Benefits:

Benefits vary by location

Bonus opportunities

State-of-the-Art facilities

Community outreach opportunities

Affiliation with leaders in the early childhood education industry

401(k)

Paid time off

Training & development

Vision insurance

401(k) matching

Bonus based on performance

Company parties

Competitive salary

Employee discounts

Health insurance

Opportunity for advancement

The Goddard School located in Lake Forest is seeking an experienced, motivated, and visionary Regional Preschool Center Director to oversee multiple centers!

This role provides leadership and strategic oversight across multiple schools serving children ages 6 weeks to 6 years — including infant, toddler, preschool, and pre-K programs. The Regional Director is responsible for ensuring the highest standards of education, safety, and care across all locations, while driving enrollment growth, ensuring compliance, and leading a team of Directors and staff. This position requires strong multi-site leadership, operational excellence, and the ability to foster meaningful relationships with families and communities.

✨ Nurture your growth. Empower your success. Join our welcoming community, where you can make a lasting impact in children’s lives while advancing your career as a leader in early childhood education.

Key Responsibilities

Multi-Center Leadership & Operations: Provide oversight of daily operations across multiple schools, ensuring consistency, efficiency, and excellence in care and education

Staff Development & Management: Recruit, train, mentor, and support school Directors and staff to build high-performing, collaborative teams

Curriculum & Program Oversight: Ensure effective implementation of our proprietary Wonder of Learning® curriculum across all classrooms — infants through pre-K — at every location

Family & Community Engagement: Foster strong, professional relationships with families and represent each school within its community to enhance enrollment and reputation

Health, Safety & Compliance: Ensure all centers adhere to state licensing requirements, maintain safety standards, and conduct emergency preparedness drills

Financial & Enrollment Management: Drive enrollment growth across multiple schools, manage budgets, and oversee resources to ensure financial stability and long-term success

Technology & Social Media: Utilize technology platforms and social media to support marketing, family engagement, communication, and operational efficiency

Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education , Child Development, Education, Business Administration, or a related field (Master’s preferred)

Minimum 5–10 years of progressive leadership experience in early childhood education, including multi-site management

Strong knowledge of child development and early learning best practices, including infants through pre-K

Proven track record of staff leadership, enrollment management, and operational excellence across multiple locations

Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills

Technology and social media savvy — comfortable using digital tools, school management software, and social platforms to enhance marketing and community outreach

A passion for early childhood education and commitment to providing exceptional care and learning experiences

Must pass required state background checks and meet all licensing, education, and credential requirements

Compensation & Benefits

Salary: $65,000–$100,000 annually (based on experience and qualifications)

Performance-based bonuses

401(k) with employer matching

Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance

Paid time off and holidays

Ongoing professional development and leadership training

Supportive ownership team and strong career advancement opportunities

A collaborative, mission-driven culture that values innovation and excellence in early childhood education

💡 Wonder of Learning® is our exclusive program designed to embrace how children learn best — through play and curiosity. From infants to pre-K, our curriculum makes learning joyful while preparing children with essential 21st-century skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and social-emotional growth.

👉 Apply today to join The Goddard School in Lake Forest and lead with purpose as our Reg

Each Goddard School location is privately owned and operated by Goddard Franchisor LLC franchisees. The Goddard School franchise owner(s) are the employers at each school, and the franchise owner(s) set their own wage and benefit programs, which vary by location.