National Job Listings

OVERVIEW

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Director to lead and oversee the daily operations of our early childhood education program. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, a passion for early childhood development and education within a LCMS Christian framework. The Director manages programs and curriculum, provides staff leadership, oversees enrollment and budgeting, ensures compliance with state licensing, and ensures the preschool aligns with the values of Immanuel Lutheran Church.

LEADERSHIP AND PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

The director will:

1. Be ready and able to share the Gospel of Christ with children, parents, and staff through attitude, words and actions.
2. Apply and follow all laws pertaining to the Illinois Department of Child & Family Services.
3. Hire, supervise, mentor, and evaluate preschool staff (teachers, assistants, aides).
4. Provide new opportunities for professional development and ensure ongoing training.
5. Lead regular team meetings and support staff well-being and retention.

OPERATIONS, BUDGETING & FINANCE

The director will:

1. Ensure compliance with state licensing rules and health and safety regulations.
2. Maintain high standards for facility cleanliness, safety and child supervision.
3. Oversee student enrollment and staff scheduling to meet program needs.
4. Work with Office Administrator to develop, manage and monitor the preschool budget.
5. Oversee purchasing of materials, supplies and ensuring proper maintenance of equipment.
6. Provide continuous observation of the classrooms in order to complete annual evaluations.
7. Follow and implement the ILP Staff Handbook and the ILP Parent Handbook.
8. Ensure that all state requirements are met or exceeded.
9. Maintain a waiting list for enrollment, ensuring classrooms stay full and adequate staffing is available.

FAMILY & COMMUNITY RELATIONS

The director will:

1. Serve as primary contact for parents, handle enrollment, orientation, parent communication, and feedback.
2. Maintain positive relationships with other ministries of Immanuel Lutheran Church, ensuring mission alignment and partnership in outreach.
3. Represent the preschool in the community; attend community events, promote the program.

PROGRAM & CURRICULUM

The director will:

1. Oversee curriculum implementation, the school’s Christian philosophy, and best practices in early childhood education.
2. Ensure that spiritual formation is integrated into daily activities (Bible stories, songs, prayer, etc.) in coordination with church resources.
3. Maintain and oversee social-emotional supports.

ASSESSMENT & CONTINUOUS IIMPROVEMENT

The director will:

1. Use feedback from families, staff and external reviews to guide continuous improvement.
2. Stay current with best practices, early childhood research, and licensing and accreditation requirements.
3. Monitor student progress and outcomes; ensure assessments are aligned to the early learning standards.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

The director will:

1. Have experience in working with children in an early childcare setting.
2. Be flexible and emotionally stable.
3. Display abilities in planning and coordinating programs.
4. Display ability in supervision.
5. Demonstrate initiative and competence in working effectively without close supervision.
6. Have a genuine love for families.

EXPERIENCE

The director will:

1. At least 21 years of age.
2. Have a high school diploma or GED.
3. Have a minimum of an associate’s degree in child development or early childhood education or equivalent.
4. Provide a copy of their transcript during application to make sure experience requirements are met.

We are a Christ-centered school that strives to develop the whole child through a variety of play-centered learning experiences. Through our program, children will leave Loving Jesus, Loving Learning and Loving One Another.