Childcare Center Director

Gro; Kankakee (IL); Hybrid; USD 48,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Gró Consulting in Kankakee, IL, seeks a full-time Childcare Center Director to lead our YMCA childcare program and ensure top-quality, safe education aligned with school readiness goals.

The role requires directing daily operations, managing staff, and communicating with families, while maintaining licensing compliance and quality standards across programs.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2+ years of supervisory experience in a DCFS-licensed childcare setting.
• Familiarity with Illinois Early Learning Guidelines and Gateways to Opportunity preferred.
• Meets all DCFS licensing requirements including background checks and TB testing.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and effectively communicate with families.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations and ensure DCFS licensing, health and safety standards.
• Lead staff in curriculum development and educational practices per Illinois guidelines.
• Manage staff schedules, training, and development for a high-performance team.
• Maintain open communication with parents and guardians about child development.
• Prepare reports and maintain records on children, staff, and operations.
• Coordinate with external agencies to align with educational standards.
• Administer first aid/CPR and lead staff in emergency protocols.
• Manage the center’s budget and resource allocation in line with goals.

Skills

Staff supervision

Curriculum development

Parent communication

Leadership

Education

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field

Job description

Gró Consulting is a dynamic, hard-working, fast-growing, and communicative environment that seeks to provide excellent service to our small and medium sized business clients.

kankakee, IL

Job Posting: Childcare Center Director - Kankakee YMCA

Job Description

The Kankakee YMCA, a leader in community-based development programs, is excited to announce a full-time job opening for a Childcare Center Director at our facility. This critical role involves leading our dedicated childcare team and overseeing the operations of our various early learning programs. The position available is on-site and requires the director to be actively engaged in the daily activities and management of the center. This is not a remote job opportunity. As a Childcare Center Director, you will ensure that our center provides a safe, nurturing environment while promoting school readiness, social-emotional development, and alignment with YMCA values.

The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in childhood education management, paired with a passion for child development and leadership. This role demands hands-on involvement in program planning, staff management, and direct communication with parents and community stakeholders to support the growth and development of young children and their families.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the childcare center and ensure compliance with DCFS licensing, health and safety standards.
• Lead and support the childcare team in the development and implementation of curriculum and educational practices that meet Illinois Early Learning Guidelines.
• Manage staff schedules, training, and development to ensure a high-performance team capable of delivering quality childcare and educational experiences.
• Maintain open and effective communication with parents and guardians regarding child development and center activities.
• Conduct regular evaluations of staff and programs to ensure quality standards are met and exceeded.
• Prepare reports and maintain accurate records of children’s progress, staff performance, and operational requirements.
• Coordinate with external agencies and community groups to enhance educational content and ensure the center's alignment with current educational standards and practices.
• Administer first aid and CPR when required, and ensure a quick response during emergencies by leading and educating staff on emergency protocols.
• Manage the center's budget effectively, ensuring the allocation of resources aligns with departmental goals and YMCA's strategic plans.
• Implement and advocate for policy changes within the center to reflect the evolving needs of the community and advances in early childhood education research.

Requirements

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field required.
• 2+ years of supervisory experience in a DCFS-licensed childcare setting.
• Meets all DCFS licensing requirements including background checks, TB testing, and qualifications.
• Familiarity with Illinois Early Learning Guidelines and Gateways to Opportunity preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, coach educators, and communicate effectively with families.
• CPR, First Aid, and Child Abuse Prevention certification (or ability to obtain certification within 30 days).
• Flexibility to work hours that support program coverage, family needs, and licensing ratios.

Details

Location: kankakee, IL
Employment Type: Active
Salary:$48000.00 - $58000.00 /per annual
Skill Level: Director