or
• A bachelor's degree in another discipline with at least 24 semester hours in child development, early childhood education, or ECSE, including relevant field experience.
• Valid Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) required.
• Principal or General Administrative Endorsement preferred.
• Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to build positive partnerships with families, staff, and community agencies.

Professional Experience and Skills

Experience leading early childhood, preschool, or student services programs. Experience managing Preschool for All/Expansion, Birth to Three, or other state-funded early childhood programs. Experience supervising and evaluating licensed and support staff. Knowledge of ISBE Early Childhood regulations, IDEA, and state and federal compliance requirements. Experience managing budgets, grants, and program resources. Experience providing professional development and instructional leadership. Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills. Experience using student information systems and program data to support continuous improvement.

Essential Duties and Specific Responsibilities

Provide leadership and oversight for all district early childhood programs. Supervise and evaluate early childhood administrators, teachers, paraprofessionals, and support staff. Ensure compliance with all ISBE, IDEA, Preschool for All, Birth to Three, and other state and federal program requirements. Develop, implement, and evaluate early childhood programs and services. Oversee program budgets, grants, and fiscal resources. Coordinate recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and professional development of program staff. Collaborate with the Assistant Superintendent, Director of Student Services, principals, and community agencies to ensure coordinated services. Monitor program quality through data analysis, classroom observations, and compliance reviews. Develop and revise program procedures, curriculum, and operational guidelines. Support family engagement initiatives and strengthen partnerships with community organizations. Facilitate advisory committees, program meetings, and parent engagement activities. Maintain accurate student, personnel, and program records. Prepare required state reports, grant applications, and compliance documentation. Perform other duties as assigned by the Superintendent.

Student Support, Engagement, and Staff Development

Ensure high-quality instructional and developmental services for young children. Promote family engagement and strong home-school partnerships. Support inclusive practices for all learners, including students with disabilities and multilingual learners. Lead professional development focused on early childhood best practices. Foster collaboration among teachers, specialists, and support staff. Use program data to improve student outcomes and program effectiveness.

Success Indicators (First Three-to-Five Years)

Full compliance with ISBE and state/federal early childhood requirements. Increased enrollment and access to high-quality early childhood programming. Improved kindergarten readiness and student developmental outcomes. Strong family engagement and community partnerships. Increased staff retention and implementation of high-quality instructional practices. Effective management of program budgets, grants, and compliance requirements.

Terms of Employment

Prairie-Hills Elementary School District 144 conducts pre-employment drug testing and background checks. The information contained in this job description is in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with this position. Additional duties may be assigned by the Superintendent or designee.