Director WIU Infant and Preschool Center

Director WIU Infant and Preschool Center

Category: Administrative, Professional & Staff Positions
Department: School of Education
Location: Macomb, IL
Appointment: August 1, 2026

• Provide day‑to‑day supervision, instructional coaching, and operational management of the WIU Infant and Preschool Center.
• Plan, implement, and evaluate curriculum and instructional practices in accordance with Illinois DCFS licensing and educational standards.
• Oversee budgeting, grant coordination, and fundraising to secure necessary resources and philanthropic support.
• Serve as the onsite mentor teacher for ECACE member workforce requirements and community liaison for early‑childhood initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory, safety, and facility standards; manage instructional and administrative tasks to maintain high‑quality early‑care service.
• Promote diverse family engagement and inclusive practices throughout the program.

10‑month appointment. $44,000 – $46,000 per year, commensurate with experience.

Western Illinois University employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement plans, paid time‑off, Employee Assistance Program, tuition waiver programs, and YMCA discounts.

• Associate degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in an early‑childhood setting with children from birth through preschool age.
• Knowledge of Illinois DCFS licensing regulations, child development, curriculum development, developmentally appropriate instructional practices, and assessment.
• Knowledge of budgeting, strategic planning, personnel supervision, and early‑childhood program operations.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise, mentor, and support staff and teacher candidates while building collaborative relationships with families, community agencies, and university personnel.
• Strong organizational, communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills; current CPR, First Aid, and Mandated Reporter certification (or willingness to obtain). Successful completion of required Illinois DCFS background checks before employment.

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development Administration, or a closely related field.
• Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) in Early Childhood Education or an Illinois Director Credential Level I or higher (or equivalent).
• Experience serving as a director or administrator in an early‑childhood center, laboratory school, or community‑based program, including responsibility for budgets, enrollment, and overall program operations.
• Experience with quality improvement initiatives such as Excele Rate Illinois Circles of Quality, inclusive practices for diverse learners, and collaboration with families, community agencies, and university preparatory programs.
• Degree must be conferred at the time of appointment from a regionally accredited institution (or equivalent).

For questions regarding benefits, contact HR‑Benefits or call 309‑298‑1971.