Assistant Director

CARTER KIDZ LEARNING CENTER, INC.; Illinois; On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Carter Kidz Learning Center, Inc. is seeking an Assistant Director to partner with the Center Director in managing daily operations and ensuring a safe, high-quality educational environment in Illinois. This role emphasizes licensing compliance, staff leadership, enrollment support, and family engagement.

The ideal candidate will have DCFS qualifications, a degree in a related field, and a background in supervising childcare staff. Strong computer skills and bilingual abilities are a plus.

Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, or a closely related field.
• Active Illinois Gateway Registry Membership.
• Current CPR and First Aid Certification.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in a licensed childcare center.
• Minimum of two (2) years of supervisory or leadership experience.
• Knowledge of Illinois DCFS Licensing Standards.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office, email, and childcare management software.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Director with the daily management of the childcare center.
• Oversee daily operations to ensure classrooms are fully staffed and operating efficiently.
• Serve as Acting Director in the Director's absence.
• Promote Carter Kidz Learning Centers mission, vision, and values.
• Foster a culture of professionalism, accountability, teamwork, and respect.
• Participate in strategic planning and continuous quality improvement initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Supervisory experience

Staff coaching

People management

Customer service

Bilingual

Education

Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, or a closely related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Childcare management software

Job description

Job Description

Job Description

Department: Administration
Reports To: Center Director
Supervises: Program Coordinator, Lead Teachers, Teachers, Teacher Assistants, Floaters, Administrative Staff, Kitchen Staff, and Transportation Staff Classification: Full-Time | Exempt or Non-Exempt (based on final compensation structure)

Position Summary
The Assistant Director serves as the Center Director's primary leadership partner and assists in the overall management, administration, and daily operations of Carter Kidz Learning Center. This position helps ensure the center provides a safe, nurturing, and high-quality educational environment while maintaining full compliance with Illinois DCFS licensing regulations and all applicable state and local requirements. The Assistant Director oversees daily operations, staff performance, enrollment support, curriculum implementation, licensing compliance, customer service, and family engagement. In the absence of the Director, the Assistant Director assumes
responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the center. This position requires exceptional leadership, professionalism, sound judgment, and the ability to motivate staff while fostering a positive, child-centered culture.

Minimum Qualifications Required

• Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, or a closely related field.
• Meet Illinois DCFS qualifications for an Assistant Director.
• Active Illinois Gateway Registry Membership.
• Current CPR and First Aid Certification.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in a licensed childcare center.
• Minimum of two (2) years of supervisory or leadership experience.
• Knowledge of Illinois DCFS Licensing Standards.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office, email, and childcare management software.

Preferred

• Illinois Director Credential.
• Experience preparing for DCFS licensing inspections.
• Experience with budgeting, enrollment, and scheduling.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership Center Operations

• Assist the Director with the daily management of the childcare center.
• Oversee daily operations to ensure classrooms are fully staffed and operating efficiently.
• Serve as Acting Director in the Directors absence.
• Promote Carter Kidz Learning Centers mission, vision, and values.
• Foster a culture of professionalism, accountability, teamwork, and respect.
• Participate in strategic planning and continuous quality improvement initiatives.

Staff Supervision Development

• Supervise teachers, assistants, floaters, and support staff.
• Conduct classroom observations and provide coaching.
• Assist with hiring, onboarding, and orientation of new employees.
• Coordinate staff schedules and classroom coverage.
• Monitor employee attendance, punctuality, and performance.
• Assist with performance evaluations and professional development plans.
• Address employee concerns and support conflict resolution.

Licensing & Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with Illinois DCFS licensing standards and center policies.
• Monitor child-to-staff ratios at all times.
• Conduct routine health and safety inspections.
• Review classroom documentation, attendance records, incident reports, and child files.
• Assist with preparing for licensing visits and audits.
• Ensure required staff credentials, trainings, and certifications remain current.

Curriculum Educational Quality

• Monitor implementation of curriculum and classroom learning activities.
• Support teachers in lesson planning and classroom organization.
• Promote developmentally appropriate practices.
• Review classroom observations and child assessments.
• Support kindergarten readiness initiatives and continuous improvement efforts.

Family Engagement Customer Service

• Build and maintain positive relationships with families.
• Assist with enrollment tours and new family orientation.
• Address parent questions, concerns, and feedback promptly and professionally.
• Support parent conferences, family events, and community outreach.
• Promote excellent customer service and family satisfaction.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Assist