Assistant Director of Early Childhood Education

At Kïdo, we are redefining early childhood education by blending the world's most respected global practices, including Montessori and Reggio Emilia, into a modern, innovative framework. We build beautifully designed, premium centers where children are empowered to lead their own journeys of discovery, and we back our educators with a deeply supportive, "people-first" professional culture that actively funds your long-term career growth.

Ready to Lead the Way?

If you are a passionate early childhood leader looking for a collaborative, forward-thinking environment where your expertise is valued and your professional growth is prioritized, we want to hear from you. Apply today to secure your role on our founding Chicago leadership team and build something extraordinary with Kïdo!

Location: Chicago, IL (West Loop)

Job Type: Full-Time, Daycare & Preschool Management

Category: Early Childhood Education (ECE) Administration / Childcare Leadership

Help Build Something Exceptional-Upcoming Campus Launch!

Looking for an opportunity to elevate your career in ECE administration while helping shape a brand-new, growing school community?

At Kïdo International Preschool , we believe our people are the heart of everything we do. Our childcare directors, educators, and leaders create extraordinary experiences for children, families, and one another every day. As we expand our footprint in Chicago, we are seeking an experienced, passionate, and highly qualified Assistant Director of Education / Assistant Center Director to join our founding leadership team at our upcoming West Loop campus.

This is an exciting opportunity for a strong early childhood leader who is ready to oversee daily school operations, manage student enrollment, mentor preschool teachers, build meaningful family partnerships, and help create a world-class early learning experience from the ground up.

What You'll Do (Key Responsibilities)

As the Assistant Director, you will play a pivotal role in the daily operations, compliance, and leadership of the childcare center by:

• Teacher Mentorship & Professional Development: Supporting, coaching, and developing teaching teams through classroom observations, training, mentorship, and structured feedback.
• Curriculum Oversight: Ensuring preschool, toddler, and infant classrooms are organized, engaging, safe, and perfectly aligned with Kïdo's globally inspired educational philosophy and high-quality child outcomes.
• Enrollment & Community Outreach: Partnering with the Center Director on student enrollment strategies, campus tours, family engagement events, and local marketing efforts.
• Regulatory Compliance: Maintaining 100% compliance with all Illinois DCFS (Department of Children and Family Services) licensing requirements (Part 407) , local health and safety regulations, and corporate policies.
• Daily Operations & Staffing: Supporting staff scheduling, assistant teacher onboarding, substitute management, and the overall daily operations of the preschool.
• Relationship Building: Fostering strong, professional relationships with children, families, and faculty through responsive, proactive communication.
• Culture Leadership: Serving as a visible leader and role model who effortlessly embodies Kïdo's core values of Listen, Learn, and Lead.

Required Qualifications (Illinois DCFS Standards)

To be considered for this administration position, applicants must meet the strict Illinois Director Qualification requirements under DCFS Licensing Standards (Part 407) and possess verified leadership experience in a licensed childcare facility. Applicants who do not meet these state mandates will not be considered.

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) , Child Development, Elementary Education, or a closely related human services field that fully satisfies the college credit requirements for Illinois Director Qualification under Part 407.
• Licensing: Must be fully Director Qualified under Illinois DCFS Licensing Standards.
• Leadership Experience: Minimum of 2 years of direct administrative or supervisory experience in a licensed preschool or child care center serving children from birth through age 5. Qualifying previous titles include:
• • Center Director / Childcare Director
  • Assistant Director / Assistant Center Director
  • Program Director / Site Director
  • Curriculum Coordinator or ECE Specialist with verified staff supervision and operational oversight.
• Industry Knowledge: Expert-level understanding of Illinois DCFS Part 407 regulations and a proven track record of managing teacher performance and classroom quality.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience opening a new daycare facility, launching a new campus, or rapidly expanding student enrollment in a preschool program.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish.
• Professional background working within Reggio Emilia, Montessori, or progressive, child-centered educational approaches.

Why Join Kïdo?

At Kïdo, we invest heavily in our leadership teams because we know great schools start with exceptional leaders.

Benefits Available to All Team Members:

• Competitive Salary: Premium compensation package with clear opportunities for career advancement into Center Director or Regional roles.
• Childcare Benefit: Free childcare tuition for up to two children ages 18 months and older while employed.
• Professional Development: Direct tuition reimbursement opportunities and ongoing corporate leadership training.
• Paid Training: Two annual professional development days dedicated entirely to team learning, growth, and compliance updates.
• Resources: A healthy staff lounge, and an seamless classroom supply budget process.
• Perks: $500 employee referral bonus program.

Additional Benefits for Full-Time Employees:

• Two weeks of paid vacation and one week of paid sick time during your first year.
• Paid holidays + your birthday as a paid day off!
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Company-paid short-term disability and life insurance.
• Annual tenure-based loyalty bonuses.

Join Our Growing Chicago Team

If you are a Director Qualified early childhood leader who is passionate about supporting teachers, driving enrollment, and creating a premium experience for families, apply today to lead the way at Kïdo West Loop!

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.

Kido is an equal opportunity employer.

The pay range for this role is:

60,000 - 65,000 USD per year (West Loop)