Program administrator h1.location_city

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Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 325,000 students in 500+ schools and employing over 45,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. Aligned with our transformed philosophy, we are steadfastly focused on ensuring that the District provides resources equitably to support every student, every school, and every community. Six core values guide the work we do every day for our students – student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning. Each role in the district supports our vision that every student deserves a rigorous, joyful, and equitable learning experience.

The Office of Early Childhood Education (OECE) works to ensure all children in Chicago have access to excellent early learning experiences that lead to future success in early grades and beyond.

Job Summary:
Reporting to the Preschool Program Director, the Community-Based Organization (CBO) Early Childhood Program Administrator leads the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of instructional support programming across community-based early childhood programs serving children birth through age five. This role supports the operationalization of OECE’s vision for instructional quality and ensures alignment with state requirements and district initiatives.

This role oversees professional development, coaching, and technical assistance systems for CBO instructional staff and leadership; establishes frameworks for monitoring instructional implementation and quality; and analyzes data to evaluate program effectiveness and inform strategic decision-making. This role is responsible for cross-functional collaboration with internal OECE teams and external CBO partners, promotes equitable and inclusive instructional practices, and develops tools, resources, and reporting processes that strengthen accountability, consistency, and continuous improvement across CBO programs. This role will spend the majority of work time (approximately 70%) in the field at Community-Based Organizations. This is a full-time, exempt position that will be paid for time worked on a salary basis.

The CBO Early Childhood Program Administrator will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:

In collaboration with the Director of Preschool Programs, leads the implementation of OECE’s vision for instructional quality across community-based organization (CBO) programs serving children birth through age five

Collaborates with OECE partners to oversee alignment of instructional supports with state requirements and district initiatives; Ensures curriculum and assessment guidance promotes equitable, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate instruction for all learners, including dual language learners and children with disabilities

Designs, implements, and manages continuous improvement frameworks focused on strengthening classroom practice and improving child outcomes across CBO programs; Oversee CLASS readiness and quality improvement efforts across CBO programs, including guidance, timelines, and alignment with broader quality frameworks

Oversees the development and delivery of professional development, coaching, and technical assistance for CBO instructional staff and leadership, ensuring coherence, quality, and alignment to state and OECE priorities

Manages systems for monitoring instructional implementation, including site visits, documentation, and follow-up supports, to ensure fidelity and continuous improvement

Analyzes and synthesizes instructional, assessment, and quality data to evaluate program effectiveness, identify trends, and inform strategic decision-making

Establishes and maintains cross-functional partnerships with CBO leadership, agency directors, and OECE teams to ensure consistent implementation of instructional guidance and expectations; Lead communication of instructional expectations, updates, and best practices to CBO partners in collaboration with OECE leadership

Develops and refine tools, resources, and reporting processes that improve efficiency, transparency, and effectiveness of instructional support systems

Stays current on research and best practices in early childhood education, instructional coaching, and adult learning to inform program design and improvement

Other duties as assigned

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the CBO Early Childhood Program Administrator must possess the following qualifications:

Education Required:
Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field from an accredited college or university
Valid teaching certificate/Professional Educator’s License (PEL) issued by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) with Early Childhood endorsement
General Administrative endorsement preferred

Experience Required:
Minimum of five (5) years of early childhood teaching experience required
Minimum of three (3) years of experience supporting early childhood special education, inclusive practices, and services for english learners required
Experience in an early childhood role with responsibility for instructional oversight, coaching, or program implementation preferred

Other requirements:
This role requires significant travel between CPS locations and Community-based organizations across the city. Access to reliable transportation is required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Demonstrated ability to lead, manage, and improve instructional programs across multiple sites or partners
Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to prioritize, delegate, and manage multiple initiatives simultaneously
Ability to analyze instructional, assessment, and quality data to inform program decisions and continuous improvement
Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, including the ability to anticipate challenges and implement effective solutions
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with CBO leadership, agency directors, OECE staff, and external partners
Ability to establish and maintain effective, collaborative relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders
Knowledge of early childhood curriculum, assessment, and quality tools (e.g., Creative Curriculum, Teaching Strategies GOLD, CLASS)
Proficiency in the use of technology and data systems, including but not limited to Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and enterprise systems (e.g., Oracle or similar platforms)
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a cross-functional, team-based environment
Ability to maintain accurate documentation, records, and reports in support of program accountability and decision-making
Demonstrated commitment to confidentiality, professionalism, and ethical practice when handling sensitive or privileged information
Knowledge of early childhood instructional best practices, adult learning theory, and coaching models

Benefits:
Health & Wellness: Your Care, Your Choice
CPS is committed to providing comprehensive health coverage to our employees and their eligible dependents. You'll have access to a variety of choices to best fit your needs:

Medical Plan Options
Pharmacy
Dental
Vision
Behavioral Health & EAP
Employee Wellness Program
Financial Security: Planning for Today and Tomorrow
We understand the importance of financial stability, which is why CPS offers strong retirement and savings options:
Basic Life Insurance
Life and Disability Insurance
Pension Plans
Supplemental Retirement Plans (403(b) and 457(b))
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
Spot Pet Insurance
Work-Life Balance: Supporting Your Personal and Professional Life
CPS values the well-being of its employees and offers competitive paid time off policies:
Paid Leave
Sick Leave
Vacation Days
Parental Leaves
Short-Term Disability
Religious Holidays
Leaves

Reference the Chicago Public Schools: A Comprehensive Benefits Overview or the benefits handbook for comprehensive details.

Conditions of Employment
As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to:
Establish/Maintain Chicago Residency - Employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment with the district. The Chicago residency requirement does not apply to temporary/part-time positions; however, all CPS employees must be residents of Illinois.out their employment with the district. The Chicago residency requirement does not apply to temporary/part-time positions; however, all CPS employees must be residents of Illinois.