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.
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