Preschool Director — Launch & Lead New Montessori Center

Distro; Illinois; On-site; USD 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary range: $50,000 - $60,000 yearly

Paid holidays

401(k) program available

PTO based on experience and tenure

Professional development and growth

Job summary

Montessori Kids Universe at St. Charles seeks a Preschool Director to provide strategic and operational leadership for the new center in St. Charles, IL.

You will oversee daily operations, licensing compliance, enrollment growth, staff development, and family engagement. The role requires hands-on leadership, adherence to Illinois DCFS, and a background in early childhood education. You will recruit and coach staff, manage budgets, drive community outreach, and foster a collaborative school

Qualifications

• Must meet Illinois DCFS Director qualifications.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in Early Childhood Education.
• Leadership experience in a preschool, daycare, childcare center, or early learning program.
• Strong knowledge of childcare licensing requirements, regulatory compliance, and center operations.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop teams.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and time-management abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and childcare management software.
• Ability to successfully pass all required background checks and screenings.
• Preferred Qualifications: Montessori experience and/or Montessori certification.
• Experience opening or launching a new preschool or childcare center.
• Enrollment management, admissions, and family retention experience.
• Marketing and community outreach experience.
• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Education, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Experience managing budgets and financial performance.
• Strong community engagement and relationship-building background.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily school operations to ensure a safe, organized, high-quality learning environment.
• Ensure compliance with Illinois DCFS licensing standards, regulations, and center policies.
• Recruit, hire, onboard, train, coach, evaluate, and retain high-performing teachers and staff.
• Drive enrollment growth through tours, family engagement, community outreach, and marketing initiatives.
• Serve as primary point of contact for families and school leadership; build relationships with current and prospective families.
• Maintain high educational standards and support curriculum implementation aligned with Montessori and Reggio Emilia principles.
• Develop staff through coaching, mentoring, and professional development opportunities.
• Manage scheduling, staffing, budgeting, record-keeping, and administrative functions.
• Monitor center performance, enrollment goals, and operational metrics.
• Establish partnerships with community organizations and represent the center at local networking events.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and inclusive school culture.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Staff development

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Time management

Microsoft Office

Childcare management software

Education

Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education/Education/Business Administration or related field

Illinois DCFS Director qualifications

Tools

Microsoft Office

Childcare management software

Job description

Montessori Kids Universe at St. Charles seeks a Preschool Director to provide strategic and operational leadership for the new center in St. Charles, IL.

You will oversee daily operations, licensing compliance, enrollment growth, staff development, and family engagement. The role requires hands-on leadership, adherence to Illinois DCFS, and a background in early childhood education. You will recruit and coach staff, manage budgets, drive community outreach, and foster a collaborative school