Preschool Center Director

The Learning Experience; Bartlett (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Professional Development

Wellness Benefits

Childcare Discount

Job summary

The Learning Experience Corp. in Bartlett, IL is seeking an experienced Preschool Center Director to lead the launch of a brand-new center.

You will build a strong team, establish a thriving early childhood program, and drive high-quality teaching and family engagement from day one. You will oversee operations, licensing compliance, enrollment growth, payroll and budgeting, and partner with ownership to achieve educational and business goals while delivering a supportive, rewarding work culture

Qualifications

• 2+ years of leadership or management experience in a licensed childcare or early childhood setting.
• Experience as Preschool Director or similar leadership role.
• Proven ability to recruit, coach, and develop teachers.
• Experience managing center operations, staffing, payroll, budgeting, or financial performance.
• Experience driving preschool enrollment and family engagement.
• Strong leadership, communication, organization, and business management skills.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in a related field.

Responsibilities

• Recruit, hire, train, coach, and develop a high-performing teaching team.
• Create a positive workplace culture that supports employee engagement and retention.
• Oversee daily childcare operations, staffing, scheduling, and classroom ratios.
• Maintain health, safety, and licensing standards.
• Ensure compliance with Illinois childcare licensing requirements and TLE standards.
• Champion TLE's L.E.A.P. Curriculum and exceptional classroom experiences.

Skills

Leadership

Recruitment

People management

Budgeting

Enrollment growth

Education

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

Job description

Salary: $65,000 - $75,000 + Bonus Eligible

Benefits: Paid time off, Professional Development, Wellness Benefits, Childcare Discount

About the Opportunity

The Learning Experience is opening a brand-new childcare center in Bartlett, IL, and we're seeking an experienced, driven Preschool Center Director to lead its launch, build a strong team, and establish a thriving early childhood education program.

What You'll Do

Lead Your Team & Center Operations

• Recruit, hire, train, coach, and develop a high-performing teaching team.
• Create a positive workplace culture that supports employee engagement and retention.
• Oversee daily childcare operations, staffing, scheduling, and classroom ratios.
• Maintain health, safety, and licensing standards.
• Ensure compliance with Illinois childcare licensing requirements and TLE standards.
• Champion TLE's proprietary L.E.A.P.® Curriculum and exceptional classroom experiences.

Drive Enrollment & Business Performance

• Grow enrollment through center tours, prospective family follow-up, and community outreach.
• Build meaningful relationships with prospective and current families.
• Strengthen family satisfaction, engagement, and retention.
• Monitor enrollment, staffing, labor, and key center performance metrics.
• Manage payroll, labor costs, scheduling, and staffing levels.
• Support budgeting, accounts receivable, and expense management.
• Identify opportunities to improve enrollment, operational efficiency, retention, and profitability.
• Partner with ownership and TLE support teams to achieve business and educational goals.

What We're Looking For

We’re seeking a confident, relationship-focused early childhood education leader with experience in childcare, preschool, daycare, or licensed learning center management.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 2+ years of leadership or management experience in a licensed childcare or early childhood education setting.
• Previous experience as a Preschool Director, Child Care Center Director, Assistant Director, Education Director, or similar leader.
• Proven ability to recruit, coach, mentor, and develop teachers.
• Experience managing childcare center operations, staffing, scheduling, payroll, budgeting, or financial performance.
• Experience driving preschool enrollment, family engagement, and retention.
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and business management skills.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, Business, or a related field required.

Illinois Licensing Requirements

Must meet all applicable Illinois qualifications and regulatory requirements for a licensed childcare center Director position.

Why Join The Learning Experience?

• Lead a brand-new preschool and childcare center from opening day.
• Build your own team and establish a culture of excellence.
• Make a lasting impact on children, families, and educators.
• Benefit from established curriculum, proven systems, professional training, and operational support.
• Access professional development, tuition reimbursement, and leadership advancement opportunities.
• Enjoy a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.