Child Care Center Director

About Smart Beginnings Academy

Smart Beginnings Academy is a physician-founded early childhood education organization with three Chicagoland locations. We believe that if a child can't learn the way we teach, we teach the way they learn. Our curriculum is rooted in developmental science, delivered by caring educators, and supported by a leadership team that holds itself to the highest standards.

Our Oswego location is a vibrant, growing center serving infants, toddlers, two-year-olds, and preschoolers in a warm, nurturing environment. We're now looking for an exceptional Center Director to lead this team and carry our mission forward.

Position Overview

The Center Director is the operational and cultural leader of the Oswego location. You will oversee daily operations, lead and develop staff, ensure DCFS compliance, and cultivate a premium experience for the families we serve. This is a high-accountability leadership role for someone who takes pride in running a well-organized, people-first center.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all daily operations of the Oswego center, ensuring quality, safety, and consistency
• Recruit, hire, train, coach, and evaluate classroom teachers and support staff
• Maintain full compliance with Illinois DCFS licensing standards, staffing ratios, and regulations
• Build strong, trust-based relationships with enrolled families and handle concerns with professionalism
• Lead staff meetings, professional development, and ongoing performance feedback
• Partner with the Managing Partner on enrollment goals, retention strategies, and center growth
• Oversee classroom environments, curriculum implementation, and program quality
• Manage administrative functions including scheduling, documentation, and incident reporting
• Ensure the center reflects SBA's brand standards and physician-founded philosophy in every interaction
• Monitor and support center KPIs including enrollment, capacity utilization, and family satisfaction

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field
• Minimum 3 years of experience in a childcare or early education leadership role
• Working knowledge of Illinois DCFS licensing requirements
• Proven track record of managing and developing a team
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency with childcare management software (experience with ProCare a plus)

Preferred:

• Director Credential or Gateways to Opportunity Level 4+ credentials
• Experience scaling enrollment or managing a growing center
• Strong local community ties in the Oswego/Aurora/Naperville area

What We Offer

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Health, dental, and vision benefits
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Childcare discount for staff families
• A leadership team that invests in your professional growth
• A mission-driven culture grounded in developmental science and genuine care for children
• The stability and resources of a multi-site organization with physician leadership

Schedule & Location

Full-Time | Monday–Friday | Center Hours: 6:30 AM – 6:00 PM

Location: Smart Beginnings Academy – Oswego, IL

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $55,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Experience:

• Daycare: 5 years (Required)

Work Location: In person