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Children Program Director Jobs in Mount Prospect, IL

The College of Lake County

Lead Teacher

Grayslake, IL · On-site

$20.31/hr

Develops classroom arrangement for children's safe, calm, comfortable and successful participation with program equipment and materials in consultation with the Center Director. * Develops a ...

NCSSS LLC

Head of School

Deerfield, IL · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

... children can develop independence, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning. The Head of School ... Experience as a School Director, Program Director, Administrative Director, or Admissions Director ...

New

Ikon Search

Head of School

Deerfield, IL · On-site

... children can develop independence, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning. The Head of School ... Experience as a School Director, Program Director, Administrative Director, or Admissions Director ...

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 ...

Lurie Children's

340B Program Analyst

Chicago, IL · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago is ranked in all 10 specialties by the U.S. News & World ... Identifies problems with 340B compliance and works with the Director of Pharmacy Compliance and ...

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 ...

Guidepost Montessori

School Leadership

Naperville, IL

$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 ...

Casa Central

Clinical Supervisor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$80K/yr

... children and communities; ensure compliance with contractual mandates; and engage in strategic planning and direction-setting, under the leadership of the Program Director. The Clinical Supervisor ...

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All JobsChildren Program JobsChildren Program Director JobsChildren Program Director Jobs in Mount Prospect, IL

Children Program Director information

See Mount Prospect, IL salary details

$29.3K

$77.7K

$136.1K

How much do children program director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for children program director in Mount Prospect, IL is $77,686.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,700.00 and $91,900.00 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 are popular job titles related to Children Program Director jobs in Mount Prospect, IL?

For Children Program Director jobs in Mount Prospect, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

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

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

Children Program Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Children Program Director job openings in Mount Prospect, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,686 per year, or $37.3 per hour.

Lead Teacher

The College of Lake County

Grayslake, IL • On-site

$20.31/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Develops classroom arrangements and schedules for children's activities in consultation with the Center Director.

  • Plans and facilitates developmental activities to support children's physical, intellectual, emotional, and social growth.

  • Supervises assistant teachers, work-study students, interns, and student teachers as assigned.

College Of Lake County rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

103rd of 631 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Why choose the College of Lake County for your next opportunity?
The College of Lake County (CLC) offers a competitive salary, excellent benefits that includes Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois health, Delta Dental and Superior Vision insurance plans, tuition support for employees and qualified family members, three retirement plans, disability, group and supplemental life insurance, health and dependent care flexible spending account plans, a compressed work week in the summer (Closed Fridays!), generous vacation, sick and personal time off and 14 paid holidays each year.
Some benefits will not be available for Part-Time or Part Time Staff Under 20 Hours (ex: health insurance).
Position Title:
Lead Teacher
Job Summary:
The College of Lake County is looking for a Lead Teacher to join the team. The Lead Teacher, under the supervision of the Child Care Director, plans and facilitates developmental activities as part of an overall program for children's physical, intellectual, emotional and social growth.
Please include a cover letter, resume, and unofficial transcripts with submission of application.
Job Description:
Project and Process Management: 80%
  • Develops classroom arrangement for children's safe, calm, comfortable and successful participation with program equipment and materials in consultation with the Center Director.
  • Develops a consistent schedule of daily and weekly program activities in consultation with the Center Director.
  • Maintains assessment materials containing examples of children's program participation and growth process in social, intellectual, emotional, and physical areas.
  • Oversees housekeeping procedures within classroom and in common center areas as assigned. Monitors Health Department sanitation procedures.
  • Under the supervision of the Child Care Director/Coordinator, plans and facilitates developmental activities as part of an overall program for children's physical, intellectual, emotional, and social growth.
  • Participates in, shares during, and/or prepares for classroom and center staff meetings, parent meeting, parent conferences or center promotional activities as necessary or assigned.

Personnel Management: 10%
  • Prepares reports, attends meetings and/or enacts plans to help class and center staff improve teaching skills and increase understanding of children's development.
  • Assumes responsibility for operation of Child Care Center in the absence of the Director or Coordinator as assigned.
  • Supervises Assistant Teachers, Work study students, Interns, and Student Teachers as assigned.

Student/Customer Service: 5%
  • Assists in enrollment and orientation of families and their children as assigned.
  • Participates in, shares during, and/or prepares for classroom and center staff meetings, parent meeting, parent conferences or center promotional activities as necessary or assigned.

Other - 5%
  • Performs other related duties as assigned by the Child Care Center Director/Coordinator

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in early childhood development, education or related field with at least eighteen (18) hours of credit in early childhood education or courses approved by DCFS, or the ability to obtain credits within two (2) years of employment.
  • Minimum of two (2) years of job-related experience.
  • Proven ability to work effectively and constructively with persons of diverse cultures, language groups, and abilities; demonstrate sensitivity to and ability to work with the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, faculty, and staff, including those with disabilities; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Desired Qualifications
  • Previous work experience in a preschool and childcare center environment.
  • Experience with the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) accreditation standards and system.
  • Experience with the EXCELERATE quality rating system for Illinois.
  • Professional Educator License
  • Level 5 Gateways certification from the State of Illinois or ability to obtain.
  • Toddler Gateways credential or ability to obtain.

Work Schedule:
An 8.5 hour shift between the hours of 7:30am - 5:30pm Monday - Friday
Pay:
$20.31/hour
Please include a cover letter, resume, and unofficial transcripts with submission of application.
Full-Time/Part-Time:
Full time
Total Hours Per Week:
40
Position Type:
Staff
Job Family:
Specialist
Posting Date:
07/20/2026
Expected Start Date:
08/21/2026
Compensation Grade:
B23
Location:
Grayslake Campus
Department:
Children's Learning Center Department
EEO Statement:
College of Lake County is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a policy of non-discrimination. Qualified applicants are considered without regard to race, color, age, sex, national origin, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, military or veteran status, genetic information, ancestry, citizenship, parental status, pregnancy or any other status protected by law.

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