Children International Academy (CIA) is a licensed early childhood education center in Illinois committed to operational discipline, regulatory excellence, and enrollment growth.
We are seeking a strong, compliance-driven Center Director to lead daily operations, manage staff accountability, and maintain full regulatory standards under the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.
This is a leadership role for a director who is organized, decisive, and performance-oriented
Responsibilities
Compliance & Licensing
- Maintain full compliance with DCFS Title 89 Part 407
- Ensure all child and staff files are audit-ready at all times
- Lead DCFS inspections and corrective action plans
- Maintain ratio compliance and safety standards
Enrollment & Revenue
- Maintain occupancy targets (85–95%)
- Conduct tours and close enrollments
- Oversee tuition billing and subsidy tracking
- Monitor enrollment pipeline weekly
Staff Leadership
- Supervise Assistant Director, Office Admin, and teaching staff
- Manage scheduling and staffing ratios
- Conduct performance reviews and corrective actions
- Maintain staff training compliance
Operational Oversight
- Review payroll relative to enrollment levels
- Control supply and food program costs
- Submit weekly operational summary reports to ownership
Qualifications
- Must meet Illinois DCFS Director qualification requirements
- Bachelor’s degree preferred
- Minimum 2 years leadership experience in a licensed childcare center
- Strong knowledge of DCFS regulations
- Experience managing enrollment and staff teams
Ideal Candidate
- Calm and structured under pressure
- Highly organized and detail-oriented
- Strong in compliance and documentation
- Comfortable holding staff accountable
- Solutions-focused and decisive
Pay: $60,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person