Child Care Program Administrator

Illinois State Board of Education; Springfield (IL); On-site; USD 64,000 - 109,000; Full time

Job summary

Illinois State Board of Education in Springfield seeks a Child Care Program Administrator (Principal Consultant) to lead CACFP administration, budget reviews, and policy support. The role requires an advanced degree and relevant experience, with strong communication skills.

The incumbent will provide technical assistance to agencies, interpret regulations, and develop procedures to ensure compliant program delivery, reporting, and outreach.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher in Nutrition/related fields or a Bachelor's with two years' experience.
• Two years of relevant experience beyond education requirements.
• Comprehensive knowledge in nutrition, wellness program management, and finance.
• Knowledge of resource allocation and project coordination.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates administration and program management for the CACFP, serving as primary contact.
• Approves sponsoring organizations and reviews financial documentation for CACFP.
• Monitors budgets versus actual expenditures for approvals.
• Provides program technical assistance to agencies, legislators, and staff.
• Interprets federal/state regulations and guidance for administration.
• Oversees implementation of applicable regulations, policies, and guidelines.
• Develops procedures and technology systems for efficient administration.
• Collects and analyzes data to determine program reach and outreach.
• Ensures compliance with federal program requirements.
• Assists in policy development and coordination with related programs.

Skills

Oral and written communication

Problem solving

Independent work capability

Travel ability

Driver's license

Education

Master's degree in Nutrition, Food Service Management, Education, Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, or Social Services

Bachelor's degree in one listed area plus two years of relevant professional experience

Tools

MS Word

MS Excel

Information systems

Database applications

Job description

Child Care Program Administrator (Principal Consultant #734)

Inventory #

734

Location

Springfield

Union

IFSOE

Department

Anticipated Starting Salary Range

$64,322 - $81,284

Full Salary Range

$64,322 - $109,467

Office Hours

Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Posted Date

September 28, 2026

Closing Date

Reporting to the Director, performs work ranging from moderate to considerable complexity applying practices and technical expertise in the areas of child nutrition program and fiscal management and technical assistance for the administration of the Child and Adult Care Food Program.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Coordinates the administration and program management for the Child and Adult Care Food Program, including serving as a primary contact for program related questions from program participants, legislators, USDA, and program advocates.
• Participates in the approval and administration of the Child and Adult Care Food Program, including approving sponsoring organizations and their sites for participation in the family day care home and/or center operations of the Child and Adult Care Food Program, conducting on-site and off-site financial review, reviewing participant management plans, and reviewing program participant information and financial documentation to ensure that the sponsoring organization is capable, viable, and able to participate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program.
• Monitor and review program budgets versus actual expenditures for programmatic approvals.
• Provides program technical assistance to local education agencies, program administrators, advocacy groups, legislators, and Agency staff, including serving as a primary contact for programmatic, fiscal, and nutrition related questions; researching, developing, and dissemination training and technical assistance materials; and developing and making presentations in a variety of training venues such as workshops and webinars.
• Interprets federal and state regulations, policy memos, and guidance for program administration and local administrators.
• Oversees the implementation of federal and state regulations, policies, and guidelines.
• Develops procedures and technology systems for efficient program administration.
• Coordinates and monitors schedules and timelines related to the completion of federal and state completion of reports and activities.
• Collects and analyzes data to determine program reach and outreach.
• Oversees compliance with federal program requirements.
• Assists in the development of policies and procedures for program administrators and coordinates program policies and procedures with related federal and state programs.
• Develops and disseminates program instructions.
• Responds to sponsor questions and requests for technical assistance.
• Reviews proposed federal regulations and prepares Agency comments.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in Nutrition, Food Service Management, Education, Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, or Social Services, or, a Bachelor's degree in one of the listed areas plus two years of relevant professional experience. (COPY OF TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED AT TIME OF APPLICATION)
• Two years of experience (in addition to education requirements) in nutrition, food service management, wellness program management, governmental grant programs, business administration, auditing, finance or social services.
• Comprehensive knowledge of and demonstrated ability in nutrition, wellness program management, teaching, business administration, finance or social services.
• Knowledge of resource allocation and project coordination.
• Knowledge of information systems and database applications.
• Demonstrated ability to apply problem solving techniques to complex issues.
• Demonstrated ability in conducting multi-task assignments and meeting deadlines.
• Demonstrated oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability using a computer.
• Demonstrated ability using Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team.
• Must have a valid Illinois Driver's License and the ability to travel.