(1.0 FTE) Director of Early Childhood

General Description:

Program Leadership & Development

• Develop and implement transition practices for preschool to kindergarten, including joint planning with elementary staff and orientation for students and families.
• Direct the identification, placement, and Individualized Education Program (IEP) processes for early childhood students requiring special education services.
• Lead curriculum planning and implementation for dual language, blended, and specialized classrooms, emphasizing culturally and linguistically responsive practices.
• Regularly assess program effectiveness and implement changes based on data and best practices.

• Coordinate state and federal grants to support preschool programming (e.g. Preschool for All) including drafting the grant and managing the grant cycle to ensure compliance. 

   

Instructional Excellence

• Observe and evaluate instructional practices to ensure they meet diverse student needs and foster critical thinking and creativity.
• Provide ongoing professional development to staff, emphasizing innovative and inclusive teaching methods.
• Collaborate with educators to implement individualized strategies for student growth and support inclusive practices and placements. 

Operations & Compliance

• Coordinate daily with the hosting elementary school's principal to streamline facility operations, scheduling, and student services.
• Foster a strong, collaborative relationship with the hosting building's principal to support the seamless integration of early childhood programs within the elementary school environment.
• Oversee scheduling, staffing, and budgeting for early childhood programs.
• Ensure compliance with district policies, state and federal regulations, and procedural safeguards for all services.
• Establish clear protocols for maintaining student records and conducting meetings such as Child Find initiatives.

Collaboration & Engagement

• Work closely with elementary principals to align early childhood program goals with K-5 initiatives, ensuring smooth transitions for preschool students advancing to kindergarten.
• Build partnerships with families, fostering inclusive communication and promoting parental involvement in dual language and blended classrooms.
• Collaborate with community organizations to enhance program services and resources.
• Serve as a liaison between schools and district leadership to align preschool goals with broader district priorities.

Equity & Inclusion

• Champion equitable access to quality education for all students, addressing cultural, linguistic, and developmental diversity.
• Support staff in creating a safe, inclusive, and positive learning environment that nurtures all students.

Other

• Perform any duties that are within the scope of employment and licensure, as assigned by the Superintendent or designee and not otherwise prohibited by law or regulation.

Core Competencies:

• Strong knowledge of best practices in dual language, early childhood, and inclusive education.
• Proven ability to manage programs, budgets, and personnel effectively.
• Exceptional communication, collaboration, and decision-making skills.
• Commitment to continuous professional growth and fostering a culture of learning.

Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in Education or a related field.
• Illinois Professional Educator License with General Administrative endorsement.
• Experience in early childhood, dual language, or special education settings, with leadership roles preferred.

Physical Demands:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, talk, and hear.
• The employee is frequently required to stand; walk, operate office and computer equipment; reach with hands and arms, and repeat actions with the same hand, arm, or finger motion.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and the ability to adjust focus. In addition, the ability to withstand long-term use of computer monitors is required.
• The employee may occasionally lift up to 30 pounds.
• The position requires meeting deadlines with unyielding deadlines, interacting with the public and staff, and working irregular or extended work hours.
• The employee is responsible for the safety, well-being, and work output of others.
• Frequent driving is required.
• Frequent writing is required.
• The employee may be required to attend after-hour meetings as required.
• The employee must be able to read, interpret, and provide direction regarding preschool classroom layouts and facility plans, ensuring alignment with program needs and safety standards.
• The employee must be able to respond to emergencies that occur throughout the district 24/7

Work Environment:

• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. However, on occasion, the noise level will be high.
• The employee shall frequently use personal computing skills with web browsers, databases, software, spreadsheets, and word processing.
• Work is usually conducted indoors and outdoors. This work could be conducted at any school location.