Preschool Assistant Director - Kido International Prechool

About the role

We are seeking an experienced, passionate, and highly qualified Assistant Director to join our leadership team at Kïdo River North. This is an exciting opportunity to support school operations, mentor teachers, build meaningful family partnerships, and help create an exceptional experience for children and families.

Responsibilities

• Support, coach, and develop teaching teams through training, mentorship, and ongoing feedback
• Ensure classrooms and learning environments are organized, engaging, safe, and aligned with Kïdo's educational philosophy
• Partner with the school leadership team on enrollment, family engagement, and community outreach efforts
• Support curriculum implementation, classroom quality, and child outcomes
• Build strong relationships with children, families, and staff through responsive and proactive communication
• Ensure compliance with all Illinois DCFS licensing requirements, health and safety regulations, and Kïdo policies
• Serve as a leader and role model who embodies Kïdo's values of Listen, Learn, and Lead
• Support staffing, scheduling, onboarding, and daily school operations
• Take an active role in continuous improvement efforts and help drive excellence throughout the school

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Elementary Education, or a closely related field that meets Illinois Director Qualification requirements under Part 407
• Minimum of 2 years of leadership experience in a licensed preschool or child care center serving children birth through age 5
• Leadership experience must have been in a role such as: Center Director, Assistant Director, Program Director, Site Director, or other equivalent child care leadership position with responsibility for staff supervision and program oversight
• Demonstrated knowledge of Illinois DCFS Licensing Standards (Part 407)
• Experience supervising, coaching, and developing early childhood educators
• Strong organizational, communication, and relationship-building skills
• Director Qualified under Illinois DCFS Licensing Standards

Qualifications

• Required:
• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Elementary Education, or a closely related field that meets Illinois Director Qualification requirements under Part 407
• Minimum of 2 years of leadership experience in a licensed preschool or child care center serving children birth through age 5
• Leadership experience must have been in a role such as: Center Director, Assistant Director, Program Director, Site Director, or other equivalent child care leadership position with responsibility for staff supervision and program oversight
• Demonstrated knowledge of Illinois DCFS Licensing Standards (Part 407)
• Experience supervising, coaching, and developing early childhood educators
• Strong organizational, communication, and relationship-building skills
• Director Qualified under Illinois DCFS Licensing Standards
• Preferred:
• Experience opening, growing, or expanding enrollment in a preschool program
• Bilingual in English and Spanish
• Experience working within Reggio Emilia, Montessori, inquiry-based, or child-centered educational approaches

Benefits

• Competitive salary with opportunities for advancement
• Free childcare for up to two children ages 18 months and older while employed
• Professional development and tuition reimbursement opportunities
• Comprehensive onboarding and ongoing training
• Two annual professional development days dedicated entirely to team learning and growth
• Stocked staff lounge with snacks and beverages
• Classroom supply budget and bi-weekly supply ordering process
• Dedicated planning and collaboration time
• $500 employee referral bonus
• Birthday paid day off
• Two weeks of paid vacation and one week of paid sick time during your first year
• Paid holidays
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Company-paid short-term disability and life insurance
• Annual tenure-based bonus opportunities
• After five years of service, an opportunity to visit our sister schools in London

Pay

The pay range for this role is: 55,000 - 60,000 USD per year (River North)

Schedule

Chicago, IL

Contact

If you're a director qualified early childhood leader who is passionate about supporting teachers, building strong school communities, and creating exceptional experiences for children and families, we'd love to hear from you.