Preschool Director

Job Description

Job Description

• Position: Preschool Director — Montessori Kids Universe at St. Charles (DBA), St. Charles, IL

• About Us: Montessori Kids Universe (MKU) at St. Charles is an innovative early childhood education center providing high-quality care and education from infancy through kindergarten. Our curriculum blends Montessori and Reggio Emilia philosophies to create a nurturing, engaging learning environment.

• Position Summary: Provide strategic and operational leadership for the center: oversee daily operations, licensing compliance, enrollment growth, staff development, family engagement, and overall school performance. Hands-on leader required to launch, manage, and grow a high-quality early childhood program while fostering a positive culture for children, families, and staff.

• Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee daily school operations to ensure a safe, organized, high-quality learning environment

• Ensure compliance with Illinois DCFS licensing standards, regulations, and center policies

• Recruit, hire, onboard, train, coach, evaluate, and retain high-performing teachers and staff

• Drive enrollment growth through tours, family engagement, community outreach, and marketing initiatives

• Serve as primary point of contact for families and school leadership; build strong relationships with current and prospective families

• Maintain high educational standards and support curriculum implementation aligned with Montessori and Reggio Emilia principles

• Develop staff through coaching, mentoring, and professional development opportunities

• Manage scheduling, staffing, budgeting, recordkeeping, and administrative functions

• Monitor center performance, enrollment goals, and operational metrics

• Establish partnerships with community organizations and represent the center at local networking events

• Foster a positive, collaborative, and inclusive school culture

• Required Qualifications:

• Must meet Illinois DCFS Director qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in Early Childhood Education

• Previous leadership experience in a preschool, daycare, childcare center, or early learning program

• Strong knowledge of childcare licensing requirements, regulatory compliance, and center operations

• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop teams

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and time-management abilities

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and childcare management software

• Ability to successfully pass all required background checks and screenings

• Preferred Qualifications:

• Montessori experience and/or Montessori certification

• Experience opening or launching a new preschool or childcare center

• Enrollment management, admissions, and family retention experience

• Marketing and community outreach experience

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Education, Business Administration, or a related field

• Experience managing budgets and financial performance

• Strong community engagement and relationship-building background

• Physical Requirements:

• Ability to move throughout the facility, including classrooms, offices, and outdoor play areas

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and sit for extended periods as needed

• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds occasionally

• Ability to actively participate in school events, classroom activities, and emergency situations

• Ability to use computers, phones, and office equipment for extended periods

• Ability to communicate effectively with children, families, staff, and community partners

• Visual and auditory ability to supervise children and maintain a safe environment

• Compensation & Benefits:

• Salary range: $50,000 - $60,000 annually

• Paid holidays

• 401(k) program available

• Potential PTO based on experience and tenure

• Professional development and growth opportunities

• Additional Information:

• External client: DBA Montessori Kids Universe at St. Charles

• Important: This role requires meeting Illinois DCFS Director qualifications and passing all required checks

• Location: St. Charles, IL

• Note: This position involves launching and growing a new center; hands-on leadership and operational experience preferred.

#HireFinder

#LI-PROMOTED

#LI-Onsite

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.