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

YMCA

Director Of School Age Programs

Glen Ellyn, IL · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

Ryall YMCA's before- and after-school program and school day off program. Working under the ... Ability to build positive relationships with children, families, staff, and school personnel.

Guidepost Montessori

School Leadership

Chicago, IL · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

Paid time off and paid holidays * 75% tuition discount for two children at any school within our ... Childhood Program Director, or similar positions * Familiarity with the Montessori method of ...

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

Children Program Director information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$30.4K

$80.6K

$141.1K

How much do children program director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for children program director in Chicago, IL is $80,553.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,600.00 and $95,300.00 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 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 are the responsibilities of a Children Program Director?

A Children Program Director is responsible for planning, organizing, and overseeing children's activities and educational programs. They coordinate staff, ensure safety and compliance with regulations, and develop age-appropriate curriculum to promote children's development and engagement. Strong leadership, communication skills, and knowledge of child development are essential for this role.

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.

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 the most commonly searched types of Children Program jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Children Program jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Children Program Director jobs in Chicago, IL? For Children Program Director jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Children Program Director jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Children Program Director jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Children Program Director jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Children Program Director job openings:
Children Program Director jobs near you

Bilingual (Spanish & English) Lead Clinician (LCSW/LCPC) San Gabriel (Des Plaines 60016)

Maryville Academy

Des Plaines, IL • On-site

$80K - $81K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Join our team at Maryville Academy!
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Bilingual Lead Clinician for the Unaccompanied Children's Program supervises, plans and oversees the implementation of therapeutic and psychological services for the youth in the program to ensure quality of clinical services. Engaged primarily in the performance of managerial duties, the Lead Clinician customarily and regularly directs three or more employees. Work requires advanced knowledge in the field of psychology and social work. This position requires the consistent exercise of discretion and judgment. The Lead Clinician is supervised by the Program Director and receives clinical and training oversight from the Clinical Director.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  • Coordinates, plans, and implements therapeutic services appropriate to program youth;
  • Supervises the work of clinical personnel at applicable sites to ensure compliance with the standards and requirements set by ORR;
  • Maintains ongoing consultation with therapists in order to ensure the implementation of effective treatment; evaluates the effectiveness of counseling or treatment, and the accuracy and completeness of diagnoses; modifies plans and diagnoses as necessary;
  • Participates in a team-oriented approach to review a youth's progress and provides individualized services as needed;
  • Coordinates with the program's Clinical Director in cross-program training and alignment;
  • Conducts clinical team meetings at which time training, program planning, case conferences, and agency issues are reviewed;
  • Upholds ORR's policy of Zero Tolerance of Sexual Abuse;
  • Collaborates with the Clinical Director in psychiatric and psychological services provided to youth;
  • Provides emergency services in the absence of the youth's therapist;
  • Reviews relevant research findings and provides training for therapists and other program staff to enhance the quality of service provided; consults reference material such as textbooks, manuals, and journals in order to identify symptoms, make diagnoses, and develop approaches to treatment;
  • Evaluates youth in crisis and assists with the development of specialized treatment interventions;
  • Organizes and presents information in a training forum as needed, including staff onboarding;
  • Attends a minimum of 40 hours of advanced training/workshops on an annual basis.
  • Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Education/Experience:
  • Master's degree in social work, plus 2 years of postgraduate direct service delivery experience OR Master's degree or Ph.D. in psychology, sociology, or other relevant behavioral science degree in which direct clinical experience is a program requirement,
  • Two years of clinical service experience, part of which must be with children or youth
  • Two years of supervisory experience
  • LCSW or LCPC required, Licensed by the State of Illinois

Skills /Knowledge:
  • Bilingual English/Spanish language competency required;
  • Must conduct oneself in an ethical and professional manner.

Salary Range: $80,000 - $81,000 a year
Physical Demands:
  • Required to lift/move objects and/or youth weighing in excess of 40 pounds;
  • Must possess ability to provide physical restraint to youth;
  • Must have visual, hearing, and learning capabilities sufficient to perform the essential functions defined above.

Environment and Scheduling:
  • On-site position.
  • Work is performed in, and in association with, Maryville program settings, as well as, but not limited to schools, recreational facilities, hospitals, and various community settings;
  • Duties involve contact with youth who may be traumatized;
  • 24 hour on-call (pager) responsibilities;
  • Must be flexible and available to work additional hours when necessary;
  • May be scheduled to work on weekends and/or holidays.

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