Organization Overview:

Shining Star Youth & Community Services' mission is to provide quality early learning experiences, health, education, and family support services to at-risk children and their families. Our programs and services are designed to draw children and families closer to excellence, develop them into society’s service, and encourage them to experience the freedom that comes with educational empowerment. Shining Star provides services to over 350 children and their families daily with the assistance of 100 full-time staff members at our four locations located in the South Chicago, Chatham, Roseland, and East Side communities.

Position Overview:

Shining Star is looking for a qualified Center Directors to join our team at two of our locations (Chatham & East Side). The Center Director is responsible for ensuring the center is in compliance with Shining Star, DCFS, City of Chicago, Head Start Standards, NAEYC and ExceleRate Illinois standards and requirements on a daily basis.

Candidates must have or be willing to get the training and experience necessary to develop consistent, stable, and supportive relationships with children, parents and staff. Candidates must be comfortable with independently managing the daily operations of the center.

Essential Functions

• Perform the functions of this position with a strong understanding of the Head Start Performance Standards and component plans; Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework; and thorough knowledge and application of the developmentally appropriate practices.
• Conduct classroom observations while providing feedback to teaching staff regarding their work with children.
• Work with agency coordinators to ensure all aspects of the program are on track including but not limited to staffing, facilities, ERSEA, Health and Safety, Education, and Social Service.
• Managing center staff, such as teachers, assistant teachers and facility workers.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree or higher in Early Childhood Education WITH 30 OR MORE CREDITS in Early Childhood Education/Child Development & 9 OR MORE CREDITS in Administration/Leadership/Management
• Gateways to Opportunity - Illinois Director's Credential Level II
• Director Experience: 5 years (Preferred)

Basic Position Requirements:

• Have proficient understanding of Head Start performance standards, DCFS licensing standards, NAEYC standards, ExceleRate standards, and Chicago Early Learning standards.
• Have proficient verbal and written communication skills and ability to tailor communication to different audiences. (face-to-face, daily records, phone calls, emails, video calls)
• Have intermediate computer skills and the ability to learn and adapt to new technology.
• Knowledge and development of community resources and providing age-appropriate structure for children and youth.
• Provide quality care to children and families enrolled and enrolling in the program.

Shining Star Center locations are located on the Far Southeast Side of Chicago. (Area Codes 60617, 60619, 60628) Please consider the locations before applying.)

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $45,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Application Question(s):

• Are you fully vaccinated for COVID-19?

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Language:

• Spanish (Preferred)

Work Location: In person