Childcare Director

Job Description

Job Description

Prairie Pals Christian Preschool & Childcare

Childcare Director

Location: Oswego, Illinois
Employment Type: Full-Time | Hourly | Non-Exempt
Compensation: Competitive and based on experience

About Prairie Pals

Prairie Pals Christian Preschool & Childcare, a ministry of the Oswego Christian Foundation, has a long-standing commitment to providing high-quality, faith-based care and education to children and families in our community.

We are seeking an experienced, compassionate, and motivated Childcare Director who is excited to lead a dedicated team and help Prairie Pals continue to grow and thrive.

Our ideal Director is more than an administrator. We are looking for a strong, approachable, and supportive leader who values open communication, teamwork, accountability, and positive relationships. This individual should enjoy working closely with staff and families while creating an environment where employees feel supported and children receive exceptional care.

What You’ll Do

Lead & Support Our Team

●       Provide positive, consistent leadership for the daily operations of the childcare program.

●       Build strong, trusting relationships with staff and foster an environment where employees feel

comfortable communicating questions, ideas, and concerns.

●       Recruit, supervise, develop, and retain qualified childcare professionals.

●       Provide regular coaching, communication, training, and meaningful performance feedback.

●       Develop staff schedules and maintain appropriate classroom coverage and child-to-staff ratios.

●       Promote a workplace culture centered on teamwork, professionalism, respect, accountability, and

communication.

Support Children & Families

●       Build positive relationships with current and prospective Prairie Pals families.

●       Communicate openly and professionally with parents and promptly address questions or concerns.

●       Ensure classrooms and programming consistently reflect Prairie Pals’ commitment to high-quality

childcare.

●       Make the health, safety, and well-being of every child a daily priority.

●       Oversee enrollment and help create a welcoming experience for new and existing families.

Maintain Strong Operations & Compliance

●       Maintain compliance with applicable Illinois childcare licensing requirements, policies, and

regulations.

●       Ensure required staff and child records are complete, accurate, current, and properly maintained.

●       Oversee staffing needs, purchasing, enrollment, and other administrative responsibilities.

●       Assist with budgeting and responsible financial decision-making.

●       Maintain organized and consistent operational procedures throughout the childcare program.

Collaborate & Help Us Grow

●       Work collaboratively with the Preschool Director, administrative staff, and Oswego Christian

Foundation Board of Directors.

●       Provide regular, transparent updates to the Board regarding staffing, enrollment, operations,

compliance, and program needs.

●       Identify opportunities to strengthen and grow the childcare program while maintaining the quality

and personal attention Prairie Pals families value.

●       Help establish goals and improvements that support both our employees and the long-term success

of Prairie Pals.

What We’re Looking For

Required Qualifications

●       Must meet all current Illinois requirements to serve as a Child Care Director.

●       Previous experience in childcare, early childhood education, or a related setting.

●       Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

●       Ability to lead employees with both support and accountability.

●       Ability to manage multiple priorities in a busy childcare environment.

●       Confidence in communicating with families and professionally resolving concerns.

●       Ability to successfully complete all required background checks and other applicable state

requirements.

●       Commitment to providing a safe, nurturing, inclusive, and high-quality environment for children.

Preferred Experience

●       Previous experience as a childcare director, assistant director, or in a comparable leadership role.

●       Supervisory or management experience.

●       Knowledge of Illinois childcare licensing and compliance requirements.

●       Experience with staff scheduling, hiring, training, coaching, and performance management.

●       Experience with childcare enrollment and family communication.

●       Familiarity with Kangarootime or similar childcare management software.

●       Experience working within a nonprofit, ministry, or faith-based childcare organization.

The Leader We Hope to Find

We are looking for someone who genuinely enjoys leading people. Our next Director should be willing to listen, communicate openly, make thoughtful decisions, and work collaboratively with staff and leadership.

We value a Director who is present, approachable, organized, dependable, and willing to address challenges directly while treating people with respect.

Most importantly, we want someone who shares our commitment to creating a place where children are cared for, families feel confident, and staff feel supported and valued.

Compensation & Benefits

●       Full-time, hourly position

●       Competitive compensation based on qualifications and experience

●       Paid time off and benefits offered in accordance with Prairie Pals/Oswego Christian Foundation

policies

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Oswego Christian Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.

Prairie Pals Christian Preschool & Childcare is under the umbrella of a non-profit organization, Oswego Christian Foundation. Our philosophy is to provide an academic, social and spiritual environment with a program that will help children develop physically, emotionally, and cognitively. Our Preschool and Childcare provide an atmosphere that is conducive to children's learning while building their faith and self-esteem.

Company Description

Prairie Pals Christian Preschool & Childcare is under the umbrella of a non-profit organization, Oswego Christian Foundation. Our philosophy is to provide an academic, social and spiritual environment with a program that will help children develop physically, emotionally, and cognitively. Our Preschool and Childcare provide an atmosphere that is conducive to children's learning while building their faith and self-esteem.