Preschool Director

The Goddard School•Chicago, IL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director at The Goddard School of Roscoe Village is the heartbeat of our community—responsible for the daily operations, staff support, family engagement, and upholding the high standards of care and education that families trust and love. At The Goddard School of Roscoe Village, we believe in growing together. We support our staff with the same care we give our students—because happy teachers create thriving classrooms. We're seeking someone who’s not just qualified, but dedicated, dependable, and here for the long haul. The joy of childhood comes from those bright sparks of discovery -- moments that delight and surprise us. Your career at The Goddard School can be just as exciting. For more than 35 years, Goddard Schools have put each teacher at the heart of everything we do because teachers put each student at the heart of everything they do. The Goddard School trusts, empowers, and honors its exceptional educators. Develop your teaching skills in a vibrant and nurturing environment and make a difference in children's lives every day. Each Goddard School location is privately owned and operated by Goddard Franchisor LLC franchisees. The Goddard School franchise owner(s) are the employers at each school, and the franchise owner(s) set their own wage and benefit programs, which vary by location.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field (required)
Director-qualified by DCFS (required)
5+ years of experience in early childhood education, including at least 2 in a leadership role
Strong organizational and communication skills
Tech-savvy with the ability to train and support others in digital tools
A heart for children and a commitment to staff growth and well-being

Responsibilities

Oversee the day-to-day operations of the school, including staff scheduling, hiring, events, and family communications
Ensure compliance with DCFS licensing and Goddard Quality Assurance standards
Coordinate and celebrate community milestones (birthdays, anniversaries, etc.)
Recruit, train, mentor, and retain a strong team of educators
Lead monthly faculty meetings and bi-annual in-service training
Conduct regular performance evaluations and create individualized growth plans
Support teachers in delivering a developmentally appropriate, engaging curriculum
Ensure consistency in classroom management and lesson implementation
Regularly observe classrooms and provide constructive feedback
Manage payroll tasks including timecard reviews and PTO approvals
Oversee budgeting and purchasing
Keep employee records organized and up to date
Build warm, trust-based relationships with families
Address parent concerns promptly and thoughtfully
Represent the school at community events and maintain a visible social media presence
Maintain a safe, clean, and welcoming facility
Oversee emergency drills, incident reports, and daily health/safety protocols
Manage maintenance needs, both indoors and outdoors
Use platforms like Outlook, Teams, Excel, OneNote, Constant Contact, Canva, Zoom, and Adobe PDF for day-to-day tasks
Create clear and professional communication for families and staff
Organize and manage digital files across shared drives
Work independently and collaboratively to move the school forward
Lead with empathy, integrity, and a problem-solving mindset
Be a steady and inspiring presence for staff, families, and children alike

Benefits

401(k)
401(k) matching
Bonus based on performance
Company parties
Competitive salary
Dental insurance
Employee discounts
Health insurance
Opportunity for advancement
Paid time off
Parental leave
Tuition assistance
Vision insurance
Wellness resources
Signing bonus
Performance-based bonuses throughout the year
Blue Cross Blue Shield medical, dental, vision – We cover 50% of your monthly payment!
15 PTO days in Year 1 + all holidays + one paid week off for Winter Break
Free Childcare
401K with company match
Tuition reimbursement
Goddard Director's Convention