Job Description

At Kïdo International Preschool, we’re combining the best practices of early childhood education from around the world to deliver a one-of-a-kind experience for children, families, and educators. By blending the teachings of Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and our inquiry-based approach, we create engaging learning environments that spark curiosity, creativity, and confidence at every stage of development.

Kïdo River North is one of our newest schools, and we're excited to continue growing our team as we build a thriving community for children and families in the heart of Chicago. This is a unique opportunity to join a growing school, help shape its culture, and make a meaningful impact from the very beginning.

Assistant Director – Kïdo River North | Chicago, IL

Help Build Something Exceptional

Looking for an opportunity to make a meaningful impact while helping shape a growing school community?

At Kïdo International Preschool, we believe our people are the heart of everything we do. Our educators and leaders create extraordinary experiences for children, families, and one another every day. As one of our newest schools, Kïdo River North is growing, and we're looking for an experienced, passionate, and highly qualified Assistant Director to join our leadership team.

This is an exciting opportunity for a strong early childhood leader who is ready to support school operations, mentor teachers, build meaningful family partnerships, and help create an exceptional experience for children and families from the ground up.

What You'll Do

As Assistant Director, you will play a key role in the daily leadership and success of the school by:

• Supporting, coaching, and developing teaching teams through training, mentorship, and ongoing feedback
• Ensuring classrooms and learning environments are organized, engaging, safe, and aligned with Kïdo's educational philosophy
• Partnering with the school leadership team on enrollment, family engagement, and community outreach efforts
• Supporting curriculum implementation, classroom quality, and child outcomes
• Building strong relationships with children, families, and staff through responsive and proactive communication
• Ensuring compliance with all Illinois DCFS licensing requirements, health and safety regulations, and Kïdo policies
• Supporting staffing, scheduling, onboarding, and daily school operations
• Taking an active role in continuous improvement efforts and helping drive excellence throughout the school
• Serving as a leader and role model who embodies Kïdo's values of Listen, Learn, and Lead

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this position, applicants must meet Illinois Director Qualification requirements under DCFS Licensing Standards (Part 407) and possess the leadership experience necessary to support school operations.

Applicants who do not meet the following requirements will not be considered.

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Elementary Education, or a closely related field that meets Illinois Director Qualification requirements under Part 407
• Minimum of 2 years of leadership experience in a licensed preschool or child care center serving children birth through age 5
• Leadership experience must have been in a role such as:
• • Center Director
  • Assistant Director
  • Program Director
  • Site Director
  • Other equivalent child care leadership position with responsibility for staff supervision and program oversight
• Demonstrated knowledge of Illinois DCFS Licensing Standards (Part 407)
• Experience supervising, coaching, and developing early childhood educators
• Strong organizational, communication, and relationship-building skills
• Director Qualified under Illinois DCFS Licensing Standards

Preferred:

• Experience opening, growing, or expanding enrollment in a preschool program
• Bilingual in English and Spanish
• Experience working within Reggio Emilia, Montessori, inquiry-based, or child-centered educational approaches

Why Join Kïdo?

At Kïdo, we invest heavily in our people because we know great schools start with great teams.

Benefits Available to all Team Members

• Competitive salary with opportunities for advancement
• Free childcare for up to two children ages 18 months and older while employed
• Professional development and tuition reimbursement opportunities
• Comprehensive onboarding and ongoing training
• Two annual professional development days dedicated entirely to team learning and growth
• Stocked staff lounge with snacks and beverages
• Classroom supply budget and bi-weekly supply ordering process
• Dedicated planning and collaboration time
• $500 employee referral bonus

Additional Benefits for Full-Time Employees

• Birthday paid day off
• Two weeks of paid vacation and one week of paid sick time during your first year
• Paid holidays
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Company-paid short-term disability and life insurance
• Annual tenure-based bonus opportunities
• After five years of service, an opportunity to visit our sister schools in London

Join Our Growing Team

If you're a director qualified early childhood leader who is passionate about supporting teachers, building strong school communities, and creating exceptional experiences for children and families, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today and help shape the future of Kïdo River North.

As part of our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children in our care, the successful candidate is expected to undergo an enhanced fingerprint-based background check.

Kido is an equal opportunity employer.