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Children Program Director Jobs in Cary, IL (NOW HIRING)

LSSI

Child Welfare Supervisor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Communicates with the Program Director, work group and collateral agencies regarding children's and/or family status. * Collaborate with other management staff in programs and network on programmatic ...

LifeWise Academy

Elementary Teacher

Elgin, IL · On-site

$43K - $59K/yr

... teaching children. If you're interested in this position, apply on the program's webpage ... Take attendance in each class and provide attendance records to LifeWise program director and/or ...

Harper College

InZone Program Aide

Palatine, IL

The InZone Program Aide position is responsible for supervising children and facilitating ... Work directly with the children by directing and assisting children to classrooms/buildings, to and ...

Harper College

InZone Program Aide

Palatine, IL

The InZone Program Aide position is responsible for supervising children and facilitating ... Work directly with the children by directing and assisting children to classrooms/buildings, to and ...

Harper College

InZone Program Aide

Palatine, IL · On-site

$15/hr

The InZone Program Aide position is responsible for supervising children and facilitating ... Work directly with the children by directing and assisting children to classrooms/buildings, to and ...

Little Scholars LLC

Director

Mchenry, IL · On-site

$45K/yr

... lead our program and support our team of educators. We are looking for a strong leader who is ... Must be Director-qualified through the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Minimum ...

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All JobsChildren Program JobsChildren Program Director JobsChildren Program Director Jobs in Cary, IL

Children Program Director information

See Cary, IL salary details

$29.9K

$79.3K

$139K

How much do children program director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for children program director in Cary, IL is $79,321.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,800.00 and $93,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a children program director do?

A Children Program Director is responsible for designing, managing, and evaluating programs and activities for children, often within educational, recreational, or community settings. They oversee staff, develop age-appropriate curricula, ensure the safety and well-being of participants, and coordinate with parents and community organizations. Their role involves budgeting, scheduling, and maintaining compliance with relevant regulations to create a positive and enriching environment for children.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a children program director?

To thrive as a Children Program Director, you need a background in education, child development, or a related field, often with a bachelor's degree and experience in program management. Familiarity with curriculum planning tools, child safety regulations, and management software is typically required. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help you inspire staff, engage families, and respond effectively to challenges. These competencies are essential for creating enriching, safe, and effective programs that support children's growth and well-being.

What are some common challenges faced by a children program director, and how can they be effectively managed?

Children Program Directors often face challenges such as balancing diverse needs of children, managing staff, and ensuring program compliance with safety and educational standards. Effective management involves maintaining clear communication with team members, staying updated on best practices in child development, and fostering strong relationships with parents and community partners. Proactively addressing staff training and seeking regular feedback can also help create a positive, adaptable program environment.

What is the difference between Children Program Director vs Children Activities Coordinator?

Children Program DirectorChildren Activities Coordinator
Develops and oversees overall program strategies and policiesPlans and executes specific activities and events for children
Requires higher-level management skills and experienceFocuses on day-to-day activity coordination
Typically holds a bachelor's degree in education, recreation, or related fieldMay require similar certifications but less managerial experience
Works in community centers, schools, or religious organizationsWorks in similar environments, often under supervision

The Children Program Director focuses on strategic planning and program management, while the Children Activities Coordinator handles the execution of specific activities. Both roles require relevant certifications and work in similar settings, but the director has broader responsibilities and leadership duties.

How to become a children program director?

To become a children program director, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in education, child development, or a related field, along with experience working with children and in program management. Relevant skills include leadership, communication, and organizational abilities, and some positions may require certifications such as CPR or first aid. Gaining experience through volunteering or entry-level roles in youth programs can also be beneficial.

What job categories do people searching Children Program Director jobs in Cary, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Children Program Director jobs in Cary, IL are:

What cities near Cary, IL are hiring for Children Program Director jobs?

Cities near Cary, IL with the most Children Program Director job openings:

Children Program Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Children Program Director job openings in Cary, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,321 per year, or $38.1 per hour.

Out of School Time Program Manager/Youth Coordinator

Children's Place Association

Chicago, IL • On-site

$38K - $40K/yr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Develop and implement day-to-day out of school time programs, including afterschool, summer camps, and mentoring activities.

  • Recruit, screen, train, supervise, and support part-time instructors, mentors, and program staff.

  • Coordinate with community partners, manage participant records, and evaluate program outcomes.

Job description

Job Description
Job Title: Out of School Time Program Manager/Youth Coordinator
Department: Child Thrive
FLSA Status: Exempt (Salary)
Employment Type: Full-time
Location: Chicago, IL 60651
Salary Range: $38,000-$40,000
SUMMARY
The Out of School Time Manager is responsible for the development and implementation of day-to-day programs during out of school time. The OST Program Manager will work with the Child Thrive Director and other program managers to identify and recruit at risk youth in the community and Children's Place Association programs most likely to benefit from Child Thrive OST programs. The OST Program Manager will work with Child Thrive Director to develop appropriate program relationships. the Development team to recruit mentors and will screen, orient and train mentors. The OST Program Manager will recruit, supervise, train, and lead the part time OST instructors.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following (Other duties may be assigned):
Program
  • OST programs (on and offsite) will include but not be limited to: afterschool programs, summer and holiday day camps, teen college readiness and career exploration programs, special events, traditional mentoring program, and other opportunities as appropriate to the work of Child Thrive
  • Screen all potential part time instructor candidates through interviews and background checks
  • Responsible for maintaining specialized training for part-time staff and mentors
  • Responsible for creating workday and lesson plans for OST programs
  • Organizes program sessions that outline goals and procedures
  • Supervise on-going mentor/mentee relationship, including management of mentee reporting and providing mentor support
  • Provides guidance to part time staff and children to ensure that both have an enriching experience
  • Address any concerns about conduct or conflict; partner with Child Thrive Director to strategize course of action and resolution
  • Maintain and expand relationships with Children's Place programs and other referring agencies
  • Recognizes participants, mentors, staff, and offers closure activities at end of programs and special events
  • Work with the Program Operations Assistant to secure all parent consent forms and participant applications and maintains files for each participant, including a record of participant goals, and pre- and post-measurement relative to program and individual outcomes; and other measurement tools

  • Maintains documentation as needed for compliance, continuous improvement, and evaluation activities

Communications and Outreach
  • Collaborates with Development Department liaises, Program Managers, and with corporate partners who are ongoing or potential sources of mentors
  • Represents Child Thrive Mentoring Program in the community
  • Takes a lead role in exploring community collaborations and developing supplemental support services for children/youth
  • Communicates with parents/families, mentor sponsors and other organizations on behalf of the Child Thrive program and as representative of the agency

Program Evaluation
  • Works with leadership to develop and implement ongoing evaluation procedures
  • Creates and analysis program metrics for evaluation of the program
  • Provides reports as needed to management, including monthly data into an operational summary
  • Assists in other programmatic functions as required, such as special events, to support the program

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
The OST Program Manager will supervise volunteers, mentors and mentees.
EDUCATION, SKILLS, and/or EXPERIENCE
  • Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Counseling, Education, Human Services or a related field from an accredited college or university required, Master's is preferred.
  • Minimum 3-5 years progressive experience including developing and implementing children focused support services.
  • Must have strong familiarity with the target population and excellent capacity to develop relationships with protentional me, parents, and community members.
  • Must have strong relational building skills and ability to relate well across the socioeconomic spectrum and with the corporate community.
  • Must have demonstrated management skills which provide the framework for effective use of the program's human and financial resources and coordination of the agency's services with those provided by other community resources.
  • Dynamic, energetic, and analytical approach to work required.

STATEMENT ON WORKPLACE CULTURE
Employees shall respect the diversity of all individuals (e.g., clients, co-workers, stakeholders) and refrain from any form of discrimination and/or harassment based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, citizenship status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, military and veteran status, gender identity, arrest record, victim of domestic violence and housing status, or other differences.
Children's Place Association strives to cultivate a work environment that honors the voices and lived experiences of every member of the staff. Therefore, all employees share the responsibility of creating and cultivating a welcoming and supportive work environment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to climb. The employee must frequently lift up to 40 pounds and be able to safely handle large pots full of hot food. Specific vision requirements for this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
The employee must be able to use cleaning products to clean equipment and to wash and sanitize dishes. The employee must be able to read and write English at a level to fill out food orders, read catalogs and maintain temperature logs.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment described here is representative of that an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but may become loud at times. As appropriate to the job, the work environment may include any or all of the following: working with others, verbal contact with others and face-to-face contact; working inside.
DISCLAIMER
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of all employees so classified.
Pay Range: $38,000 - $40,000 per year

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