Site Director - Taylor Center

Chicago Commons • Chicago, IL

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Site Director must have a passion for creating a safe and nurturing environment for children to receive a quality education, and outstanding people skills to be able to grow and maintain relationships with children, families, and staff. This position will be responsible for staff performance and personnel management, center enrollment, program operations, budget management, facilities management of the center, compliance with contracts, and community relations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in early childhood education, early special education, or child development from birth to age 6. Level 2 Illinois Director Credential or higher.
• OR Bachelor’s Degree in a related field w/ 21 credit hours related to early childhood education, early special education, or child development from birth to age 6, teaching experience in an early childhood setting (0-6 years), and a Level 2 Illinois Director Credential or higher.
• Minimum of two years of experience in a supervisory role in an early childhood setting.
• Staff responsible for overseeing services for infant toddler programs must have Gateways to Opportunity Infant Toddler Credential Level 5 or above.
• Must demonstrate effective leadership skills.
• Must have extensive knowledge of Head Start and Early Head Start, Creative Curriculum, the Reggio Emilia approach, CLASS, and Teaching Strategies GOLD (preferred).
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Must have in-depth knowledge of best practices in early education.
• Must have a deep understanding of developmentally appropriate practices in early education.
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment and manage many projects at once.
• Must have knowledge of supervision and/or supervisory experience.
• Must have the ability to work well under stress.
• Must have outstanding people skills and the ability to develop, grow, and maintain relationships with others.
• Must be able to take initiative, use sound judgment when making decisions.
• Must be able to serve as an advocate for children and families.
• Must be organized and detail oriented.
• Must exhibit excellent critical thinking skills.
• Must exude patience when implementing techniques to support students.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to collaborate effectively and appropriately with others.
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality.
• Required to speak and read English proficiently, bilingual a plus.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in an early childhood field is preferred.
• Extensive knowledge of Head Start and Early Head Start, Creative Curriculum, the Reggio Emilia approach, CLASS, and Teaching Strategies GOLD (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development of Chicago Commons’ child development philosophy and goals.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with children and families using a strength-based approach that is respectful, supportive, and culturally sensitive.
• Operate a quality program that meets the needs of children, families, and staff.
• Ensure compliance with all city, state, federal, and accrediting regulations.
• Interview and hire qualified staff.
• Lead new staff orientation/onboarding and file compliance.
• Formally observe, evaluate, and oversee the professional development of staff.
• Support staff in developing and achieving goals as outlined in professional development planning.
• Ensure classroom teams are creating an atmosphere in which children develop socially, emotionally, intellectually, and physically.
• Ensure the consistent implementation of the Reggio Emilia philosophy and ongoing use the Studios.
• Establish strong record-keeping systems and monitor program budget, using sound judgment in expenditures.
• Work with Facilities to ensure the center environment is clean and safe.
• Coordinate and/or support parent meetings and family events.
• Establish positive, professional relationships between Chicago Commons’ staff, the surrounding community, and funders.
• Handles challenges with clients or staff in a way that results in others feeling respected and valued.
• Communicates with parents, students, and coworkers in a manner that reflects concern for their well-being by treating all with respect, integrity, and dignity without regard to background, race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, marital or parental status, sexual orientation including gender identity, gender expression, military discharge status, physical or mental disability, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.
• Attends and participates in monthly leadership meetings.
• Monitors to ensure the teaching team meets all DCFS, NAEYC, and Gateways qualifications.
• Shows leadership in interactions and conduct with peers and clients and always conducts oneself in a professional manner.
• Maintains confidentiality regarding client and staff’s personal information.
• Works well with others, offering help when needed and seeking assistance when necessary.
• Attends and participates in appropriate trainings.
• Always interacts with staff, children and families in a respectful, supportive, and positive manner ensuring individuals feel safe and that their voices are heard in the learning process and daily activities.
• Works with teaching teams to ensure paperwork is completed and submitted on time and supports teams as necessary when assistance is needed.
• Notifies supervisor of any challenges in a timely manner.
• Demonstrates ethical behaviors in all activities and interactions.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Chicago Commons is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, marital or parental status, sexual orientation including gender identity, gender expression, military discharge status, physical or mental disability, or any other status or characteristic protected by law. In addition, Chicago Commons provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws (including during the application or hiring process).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager