Site Director

Lead with Purpose. Build Futures.

Are you a passionate early childhood education leader ready to make a lasting impact on children, families, and your community? We’re seeking a dynamic and experienced Site Director to lead one of our Early Childhood or Head Start centers. In this role, you’ll oversee all aspects of center operations; from compliance and curriculum to staff management and parent engagement, ensuring every child receives a safe, nurturing, high-quality learning experience.

This is an opportunity to bring your administrative expertise and child development knowledge together to lead a thriving early learning community.

Key Responsibilities

Center Leadership & Operations

• Oversee daily center operations, ensuring full compliance with DCFS licensing, NAEYC accreditation, and Head Start Program Performance Standards
• Ensure safe, clean, and developmentally appropriate learning environments
• Monitor staffing schedules to ensure proper coverage, and manage center opening/closing procedures
• Lead emergency preparedness efforts including fire, tornado, and evacuation drills
• Track center maintenance needs and oversee supply inventories and check requests

Staff Supervision & Development

• Lead, mentor, and support the teaching team and support staff
• Conduct classroom observations and ensure documentation (portfolios, screenings, assessments) meets quality standards
• Facilitate regular team meetings and one-on-one supervision
• Coordinate onboarding, professional development, and annual performance evaluations
• Review timesheets and manage time-off requests

Family & Community Engagement

• Foster strong parent relationships through open communication, workshops, and policy council meetings
• Support family involvement in program events, classroom activities, and transition planning
• Assist in recruitment and enrollment efforts to maintain full center enrollment
• Address family concerns and advocate for families during IEPs, referrals, and transitions
• Collaborate with Family Workers to support attendance, engagement, and documentation

Compliance, Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain records for attendance, parent fees, health/safety documentation, and incident reports
• Submit site reports and ensure all staff documentation is timely and accurate
• Maintain compliance with all city, state, and federal regulations
• Participate in audits, licensing visits, and site reviews with funders and public officials

Partnerships & Community Building

• Serve as a representative of the center in community events and meetings
• Establish and maintain partnerships with local agencies and schools to enhance family support services
• Host tours for prospective families, community stakeholders, and regulatory partners
• Support disability services and collaborate with specialists and consultants

Teaching Support (As Needed)

• During staffing shortages or vacancies, fulfill Lead Teacher responsibilities as necessary

Education & Credentials (One of the Following Required):

Option A

• Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE)
  OR a related Master’s with at least 18 credit hours in ECE
• Infant Toddler Specialist Credential Level 5
• ECE Credential Level 5
• Director’s Credential Level 2 or 3

Option B

• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education
  OR a related Bachelor’s with at least 18 credit hours in ECE
• Minimum 2 years of experience in an administrative or supervisory role within early childhood education

Key Competencies

• Strong leadership and team-building skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Deep understanding of early childhood development and compliance standards
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and documentation systems
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment
• Commitment to professional growth and continuous learning
• Bilingual in Spanish preferred
• Knowledge of MyTeachingStrategies, ASQ/ASQ:SE, ESI-R is a plus

Additional Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs and participate in physical classroom activity when necessary
• Must pass all required background checks, physicals, and fingerprinting
• Must be willing to travel locally for training, home visits, or events
• Ability to work some evenings or weekends as needed for parent meetings or agency events
• Classified as a Mandated Reporter under state law

Why Join Us?

• Mission-driven work supporting children and families
• Collaborative, inclusive culture that values your leadership
• Professional development support and growth opportunities
• Competitive compensation and benefits package
• Meaningful impact on your community

Compensation & Benefits
Mary Crane Center offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes access to medical, dental, and vision insurance (HMO, PPO, and DPPO options available), paid time off, and other employee wellness programs. Eligibility varies by position and hours worked. Additional benefit details will be provided during the hiring process. 

Ready to take the lead in early childhood education?
Apply now and help shape the future—one child, one family, one classroom at a time.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, veteran status, or disability.
 

Reasonable accommodations will be provided as required by law. To request accommodations, please contact 773 242-2860 x1004.