Assistant Director

The Goddard School of Deerfield (Northbrook), IL•Deerfield, IL

12d•$48,000 - $53,000

About The Position

Are you passionate about making a difference in children's lives? Do you thrive in a fast-paced, supportive, and energetic environment? We’re looking for an Assistant Director to join our leadership team at The Goddard School® in Deerfield, IL! In this role, you’ll help oversee daily operations, support staff, manage compliance, and ensure the highest standards of education and care. You’ll work closely with the Directors to bring school-wide initiatives to life and foster a joyful, connected school culture. ✨ What You’ll Be Doing: 🌱 Operational Leadership Support day-to-day school operations, including scheduling, opening/closing procedures, and supply ordering Monitor compliance with DCFS and Goddard licensing requirements Help manage budgets and uphold health, safety, and cleanliness standards 👩‍🏫 Faculty Support & Development Assist in the recruitment, training, and supervision of faculty Help review timecards and manage time off requests Be a visible, encouraging presence in classrooms and common areas Support employee and student file documentation and organization 📚 Curriculum & Classroom Oversight Support teachers in delivering high-quality, developmentally appropriate curriculum Conduct classroom walkthroughs and provide feedback Assist with lesson planning consistency and classroom transitions 📊 Administrative & Financial Tasks Maintain up-to-date employee records Support purchasing, budgeting, and payroll-related tasks Assist with internal systems such as Outlook, Teams, Excel, OneNote, Zoom, Kaymbu, and Canva 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family & Community Engagement Build warm, trust-based relationships with families Support family communication and respond to concerns with empathy and professionalism Represent the school at occasional events and maintain a positive, upbeat energy 🛡️ Safety & Facility Management Help ensure the school remains a safe, organized, and welcoming environment Oversee daily health checks, incident reporting, and emergency drills Monitor maintenance needs and ensure licensing documents are current 🕒 Schedule & Expectations: The school is open Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM. This position typically follows a 9-hour day, with flexibility based on school needs. Opening shift coverage is often needed Some after-hours meetings may occur monthly Up to 2–3 weekend events per year 🧡 Why Join Us? The Goddard School of Deerfield is a high-performing, community-driven school with passionate teachers, engaged families, and a culture that values both growth and fun. We use research-backed, play-based methods to help children thrive—and we support our educators every step of the way. Join a team where you’re appreciated, trusted, and empowered to make a difference. APPLY TODAY!

Requirements

Associate’s Degree in Child Development or Early Childhood Education
OR 64 college credit hours with:
▪️ 21 hours in relevant fields
▪️ Gateways Level I Illinois Director Credential
▪️ OR 3 hours of coursework/points in administration or leadership
3–5 years of experience in childcare or education, including 1–2 years in a leadership role
Experience with licensing, documentation, and compliance
Ability to lift 50+ pounds and be active throughout the day
Strong communication skills, multitasking abilities, and professionalism

Responsibilities

Support day-to-day school operations, including scheduling, opening/closing procedures, and supply ordering
Monitor compliance with DCFS and Goddard licensing requirements
Help manage budgets and uphold health, safety, and cleanliness standards
Assist in the recruitment, training, and supervision of faculty
Help review timecards and manage time off requests
Be a visible, encouraging presence in classrooms and common areas
Support employee and student file documentation and organization
Support teachers in delivering high-quality, developmentally appropriate curriculum
Conduct classroom walkthroughs and provide feedback
Assist with lesson planning consistency and classroom transitions
Maintain up-to-date employee records
Support purchasing, budgeting, and payroll-related tasks
Assist with internal systems such as Outlook, Teams, Excel, OneNote, Zoom, Kaymbu, and Canva
Build warm, trust-based relationships with families
Support family communication and respond to concerns with empathy and professionalism
Represent the school at occasional events and maintain a positive, upbeat energy
Help ensure the school remains a safe, organized, and welcoming environment
Oversee daily health checks, incident reporting, and emergency drills
Monitor maintenance needs and ensure licensing documents are current

Benefits

401(k) matching
Company parties
Dental insurance
Flexible schedule
Health insurance
Opportunity for advancement
Tuition assistance
401(k)
Paid time off
Training & development
Vision insurance
Salary: $48,000–$53,000 base + performance-based bonuses throughout the year
Health Insurance: Blue Cross Blue Shield medical, dental, vision – We cover 50% of your monthly payment!
Time Off: 15 PTO days in Year 1 + all holidays + one paid week off for Winter Break
Childcare: Deep staff discounts
Retirement: 401K with company match
Professional Development: $2,000 sign-on bonus, CEUs through Goddard Systems University, tuition reimbursement, and promotion opportunities