Preschool Assistant Director

Open Space Schools; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Opportunity for advancement

Paid time off

Training & development

Vision insurance

401(k)

401(k) matching

Competitive salary

Dental insurance

Flexible schedule

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Open Space Early Learning Center in Chicago, IL is seeking an Assistant Director with proven experience in early childhood education to support teaching staff and ensure daily operations run smoothly.

You will supervise faculty, coordinate programming with teachers, maintain licensing compliance (DCFS and City of Chicago), and help plan parent engagement events while modeling a caring, professional approach.

Qualifications

• DCFS requirements met and ability to ensure licensing compliance.
• Strong leadership to guide center staff and operations.
• Experience in early childhood education and program development.

Responsibilities

• Act as Director in the Director’s absence and manage daily center operations.
• Oversee opening/closing, safety, and communication with families.
• Support curriculum development with teachers and supervise staff.
• Plan and execute parent engagement events and initiatives.
• Maintain records per DCFS, State, City, and licensing agencies.

Skills

Leadership

Staff supervision

Family communication

Time management

DCFS compliance

Education

Associate's degree with 21 ECE credits

Gateways Level 1 Director Credential or admin/leadership coursework

Tools

Office software

Job description

Benefits:

• Health insurance


• Opportunity for advancement


• Paid time off


• Training & development


• Vision insurance


• 401(k)


• 401(k) matching


• Competitive salary


• Dental insurance


• Flexible schedule


• Tuition assistance

Come join us at Open Space Early Learning Center!

We are looking for an Assistant Director with a proven track record of providing excellent care and education for young children, a passionate and caring approach to teacher coaching, and an unyielding desire to further the field of early education.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Act as a Director in the Director’s absence, with responsibilities including opening and/or closing the center each day, supervising faculty, communicating with families, ensuring that the center meets DCFS and City of Chicago standards at all times, and, overall, ensuring that daily center operations run smoothly.


• Manage opening or closing the center each day and ensuring the safety and security of the children, families and teachers at Open Space.


• Maintain positive relationships with children, staff, parents, and co-workers.


• Reliably meet deadlines and manages time and attendance well.


• Follow Open Space’s and Safety policies, procedures and regulations.


• Follow legal and ethical standards related to job responsibilities.


• Perform general office duties daily including reading mail and email, making and receiving phone calls, filing documents, managing database systems, and overseeing office activities.


• Support creation of programming and curriculum within classrooms with teachers.


• Supervise and advise staff.


• Manage center facilities.


• Ensure that the center is adhering to all DCFS and other licensing agencies regulations. Become familiar with the DCFS 407 and City of Chicago Health Requirements


• Assist in creating and implementing new policies as needed.


• Assist with planning and executing parent engagement events and initiatives.


• Assist with managing files and ensure that all documentation is up to date according to DCFS, State, City, Open Space and all licensing agencies.

Qualifications:

• Must meet basic requirements of DCFS:
  
  
  
  • Associate's degree that includes 21 ECE credit hours
  
  
  • Preferred: Gateways Level 1 Director Credential or 3 credit hours in administration/leadership
  
  
  
  


• Ability to relate positively with young children.


• Strong leadership and management skills.


• Knowledge of the social, emotional, and creative needs of young children.


• Previous teaching or assistant teaching position in a public or private school system, quality preschool, or childcare center.


• Certification, degree, college-level courses related to early childhood, or preschool or elementary education is desirable.


• Must be able to lift up to 35 lbs. in connection with the handling of children for the facilitation of programs, child safety, and potential emergency situations.