Early Childhood Education (ECE) Leader

Kido USA•Chicago, IL

1d•$60,000 - $70,000•Onsite

About The Position

Kido is looking for an experienced Early Childhood Education (ECE) Leader to support the daily operations and quality of our early childhood program in Chicago. This is a school-level leadership position for an experienced early childhood professional who enjoys leading educators, supporting staffing, providing teacher training and coaching, maintaining licensing compliance, and strengthening program quality. The ECE Leader works closely with school leadership and teaching teams to ensure the center is properly staffed, compliant with Illinois childcare regulations, and providing a safe, nurturing, and high-quality learning environment for children. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Early Childhood Education professional, Preschool Leader, Childcare Program Leader, Assistant Director, Center Director, or Program Coordinator.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED
Experience working in a licensed childcare center, preschool, early learning center, or early childhood education program
Experience supporting or leading early childhood educators
Strong understanding of child development and developmentally appropriate practice
Strong organizational and communication skills
MUST be Director Qualified per Childcare Licensing DCFS 407 guidelines
At least 18 years old

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Education, Child Development, or a related field
CDA certification
5+ years of experience in a licensed childcare or early childhood education setting

Responsibilities

Support the overall quality and consistency of the preschool and early childhood education program.
Partner with school leadership to implement Kido’s educational philosophy, curriculum, policies, and standards.
Conduct classroom observations and provide teachers with constructive feedback and coaching.
Support developmentally appropriate practices across classrooms.
Identify opportunities to improve classroom environments, routines, curriculum implementation, and children's learning experiences.
Help ensure children receive high-quality care and education throughout the school.
Train, coach, mentor, and support early childhood educators.
Support onboarding and orientation for new teachers and staff.
Identify professional development and training needs across the teaching team.
Help facilitate staff training, workshops, meetings, and ongoing professional development.
Model effective classroom management, child guidance, communication, and developmentally appropriate practice.
Provide ongoing feedback and support to help educators grow professionally.
Promote a culture of teamwork, accountability, professionalism, and continuous learning.
Partner with school leadership to maintain appropriate staffing levels and classroom coverage.
Support staff scheduling, classroom assignments, breaks, and daily coverage.
Assist with hiring, interviewing, onboarding, and retention of qualified early childhood educators.
Help respond to call-offs, staffing shortages, and coverage challenges.
Ensure classrooms are staffed appropriately and that required child-to-teacher ratios are maintained.
Help develop practical solutions to ongoing staffing and operational needs.
Support compliance with Illinois childcare licensing requirements and DCFS regulations.
Help maintain accurate and up-to-date employee, classroom, and licensing documentation.
Monitor staff qualifications, certifications, required trainings, background checks, and other compliance requirements.
Help ensure required child-to-staff ratios, supervision, health, safety, and classroom standards are consistently maintained.
Prepare for and support Illinois DCFS licensing inspections and regulatory visits.
Identify compliance concerns and work with school leadership to resolve them promptly.
Help ensure staff understand and consistently follow licensing regulations, Kido policies, and health and safety procedures.
Support positive relationships between teachers and families.
Help address parent questions, concerns, and classroom issues professionally and effectively.
Promote clear communication between teachers, families, and school leadership.
Help create a welcoming, inclusive, and professional school culture.
Serve as a resource and support for teachers when challenges arise.