Assistant Director of Early Childhood Education

Assistant Director of Early Childhood Education

At Kïdo, we are redefining early childhood education by blending the world’s most respected global practices, including Montessori and Reggio Emilia, into a modern, innovative framework. We build beautifully designed, premium centers where children are empowered to lead their own journeys of discovery, and we back our educators with a deeply supportive, "people-first" professional culture that actively funds your long-term career growth.

If you are a passionate early childhood leader looking for a collaborative, forward-thinking environment where your expertise is valued and your professional growth is prioritized, we want to hear from you.
Apply today to secure your role on our founding Chicago leadership team and build something extraordinary with Kïdo!

Location: Chicago, IL (West Loop)

Category: Early Childhood Education (ECE) Administration / Childcare Leadership

Looking for an opportunity to elevate your career in ECE administration while helping shape a brand-new, growing school community?

At Kïdo International Preschool , we believe our people are the heart of everything we do. Our childcare directors, educators, and leaders create extraordinary experiences for children, families, and one another every day. As we expand our footprint in Chicago, we are seeking an experienced, passionate, and highly qualified Assistant Director of Education / Assistant Center Director to join our founding leadership team at our upcoming West Loop campus.

This is an exciting opportunity for a strong early childhood leader who is ready to oversee daily school operations, manage student enrollment, mentor preschool teachers, build meaningful family partnerships, and help create a world-class early learning experience from the ground up.

As the Assistant Director, you will play a pivotal role in the daily operations, compliance, and leadership of the childcare center by:

• Teacher Mentorship & Professional Development: Supporting, coaching, and developing teaching teams through classroom observations, training, mentorship, and structured feedback.
• Curriculum Oversight: Ensuring preschool, toddler, and infant classrooms are organized, engaging, safe, and perfectly aligned with Kïdo's globally inspired educational philosophy and high-quality child outcomes.
• Enrollment & Community Outreach: Partnering with the Center Director on student enrollment strategies, campus tours, family engagement events, and local marketing efforts.
• Regulatory Compliance: Maintaining 100% compliance with all Illinois DCFS (Department of Children and Family Services) licensing requirements (Part 407), local health and safety regulations, and corporate policies.
• Daily Operations & Staffing: Supporting staff scheduling, assistant teacher onboarding, substitute management, and the overall daily operations of the preschool.
• Relationship Building: Fostering strong, professional relationships with children, families, and faculty through responsive, proactive communication.
• Culture Leadership: Serving as a visible leader and role model who effortlessly embodies Kïdo's core values of Listen, Learn, and Lead.

To be considered for this administration position, applicants must meet the strict Illinois Director Qualification requirements under DCFS Licensing Standards (Part 407) and possess verified leadership experience in a licensed childcare facility. Applicants who do not meet these state mandates will not be considered.

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE), Child Development, Elementary Education, or a closely related human services field that fully satisfies the college credit requirements for Illinois Director Qualification under Part 407.
• Licensing: Must be fully Director Qualified under Illinois DCFS Licensing Standards.
• Leadership
  
  Experience:
  
  Minimum of 2 years of direct administrative or supervisory experience in a licensed preschool or child care center serving children from birth through age 5. Qualifying previous titles include:
• Program Director / Site Director
• Curriculum Coordinator or…