Director of Preschool

About Messiah Lutheran Preschool and Kindergarten

Messiah Lutheran Preschool and Kindergarten is an inclusive school, welcoming students of all faith backgrounds. We emphasize Christian Character values like patience, kindness and joy in our relationships at school and home, through daily prayers at snack time and monthly spiritual enrichment in the Sanctuary, Christmas and Easter teachings and celebrations.

Messiah Lutheran Preschool and Kindergarten is accredited by NAEYC and received the National Accreditation of Award Excellence in faculty, facility and curriculum for the past 15 years running! NAEYC represents the highest marks in quality in early childhood education that a school can acquire. Our school offers a variety of programs including preschool for ages 2-5, kindergarten, enrichment classes, and before-and-after school care, all with a faith based design to inspire learning and growing.

Learn more about Messiah Lutheran Preschool and Kindergarten on our website here: .

Job Summary

We are seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Director of Preschool to join our dynamic team. The Director supports and oversees daily operations of the early childhood program, including enrollment and marketing, staff development and mentoring, curriculum support, regulatory compliance (DCFS and NAEYC), family engagement, and other administrative functions as needed.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the school’s teachings, policies, and culture reflect a Christ-centered Lutheran worldview along with the adherence to the stated philosophy, licensing and NAEYC/DCFS standards.
• Oversee the implementation of play-based or classical early childhood curricula aligned with Messiah’s philosophy.
• Conduct ongoing evaluations of educational programming and student progress.
• Ensure a safe, nurturing, and engaging classroom environment that supports emotional, intellectual, and spiritual development.
• Recruit, hire, train, and mentorship of new staff members.
• Plan and execute family engagement and special events.
• Oversee maintenance of accurate student and staff records.
• Schedule regular staff meetings and facilitate professional development and continuing education opportunities.
• Provide performance evaluations and ensure proper classroom staffing levels.
• Ensure strict compliance with all state licensing regulations, health, and safety codes.
• Manage the preschool's budget in partnership with the Office Manager, including tuition collection, payroll processing, and supply purchasing in collaboration with church leadership.
• Oversee student enrollment, registration, and communication with parents.
• And other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Available for weekend/evening hours as needed for marketing and/or special events.
• Summer hours required: 2-4 weeks of part-time summer camp, additionally 1-2 days per week in June and July, with full-time hours starting on August 1.
• Proficient in basic computer applications (i.e. Microsoft Office/Google Drive) for enrollment, marketing, and community engagement.
• Preferred experience using Quickbooks, Brightwheel, Payroll software, and social media platforms for marketing purposes.
• Lift a minimum of 40 pounds, and work indoors or outdoors as needed.
• NAEYC and state licensing knowledge (preferred).
• Certification: Current Infant/Child CPR and First Aid certification.
• Screening: Must clear a full background check and pass health screening.
• DCFS:
• A minimum of an associate degree from an accredited college or university in child development or early childhood education; or
• The equivalent (defined as 64 semester hours or 96 quarter hours in any discipline, with a minimum of 21 semester hours or 31.5 quarter hours from an accredited college or university in courses related to child development, early childhood education or early childhood special education) and one of the following:
• Gateways to Opportunity Level I Illinois Director Credential; or
• 3 semester hours or 4.5 quarter hours of college credit in child care administration, leadership, or management; or
• 3 points of credential-approved training in child care administration, leadership, or management.

Pay: $65,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Professional development assistance

Work Location: In person