Child Development Center Director

Child Development Center Director
, Easterseals Gilchrist Marchman Child Development Center
, 1312 S. Racine Ave, Chicago, IL 60608. Full‑time position offering a $5,000 sign‑on bonus.

The Child Development Center Director provides expertise, oversight, training, and leadership to ensure the Child Development Center delivers high‑quality, relationship‑based, inclusive services for all children and families. Core responsibilities include implementing evidence‑based instructional practices, engaging families, maintaining a safe environment, achieving full enrollment, and ensuring compliance with federal, state, and regulatory requirements.

• Facilitate enrollment and develop a recruitment plan in collaboration with the ERSEA & Family Health Team.
• Oversee staff schedules, manage PTO approvals, arrange substitutes, and maintain classroom ratios.
• Collaborate with the Director of ECR programs to develop an annual parent handbook.
• Implement systems aligned with Head Start Performance Standards, Head Start Act, Excele Rate, NAEYC, DCFS licensing, and all applicable regulations.
• Develop an annual training calendar in partnership with the Director of ECR Programs and Learning & Development Manager.
• Build linkages with community organizations to provide resources for children, families, and staff.
• Allocate resources effectively to support quality program services while staying within budget.
• Participate in self‑assessment, strategic planning, and maximize child care assistance funding.
• Develop and maintain a yearly Family Engagement plan, respond to parental questions and complaints, and report concerns to the Director of ECR Programs.
• Foster a collaborative center culture emphasizing conflict resolution and transparent communication.
• Maintain open communication with staff and families and facilitate or participate in regional, team, leadership, and agency events.

• Monitor, assess, and review classrooms to maintain curriculum fidelity and standards alignment.
• Collaborate with the Instructional Coordinator to use assessment data for coaching and professional development.
• Ensure lead teachers facilitate lesson‑planning meetings.
• Support staff with child assessments, parent/teacher conferences, and required documentation.
• Ensure developmental screening, data entry in Child Plus and Teaching Strategies GOLD, and maintenance of child portfolios.
• Analyze child outcome data, home visits, and screenings to inform individual and program planning.

• Create an inclusive environment with the support of coordinators and managers.
• Implement a behavior review process and behavior plans with the Child Service Coordinator and Social Emotional Specialist.
• Assist teachers in modifying curriculum and IEP goals for children with disabilities.
• Provide ongoing training in Education and Disabilities as needed.
• Distribute screening results, coordinate re‑screenings, referrals, and follow‑ups.
• Ensure referrals to LEA and Early Intervention.

• Maintain enrollment, education, disabilities, health, and family data in program database and Teaching Strategies GOLD.
• Submit all agency and funder reports accurately and on time.
• Maintain required licenses and certifications.

• Oversee all center services and maintain compliance with Illinois DCFS day‑care standards.
• Achieve and sustain high levels in Excele Rate and NAEYC.

• Supervise and monitor documentation for child safety; no child left unsupervised.
• Follow up on timely family payments for services.
• Implement site‑level monitoring of compliance, Child Plus, and Teaching Strategies GOLD data.
• Ensure health and food handling regulations per Department of Public Health.
• Maintain a clean, safe learning environment.

• Implement reflective and relationship‑based practices.
• Provide leadership development and coaching to team members.
• Offer ongoing supervision, training, and performance evaluations.
• Recruit, retain, and motivate a collaborative staff…