Director of Early Childhood and Family Center

About the Role

The Director of Early Childhood Programs at JEH develops and implements cohesive and comprehensive early childhood services for ages 0-5 including: Head Start, Preschool for All, Services for Pre-Primary Aged Children (SPPAC), and Family Center. The Director collaborates with a variety of stakeholders, including community organizations and agencies. This job reports to Assistant Superintendent of Special Services.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the preparation of grants for the purpose of obtaining resources for the Early Childhood programs.
• Collaborates with internal and external personnel (e.g. other administrators, auditors, public agencies, community members, etc.) for the purpose of implementing and/or maintaining services and programs.
• Coordinates with outside agencies, school sites, etc. for the purpose of providing referrals to families and/or students.
• Develops a vision and action plan for the purpose of ensuring all students receive a high quality experience that supports their academic and social emotional growth.
• Develops budgets and financial forecasts for the purpose of providing financial guidance and recommendations to administrative personnel, Superintendent and/or Governing Board.
• Evaluates personnel for the purpose of monitoring performance, providing for professional growth and achieving overall objectives of school's curriculum.
• Facilitates communication between personnel and parents for the purpose of supporting children and families, evaluating situations, and proactively problem solving challenges.
• Implements policies, procedures and/or processes for the purpose of providing direction and/or complying with mandated requirements.
• Maintains a variety of manual and electronic files and/or records for the purpose of providing up-to-date reference and complying with regulatory requirements and established guidelines.
• Manages school administrative functions (e.g. facility maintenance, budget, staffing, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining safe and efficient school operations within district guidelines.
• Monitor and review the transportation services for families utilizing the early childhood services for the purpose of ensuring that all transportation needs are met.
• Monitors budget allocations, expenditures, fund balances and related financial activities for the purpose of ensuring that allocations are accurate, revenues are recorded, expenses are within budget limits and/or fiscal practices are followed.
• Participates in meetings, workshops and seminars (e.g. Early Childhood Standards Committee, inter and intra district committees, community and public agencies, seminars, conferences, etc.) for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information.
• Performs personnel administrative functions (e.g. hiring, counseling, training, supervising, evaluating, providing professional development opportunities, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining necessary staffing and enhancing productivity of staff.
• Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.
• Prepares a wide variety of materials (e.g. evaluations, student activities, correspondence, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities and providing written reference.

Supervisory Expectations

• Manage school leaders and their subordinates professional work.
• Take responsibility for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of assigned teams.
• Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the district's strategic goals and policies applicable to state and federal laws.
• Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Licensure Required

• Illinois Professional Educator License with General Administrative or Principal endorsement with Teacher modules completed

Experience Preferred

• Proven success in early childhood and family education, and after-school programming
• Strong knowledge and commitment to culturally relevant curriculum and teaching.

Compensation and Benefits (2026-2027 School Year)

• Salary Range: $115,000-$126,000
• Medical and Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Life Insurance and Long-term Disability
• Teachers Retirement System (TRS) Pension plan
• Flexible Benefits Plan
• Tax Deferred Annuities
• Vacation Days
• Sick Days
• Personal Days
• Employee Assistance Program