Preschool Director

• 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.