At Chesterbrook Academy, our leaders are called Principals because they do more than manage schools they champion educational excellence, develop exceptional educators, and create learning environments where children thrive. Our mission is to Develop the Best Schools and Educators in America, and our Principals play a vital role in bringing that mission to life.
We are seeking a compassionate, visionary leader to guide our Champaign, IL school community located on The University of Illinois Urbana Champain campus. Since opening its doors in 2007, Chesterbrook Academy Champaign has been committed to providing exceptional early childhood education to families around the Urbana Champaign communities through a program grounded in academic excellence and genuine care. This is a unique opportunity to lead a well-established, highly regarded school while shaping its next chapter of growth, innovation, and educational excellence.
As Principal, you will build upon this strong foundation by leading a talented team of educators, fostering meaningful family partnerships, and cultivating a culture where children, families, and staff feel supported, inspired, and empowered to succeed. Your leadership will ensure an outstanding educational experience and continued success for every member of the school community.
Your Impact at Chesterbrook Academy
- Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team of educators.
- Ensure compliance with Ohio licensing regulations and company standards.
- Drive enrollment growth and build strong family and community partnerships.
- Foster a positive school culture focused on educational excellence and child success.
What We're Looking For
- Must meet Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) Child Care Director qualifications as outlined in 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.130, including being at least 21 years of age.
- Must meet one of the following educational qualification pathways and have a Gateways to Opportunity Level I Illinois Director Credential or at least 3 semester hours (4.5 quarter hours) of college credit in childcare administration, leadership, or management:
- A minimum of an Associate degree from an accredited college or university in Child Development or Early Childhood Education; or
- At least 64 semester hours (96 quarter hours) of college credit in any discipline, including a minimum of 21 semester hours (31.5 quarter hours) in Child Development, Early Childhood Education, or Early Childhood Special Education, plus one of the following:
- Minimum of two (2) years of leadership or supervisory experience in a licensed child care center, preschool, or early childhood education program preferred.
- Thorough knowledge of Illinois DCFS childcare licensing standards, compliance requirements, staff-to-child ratios, health and safety requirements, and best practices in early childhood education.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and develop teams, manage daily center operations, support staff performance and professional development, maintain licensing compliance, and foster a positive, developmentally appropriate learning environment.
- Experience with Gateways to Opportunity, accreditation programs such as NAEYC or similar organizations, or other continuous quality improvement initiatives preferred.
- Strong organizational, leadership, communication, documentation, and problem-solving skills.
- Must successfully complete and maintain all DCFS-required background checks, health documentation, training, certifications, and professional development, including applicable Mandated Reporter, health and safety, and other required training.
Why Join Chesterbrook Academy?
- Competitive salary and quarterly bonus opportunities with an annual target of up to $8,000.
- Medical, dental, vision, 401(k) match, PTO, and childcare tuition discounts.
- Ongoing leadership development, professional growth, and career advancement opportunities.
- The opportunity to make a lasting impact on children, families, and educators every day.
If you're an experienced early childhood leader who is passionate about developing educators, building strong school communities, and creating exceptional experiences for children and families, we encourage you to apply.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. In general, this position requires an individual to frequently walk, stand, sit, squat, stoop, reach, kneel, rise from the floor, twist, listen, read, write, and speak the English language. In addition, this position often requires an individual to carry, lift, use repetitive or fine hand movements, and occasionally push, pull, or bend. This position is regularly required to hear and use clear vision with or without correction. Spring Education Group, including, but not limited to SEG Inc., and their affiliates (collectively “Company”) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants for employment and employees are provided equal employment opportunities, including in recruitment, hiring, and assignment, without regard to actual or perceived race, color, religion and religious creed, sex (including pregnancy and related conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital or familial status, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, genetic information, military/veteran status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law. The Company expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee or student harassment or discrimination.
