Early Childhood Assistant Director/Education Coordinator

Job DetailsJob Location: ITAV at River City - Chicago, IL 60607Salary Range: $57,500.00 - $73,158.00 Salary/yearAbout It Takes A Village Family of Schools (ITAV)

It Takes A Village Family of Schools (ITAV) is a beacon for educating and uplifting Black children and families across Chicago. We provide a culturally responsive, social justice–centered education that empowers students to become confident learners, critical thinkers, and changemakers.

At ITAV, learning is joyful and transformative, teaching is innovative, and classrooms extend far beyond four walls. We are committed to nurturing the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally—while building strong, connected communities.

Position Overview

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Assistant Director / Education Coordinator to support site operations while leading curriculum implementation and instructional quality across the center. This role serves as the second-in-command and plays a critical role in ensuring smooth daily operations, regulatory compliance, and high-quality teaching and learning.

This position balances operational leadership with instructional coaching, supporting staff development while maintaining strong family and community engagement.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Operations

Serve as the designee for the Site Director, assuming responsibility for daily operations as needed
Support staff supervision, coaching, and performance management to drive instructional quality
Assist with staffing, scheduling, and daily operational needs, including coverage and supply management
Ensure compliance with ITAV policies, IL DCFS Licensing Standards, Head Start Performance Standards, CACFP, and NAEYC criteria

Curriculum & Instructional Leadership

Collaborate with educators to design and implement developmentally appropriate, culturally responsive curriculum
Conduct regular classroom observations and provide coaching and feedback to teachers
Coordinate and support professional development, training, and instructional improvement initiatives
Stay current on early childhood education best practices and research

Program Evaluation & Continuous Improvement

Analyze child outcomes, classroom data, and program performance to drive improvement
Support documentation, reporting, and compliance requirements
Promote a culture of continuous quality improvement across the site

Family & Community Engagement

Serve as a point of contact for families regarding program and classroom matters
Build strong relationships with families through communication and engagement activities
Foster a welcoming, inclusive environment for families, staff, and community partners
Perform additional duties as assigned to support site, staff, and organizational needs

Why Join ITAV?

Make an Impact : Play a key leadership role in shaping program quality and student outcomes

Grow Your Career: Access leadership pathways, coaching experience, and professional development

Be in Community: Work alongside a mission-driven team committed to excellence and equity

Innovate in Education: Contribute to a model that integrates social justice, community engagement, and high-quality early learning

Position Details

Locations: South Loop (Chicago, IL)
Position Type: Full-Time, 12-Month Position
Salary Range: $57,500 – $73,158

Grant Funded

This position is supported through grant-funded programs that are integral to ITAV’s early childhood education model. These funding streams enable us to expand access to high-quality, culturally responsive care and learning across our communities.

QualificationsRequired

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field
Gateways Credential (Level 5)

Level I Director Credential

Minimum 2 years of early childhood experience, including leadership or supervisory responsibilities

Preferred

Master's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field
Experience with Head Start, CACFP, and NAEYC Accreditation
Strong knowledge of IL DCFS Licensing Standards

Who You Are

Instructional Leader: You are skilled in coaching teachers and improving classroom practices
Operationally Strong: You can manage multiple priorities while maintaining compliance and organization
Relationship-Driven: You build trust with staff, families, and community partners
Strategic Thinker: You use data and insights to drive program improvement
Mission-Aligned: You are passionate about culturally responsive education and social justice

Compensation & Benefits

We believe in investing in our educators through a competitive, transparent compensation and benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and long-term success.

Up to 80% employer-paid medical coverage
Full benefits package, including Dental, Vision, Legal Services, and Short-Term Disability
3% 401(k) employer match to help you build long-term financial security
Up to $10,000 annually in tuition assistance to support degree completion and credential advancement
Robust paid time off, including 16 PTO days per year, 9 sick/personal days per year, and compensatory time eligible
15 paid holidays annually
Clear pathways for career advancement and leadership opportunities

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you are passionate about early childhood education and leadership and ready to make a meaningful impact, we encourage you to apply. Submit your resume and cover letter to join a team that is shaping the future—one child at a time.