Daycare Director Jobs

Positive Kids Positive Futures (PKPF) Position — Daycare Center Director Locations — Chicago and Blue Island, Illinois Schedule — Full-time, on-site Pay — $25 an hour, depending on experience Reports to — Owner Position summary The Daycare Center Director leads the daily operations of their assigned PKPF center and is responsible for child safety, staff performance, licensing compliance, family communication, and enrollment follow-through. The Director maintains a warm, organized learning environment and makes sure teachers bring PKPF's core values into the classroom through age-appropriate affirmations, gratitude, and opportunities for children to practice leadership. Staff leadership and accountability - Prepare staff schedules and arrange qualified coverage for breaks, call-offs, openings, and closings. Verify classroom ratios and group sizes throughout the day. - Conduct daily classroom walkthroughs. Check active supervision, teacher-child interactions, classroom cleanliness, organization, and adherence to PKPF policies. - Give staff clear direction, coach them when expectations are missed, document recurring concerns, and follow up to verify that corrections are made. - Train new staff on center procedures and track required training, credentials, and renewals. Communicate staffing concerns and recommended personnel actions to the Owner. Licensing, safety, and records - Maintain accurate, current child and staff files, attendance records, and required licensing documents. Track due dates, obtain missing documents, and verify that required forms are complete and filed. - Oversee wellness checks, safe sleep, sanitation, emergency drills, incident documentation, and authorized pickup procedures. Address urgent safety concerns immediately and make required notifications and reports within applicable timelines. - Prepare for licensing visits, respond to requests for records, and track corrective actions through completion. Keep the Owner informed of licensing concerns and deadlines. Classroom quality and family engagement - Review weekly lesson plans by Friday and confirm that teachers are following them. Ensure classroom boards are updated by the 3rd, newsletters are ready by the 27th, and planned family engagement takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. - Make sure families receive timely updates during the day and that staff follow PKPF's photo and video schedule and family permissions. - Respond promptly to parent questions and concerns, document significant issues, and follow up with families after action has been taken. Enrollment and daily operations - Conduct tours, follow up with prospective families, and verify enrollment paperwork before each child's start date. Keep the Owner informed of open seats, scheduled tours, and upcoming starts. - Coordinate with PKPF Transportation Services when applicable so schedules, attendance, and child handoffs are communicated accurately. - Provide the Owner with a weekly update on staffing, enrollment, licensing deadlines, and open concerns. Bring urgent matters to the Owner's attention promptly. Required qualifications - Must meet the Illinois licensing qualifications for a day care center director (Rule 407.130): at least 21 years old, with a high school diploma or GED, plus an associate degree in child development or early childhood education, or the equivalent (64 semester hours of college credit, including at least 21 semester hours in child development or early childhood education). Other state-approved pathways include 60 semester hours with 18 in child care or child development courses, or an approved credential program plus 12 semester hours in child care or child development and two years of experience in a licensed child care center. Candidates must also hold a Gateways to Opportunity Level I Illinois Director Credential, or have completed 3 semester hours of credential-approved training in administration, leadership, or management. - Provide proof of education and three written references, and complete required background checks and training. - Demonstrate the ability to supervise staff, maintain accurate records, communicate professionally with families, and follow through on corrective actions. PKPF preferred qualifications - At least two years of supervisory or leadership experience in a licensed childcare center. - Experience managing staff schedules, monitoring classroom ratios, maintaining licensing files, and preparing for licensing visits. - Experience working with infants through school-age children and supporting family engagement and enrollment.

Pay: $25.00 per hour

Work Location: In person