Job Description

Title: Director of Early Childhood                                               Location: Primary Learning Center

Employment Type: Full-Time                                                      Work Days: 260 days / 12 Months

FLSA: Exempt                                                                               Reports to: Superintendent

Salary/Benefits

Salary as approved by the Board of Education after consideration of the recommendation of the Superintendent.

Job Summary:

The Director of Early Childhood provides leadership, coordination, and oversight of the District's early learning programs, including preschool for children ages 3-4. This role ensures the delivery of high-quality, equitable early childhood education services by supervising program staff, maintaining compliance with state and federal regulations, and collaborating with families, administrators, community agencies, and district personnel.

The Director supports the mission and policies of Prairie-Hills Elementary School District 144 by ensuring that early childhood programs align with best practices, Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) mandates, and the needs of children and families within the PHSD 144 community.

Essential Duties and Specific Responsibilities:

• Experience leading or supporting early childhood, student services, or related programs, including state-funded initiatives such as Preschool for All/Expansion and Birth to Three.
• Experience in compliance, program monitoring, staff supervision, budgets and grants management, and professional development.
• Demonstrated success in improving student outcomes and family engagement, with experience using student data systems and program tracking tools.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire, coach, and evaluate staff while driving continuous improvement.
• Knowledge of early childhood development (Pre-K-Age 5), early intervention, special education processes, and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Understanding of trauma-informed practices, SEL, and positive behavior supports.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to analyze data, ensure compliance, and improve program effectiveness.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and reducing barriers for students and families.
• Highly organized, adaptable, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. 

• Demonstrates professionalism, confidentiality, integrity, and a commitment to continuous growth. 

   

Student Support, Engagement, and Staff Development:

• Ensure the implementation of comprehensive support for young learners, including academic, social-emotional, and developmental needs within early childhood programs.
• Promote family engagement by building strong partnerships with parents/guardians and providing resources that support learning at home.
• Lead initiatives that increase access to high-quality early childhood services, with a focus on equity and inclusion for all students and families.
• Collaborate with Student Services and other departments to align early intervention, special education, and support services.
• Monitor student progress and program effectiveness using data to inform decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Support the integration of social-emotional learning (SEL), trauma-informed practices, and positive behavior supports within early childhood classrooms.
• Provide leadership in developing a positive, inclusive, and culturally responsive program environment.
• Design and deliver professional development for early childhood staff aligned to best practices, curriculum, and compliance requirements.
• Coach and support teachers and paraprofessionals to strengthen instructional practices and improve student outcomes.
• Facilitate staff collaboration through team meetings, professional learning communities, and ongoing coaching cycles.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and retention of highly qualified early childhood staff. 

• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and professional growth among program staff.

   

Minimum Education, Certification, and Licensure:

As of July 1, 2017, directors of child care centers offering preschool programs funded under Section 2-3.71 of the School Code must have: 

• Valid Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with Principal or General Administrative endorsement preferred.
• Master's Degree in Education or related field required, preferably in child development, early childhood education, social work, or a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with families to foster strong home-school partnerships. 

Professional Experience and Skills:

• Experience leading or supporting early childhood, student services, special education, or related programs.
• Experience managing budgets, grants, and program resources.
• Experience providing professional development to teachers and staff.
• Experience coordinating family engagement and community partnerships.
• Demonstrated success improving student outcomes and program effectiveness.
• Experience using student information systems (e.g., Skyward, PowerSchool) and program tracking tools. 

Success Indicators (First Three-to-Five Years):

• Programs consistently meet compliance standards while using data to drive continuous improvement and strong monitoring outcomes.
• Increased access and enrollment for underserved students, paired with expanded, high-quality early childhood programming and partnerships.
• Improved student readiness in literacy, language, and developmental benchmarks, supported by effective, developmentally appropriate instruction and SEL practices.
• Stronger family engagement and positive stakeholder feedback contributing to a positive program climate and increased student engagement.
• Improved staff retention, ongoing professional growth, and efficient use of resources aligned to district priorities.