Program Specialist Lake Cook KinderCare

Futures start here. Where first steps, new friendships, and confident learners are born. At KinderCare Learning Companies, the first and only early childhood education provider recognized with the Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award , we offer a variety of early education and child care options for families. Whether it’s KinderCare Learning Centers, Champions, or Crème de la Crème, we build confidence for kids, families, and the future we share. And we want you to join us in shaping it—in neighborhoods, at work, and in schools nationwide. Our teachers, center staff, and field leaders are the heart and soul of our business. When you join us, you’ll be directly supporting children and their education every day and experiencing the trials and triumphs that come with that responsibility. But you’ll never be alone. You’ll do it all with a village of dedicated and passionate humans who care as much about helping kids reach their highest potential as you do. The best part? Seeing the positive impact you’re making on the lives of young learners and their families—and knowing that your work matters. If you’re passionate about delivering high-quality educational programs to teachers, the Program Specialist role might be for you! Program Specialists play a special role in bringing our unique curriculum to life in our centers. As a Program Specialist, you’ll develop and lead programs from implementation in our classrooms to ongoing enhancements meant to go above and beyond. When you join our team as a Program Specialist you will: Ensure our world-class curriculum is presented as intended and that teachers can speak to the curriculum and what children are learning Spend 75% of your time in the classroom, educating children and mentoring and modeling for teachers Partner with parents with a shared desire to provide the best care and education for their children Train, motivate and lead staff and assist center management with interviewing and hiring of teachers Support your center's success by partnering with center staff and leadership to achieve goals around enrollment, accreditation, and operational objectives Required Skills and Experience: Ability to build relationships with families and coworkers and create a dynamic environment where play and discovery go hand-in-hand Outstanding customer service skills Approved State Trainer (preferred) NAEYC/NAC, and state licensing knowledge (preferred) Meet state specific guidelines for the role Physically able to use a computer with basic proficiency, lift a minimum of 40 pounds, and work indoors or outdoors Able to assume postures in low levels to allow physical and visual contact with children, see and hear well enough to keep children safe, and engage in physical activity with children Read, write, understand, and speak English to communicate with children and their parents in English In the state of Minnesota, we currently provide an additional $3.00 per hour premium on all classroom hours worked in addition to the range of pay listed. This premium is funded through the Minnesota Great Start Grant Compensation Support Program. Range of pay $17.40 - $21.95 Hourly Our benefits meet you where you are. We’re here to help our employees navigate the integration of work and life: Know your whole family is supported with discounted child care benefits. - Breathe easy with medical, dental, and vision benefits for your family (and pets, too!). Feel supported in your mental health and personal growth with employee assistance programs. Feel great and thrive with access to health and wellness programs, paid time off and discounts for work necessities, such as cell phones. … and much more. We operate research-backed, accredited, and customizable programs in more than 2,000 sites and centers across 40 states and the District of Columbia. As we expand, we’re matching the needs of more and more families, dynamic work environments, and diverse communities from coast to coast. Because we believe every family deserves access to high-quality child care, no matter who they are or where they live. Every day, you’ll help bring this mission to life by building community and delivering exceptional experiences. And if you’re anything like us, you’ll come for the work, and stay for the people. In the state of Illinois, we currently provide a 15% premium in addition to the range of pay listed to all hourly employees working in a center that participates in the Illinois Smart Start Workforce Grant. KinderCare Learning Companies is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, military or veteran status, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law. Job Posting End Date : 2026-11-20 #J-18808-Ljbffr KinderCare Learning Companies