Salary: $50,545.00 - $72,500.00 AnnuallyLocation : Lake Forest, ILJob Type: Full TimeDepartment: Recreation DepartmentDivision: RecreationOpening Date: 07/17/2025 DescriptionCOMPASSION PROJECTSHelp make the world a better place with projects like Cradles to Crayon, Gratitude Generation, helping the Red Cross, and more!STUDENT LEAD LEARNINGEnvironment that supports students' exploratory nature, engages them in meaningful learning, and encourages student-led discoveryART FOCUSEDCreative programs and activities. Partner with Deerpath Art League and Emerging ArtistsEARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATIONBuild foundational skills in a nurturing environment that promotes curiosity, independence, and whole-child development through hands-on learning, guided play, and meaningful relationships.TAP INTO YOUR CREATIVE SIDELearn more about the Lake Forest Kinderhaven Program by reading the Lake Forest Love post, ' .Full Salary Range: $50,545 - $72,500 DOQOpportunity for step increase at 6-month review, along with annual step increase opportunitiesFull Benefits PackageOpen Until FilledExamples of DutiesSupervisory opportunity in the Kinderhaven Preschool Academy and Early Childhood area of the Parks & Recreation Department. Kinderhaven is a premier Reggio Emelia Preschool whose success is centered on community involvement, art, compassion projects and student lead learning. Supporting teachers and parents in a preschool setting that cares deeply about the social and emotional development of children are keys to this positionEarly Childhood Education focuses on fostering the growth of the whole child through developmentally appropriate practices, emphasizing social-emotional learning, exploration, play-based experiences, and strong family partnershipsRole and Expectations:
- Lead overall operations of Kinderhaven including the planning, organization and supervision of the school
- Long range program planning and new activity development
- Plans Early Childhood Education and Enrichment classes
- Liaison to an active and supportive parent board
- Provide Input while developing the overall budget
- Recruit, hire and train and evaluate prospective staff
- Support various Department & Foundation events (ex: golf outing, July 4th)
- Ability to work some evening, weekend and Holidays hours.
Qualifications Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in early childhood education or similar field of study
- Experience as a director or teacher with the Reggio Emilia approach or in a similar student lead learning environment
- Must be DCFS Director qualified
Supplemental InformationExcellent benefits package of employer funded and voluntary benefits
- BCBSIL PPO and HMO insurance options, Delta Dental, and VSP Vision Insurance
- 40 hours of vacation time and 48 hours of sick time front-loaded to employees and available for immediate use
- Vacation, Sick, Floating Holidays, Emergency Leave, and Paternity Leave Available
- 457 and RHS accounts through Mission Square
- Pension funded by IMRF
- Education Reimbursement, Employee Assistance Programs, Legal Shield and Norton LifeLock Discounts, Public Service Loan Forgiveness
- $50,000 Guaranteed Life Insurance for employees through Securian, Supplemental available for employees, spouse, and children
Open Until FilledFull Salary Range: $50,545 - $72,500 DOQOpportunity for step increase at 6-month review, along with annual step increase opportunitiesThe City of Lake Forest is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, religion, disability, age, ethnicity, national origin, sex, gender, LGBTQ identification, family status, or military status.Women and minorities are strongly encouraged to apply.City Benefits Include:
- BCBSIL PPO and HMO insurance options, Delta Dental, and VSP Vision Insurance
- 40 hours of vacation time and 48 hours of sick time front-loaded to employees and available for immediate use
- Vacation, Sick, Floating Holidays, Emergency Leave, and Paternity Leave Available
- 457 and RHS accounts through Mission Square
- Pension funded by IMRF
- Education Reimbursement, Employee Assistance Programs, Legal Shield and Norton LifeLock Discounts, Public Service Loan Forgiveness
- $50,000 Guaranteed Life Insurance for employee through Securian, Supplemental available for employee, spouse, and childrenGet to know our community: