Preschool Assistant Director

Open Space Early Learning Center•Chicago, IL

13d

About The Position

Open Space Early Learning Center is seeking an Assistant Director with a track record of providing excellent care and education for young children, a caring approach to coaching teachers, and a strong interest in advancing early education. The Assistant Director supports the Director and acts in the Director’s place when needed, helping oversee daily center operations, staff, families, facilities, and regulatory compliance. The role includes opening or closing the center, maintaining a safe and welcoming environment, supporting classroom programming and curriculum, and ensuring records and documentation remain current. Open Space is a family-owned early learning center founded in 2019. It aims to provide high-quality care and education that supports the whole child during the first five years of life, while welcoming and valuing the differences of children and families.

Requirements

Meet DCFS basic requirements: an associate’s degree that includes 21 ECE credit hours.
Ability to relate positively to young children.
Strong leadership and management skills.
Knowledge of the social, emotional, and creative needs of young children.
Previous teaching or assistant teaching experience in a public or private school system, quality preschool, or childcare center.
Ability to lift up to 35 pounds in connection with handling children, facilitating programs, maintaining child safety, and potential emergency situations.

Nice To Haves

Gateways Level 1 Director Credential or 3 credit hours in administration or leadership.
Certification, a degree, or college-level courses related to early childhood, preschool, or elementary education.

Responsibilities

Act as Director in the Director’s absence, including supervising faculty, communicating with families, ensuring regulatory compliance, and keeping daily operations running smoothly.
Open or close the center and help ensure the safety and security of children, families, and teachers.
Maintain positive relationships with children, staff, parents, and co-workers.
Meet deadlines and manage time and attendance reliably.
Follow Open Space policies, procedures, safety requirements, and legal and ethical standards.
Perform daily office duties, including handling mail and email, phone calls, filing, database systems, and office activities.
Support teachers in developing classroom programming and curriculum.
Supervise and advise staff.
Manage center facilities.
Ensure compliance with DCFS and other licensing agency regulations, including becoming familiar with DCFS 407 and City of Chicago health requirements.
Assist in creating and implementing policies as needed.
Help plan and execute parent engagement events and initiatives.
Help manage files and keep documentation current according to DCFS, state, city, Open Space, and licensing agency requirements.