Benefits:

401(k)

401(k) matching

Dental insurance

Employee discounts

Health insurance

Paid time off

Vision insurance

Assistant Director / Administrator

Montessori Kids Universe Bannockburn is seeking a dedicated, organized, and passionate Assistant Director / Administrator to join our leadership team. This position plays a vital role in supporting the operational excellence, staff development, Montessori integrity, and family experience within our growing school community.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative leader with strong organizational and interpersonal skills who believes in fostering authentic Montessori environments while building strong relationships with children, families, and staff.

About Montessori Kids Universe Bannockburn

At MKU Bannockburn, we provide a premier early childhood education experience rooted in Montessori philosophy and enriched through Reggio Emilia inspiration and Outdoor Classroom learning. Our mission is to cultivate independence, curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning in children from infancy through age six.

We are seeking professionals who are passionate about early childhood education, value teamwork, and are excited to help shape a growing Montessori school community.

Position Summary

The Assistant Director / Administrator works closely with the School Director to support:

Staff retention and team culture

Montessori classroom development

Compliance and licensing documentation

Staff onboarding and personnel records

Family onboarding and enrollment support

Operational and administrative excellence

This role requires a highly organized and proactive individual who can balance leadership, administrative detail, and relationship-building while supporting the school’s vision and standards.

Responsibilities

Staff Support, Retention & Montessori Development

Support teacher retention initiatives by fostering a positive, collaborative, and supportive workplace culture.

Assist with onboarding and orientation of new staff members.

Maintain organized and compliant employee personnel files.

Monitor staff certifications, trainings, CPR/First Aid renewals, and required documentation.

Support Montessori classroom development and consistency across programs.

Mentor and guide teachers in Montessori classroom practices and prepared environments.

Assist in coordinating professional development opportunities and Montessori training.

Conduct classroom observations and provide support and feedback as needed.

Support staffing schedules and coordinate substitutes when necessary.

Family Enrollment & Community Support

Support onboarding of new families and assist with enrollment processes as needed.

Conduct tours and assist with open houses and family events.

Respond to parent inquiries and maintain strong communication with prospective and current families.

Help ensure a welcoming, professional, and relationship-centered experience for all families.

Maintain student records and enrollment documentation in Procare and related systems.

Compliance & Administrative Operations

Ensure compliance with DCFS licensing requirements and Montessori operational standards.

Maintain organized student and staff records and required compliance paperwork.

Assist with audits, inspections, and licensing visits.

Oversee medical records, incident documentation, and required reporting procedures.

Assist with payroll support, tuition processing, and administrative organization.

Maintain confidentiality and professionalism regarding all student, family, and employee information.

School Operations & Inventory Management

Assist in maintaining smooth daily school operations.

Handle ordering and inventory management of Montessori materials, classroom supplies, office supplies, and operational stock items.

Monitor inventory levels to ensure classrooms and operational areas remain fully stocked and organized.

Coordinate with vendors and maintain supply ordering systems.

Support school-wide communication and administrative organization.

Help coordinate school events, trainings, and staff meetings.

Support the leadership team with additional operational responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

Must meet or exceed DCFS Director qualifications.

Experience in early childhood education administration preferred.

Montessori training or experience strongly preferred.

AMS, AMI, or MACTE-accredited Montessori training/experience preferred.

Strong understanding of Montessori classroom practices and child development.

Exceptional organizational, communication, and leadership skills.

Ability to multitask and maintain professionalism in a fast-paced environment.

Strong relationship-building and problem-solving abilities.

Passion for supporting children, families, and educators.

Why Join MKU Bannockburn?

Be part of a growing and innovative Montessori school community.

Work alongside passionate educators and leaders committed to excellence.

Help shape strong Montessori classrooms and a positive school culture.

Professional development and Montessori growth opportunities.

Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on children, families, and staff.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Additional duties and responsibilities may be assigned as needed to support the ongoing growth and success of the school.