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Child Development Director Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Sunny Days

Child Development Specialist

Huntington Beach, CA · On-site

$21.75 - $25.50/hr

Child Development Specialist Benefits: * Competitive Rates, Based on Experience ($35 / hour - $45 ... Eligible for direct deposit * Eligible for Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits * Eligible for Sick ...

Sunny Days

Child Development Specialist

Menlo Park, CA · On-site

$24.25 - $28.25/hr

Child Development Specialist Benefits: * Competitive Rates, Based on Experience ($45 / hour - $55 ... Eligible for direct deposit * Eligible for Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits * Eligible for Sick ...

Sunny Days

Child Development Specialist

Riverside, CA · On-site

$24.25 - $28.25/hr

Child Development Specialist Benefits: * Competitive Rates, Based on Experience ($35 / hour - $45 ... Eligible for direct deposit * Eligible for Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits * Eligible for Sick ...

Sunny Days

Child Development Specialist

Oceanside, CA · On-site

$21.75 - $25.50/hr

Child Development Specialist for Evaluation Only Benefits: * Competitive Rates, Based on Experience ... Eligible for direct deposit * Eligible for Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits * Eligible for Sick ...

Sunny Days

Child Development Specialist

Vista, CA · On-site

$21 - $24.50/hr

Child Development Specialist Benefits: * Competitive Rates, Based on Experience ($35 / hour - $45 ... Eligible for direct deposit * Eligible for Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits * Eligible for Sick ...

Sunny Days

Child Development Specialist

Pomona, CA · On-site

$20.50 - $24/hr

Child Development Specialist Benefits: * Competitive Rates, Based on Experience ($35 / hour - $45 ... Eligible for direct deposit * Medical Benefits Available to Part-Time Employees Looking for a ...

Sunny Days

Child Development Specialist

Elk Grove, CA · On-site

$21 - $24.50/hr

Child Development Specialist Benefits: * Competitive Rates, Based on Experience ($35 / hour - $45 ... Eligible for direct deposit * Medical Benefits Available to Part-Time Employees Looking for a ...

Sunny Days

Child Development Specialist

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$19 - $22.25/hr

Child Development Specialist Benefits: * Competitive Rates, Based on Experience ($35 / hour - $45 ... Eligible for direct deposit * Eligible for Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits * Eligible for Sick ...

Sunny Days

Child Development Specialist

Pomona, CA · Hybrid

$20.50 - $24/hr

Child Development Specialist Benefits: * Competitive Rates, Based on Experience ($35 / hour - $45 ... Eligible for direct deposit * Medical Benefits Available to Part-Time Employees Looking for a ...

Sunny Days

Child Development Specialist

Berkeley, CA · Hybrid

$25 - $29.50/hr

Child Development Specialist Benefits: * Competitive Rates, Based on Experience ($45 / hour - $55 ... Eligible for direct deposit * Eligible for Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits * Eligible for Sick ...

Sunny Days

Child Development Specialist

Riverside, CA · Hybrid

$21.50 - $25/hr

Child Development Specialist Benefits: * Competitive Rates, Based on Experience ($35 / hour - $45 ... Eligible for direct deposit * Eligible for Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits * Eligible for Sick ...

Sunny Days

Child Development Specialist

Escondido, CA · Hybrid

$21.50 - $25.25/hr

Child Development Specialist Benefits: * Competitive Rates, Based on Experience ($35 / hour - $45 ... Eligible for direct deposit * Eligible for Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits * Eligible for Sick ...

Sunny Days

Child Development Specialist

Fountain Valley, CA · Hybrid

$22.50 - $26.25/hr

Child Development Specialist Benefits: * Competitive Rates, Based on Experience ($35 / hour - $45 ... Eligible for direct deposit * Eligible for Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits * Eligible for Sick ...

Sunny Days

Child Development Specialist

Elk Grove, CA · Hybrid

$21.50 - $25.25/hr

Child Development Specialist Benefits: * Competitive Rates, Based on Experience ($35 / hour - $45 ... Eligible for direct deposit * Medical Benefits Available to Part-Time Employees Looking for a ...

Sunny Days

Child Development Specialist

Oceanside, CA · Hybrid

$21.25 - $24.75/hr

Child Development Specialist for Evaluation Only Benefits: * Competitive Rates, Based on Experience ... Eligible for direct deposit * Eligible for Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits * Eligible for Sick ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsChild Development JobsChild Development Director JobsChild Development Director Jobs in California

Child Development Director information

See California salary details

$15.8K

$94.5K

$175.7K

How much do child development director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for child development director in California is $94,455.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,000.00 and $113,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a child development director do?

A Child Development Director oversees the daily operations of early childhood education programs, such as preschools or daycare centers. They are responsible for managing staff, developing curriculum, ensuring regulatory compliance, and fostering a safe and supportive learning environment for young children. Their role also includes communicating with parents, setting policies, and maintaining the overall quality of the program. In addition, Child Development Directors often handle budgeting and enrollment processes to ensure the center runs smoothly.

What are some common challenges faced by a child development director, and how can they be effectively managed?

A Child Development Director often navigates challenges such as balancing administrative duties with fostering a positive, engaging environment for both children and staff. Managing staff turnover, maintaining compliance with state regulations, and ensuring high-quality curriculum implementation can also be demanding. Effective communication, ongoing staff training, and building strong relationships with parents and the community are essential strategies to address these challenges. Staying organized and proactive in problem-solving helps create a supportive and thriving learning environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a child development director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Child Development Director, you need expertise in early childhood education, program management, and a relevant degree—often with state-specific director credentials. Knowledge of child assessment tools, curriculum planning software, and regulatory compliance systems is typically required. Leadership, strong communication, and relationship-building skills help foster positive environments for children, staff, and families. These abilities ensure high-quality programming, regulatory adherence, and supportive learning environments that promote healthy child development.

What is the difference between Child Development Director vs Preschool Director?

AspectChild Development DirectorPreschool Director
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's or master's in early childhood education or related field, along with experience in child developmentOften requires a high school diploma or associate's degree, with experience in preschool management
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple programs or facilities, focusing on child development policies and staff supervisionManages daily operations of a preschool, including staff, curriculum, and parent relations
Industry UsageUsed in non-profit, government, or large childcare organizationsCommon in private preschools and daycare centers

The Child Development Director typically has a broader scope, focusing on program development and child welfare across multiple settings, while the Preschool Director manages daily operations within a specific preschool. Both roles require early childhood education credentials but differ in scale and responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Child Development jobs in California? The most popular types of Child Development jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Child Development Director jobs in California? For Child Development Director jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Child Development Director jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Child Development Director jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Child Development Director jobs? Cities in California with the most Child Development Director job openings:
Child Development Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Child Development Director job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,455 per year, or $45.4 per hour.

Child Development Specialist, Child Development Services

Wayfinder Family Services

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$23 - $26/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

Wayfinder Family Services rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

At Wayfinder Family Services, we understand the unique challenges facing some of our state's most vulnerable children, youth and adults. Those with disabilities, those without a home of their own, those who have been abused and many, many more. We answer the call for them. We believe in the amazing potential in, and for, each and every one of them. And, together, we find a way to turn that potential into reality.
Program and Role Summary
Wayfinder's Child Development Services provides early intervention in person to children from birth to age 6 with visual impairment or multiple disabilities. Young children maximize any vision they have and reduce developmental delays. Parents learn to provide their child with therapeutic stimulation and advocate for their child's education and care. Child development reduces the need for special education and increases independence for children with disabilities.
The primary focus on the Child Development Specialist, is to provide specialized services to families of young children with vision impairments and/or multiple disabilities from birth through five years of age. The Child Development Specialist provides home instruction, lesson plans, resource information, and referrals to local community-based organizations, advocates for the client's family, and partners with parents and caregivers to empower them as advocates for their child.
This position is home-based and will cover the catchment areas of the East Los Angeles Regional Center, San Gabriel Pomona Regional Center, and the South Central Regional Center, as needed.
Primary Responsibilities:
  • Provide direct intervention in the child's natural environment: home, at a center-based site, or a hospital. Coordinate your schedule to meet the family's needs, ensuring the weekly visits are met as authorized by the Regional Center or School District.
  • Conduct functional vision and developmental assessments using observation, parent interviews, authentic assessment strategies, and formal assessment tools. Per the frequency of the Regional Center, assessments include but are not limited to Oregon, DAYC-2, and HAWAII (HELP). Frequency includes but is not limited to every 3, 6 or 9 months.
  • Participates in developing and implementing each child's Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) and outcomes in collaboration with the family and education team, providing progress reports as required by each Regional Center or Local Education Agency.
  • Assists and supports family in transitioning to the public school system or appropriate preschool setting (Birth to 3 children).
  • Actively collaborates with community-based providers of related services, including medical and educational providers, to help identify children with vision loss and developmental delays and provide access to services as part of Child Find.
  • Completes and maintains client case files and client database, including : Face Sheet, Home Visit Log Notes, intake forms, Developmental Profile, Family Program Plan, Physician Reports, Correspondence, Reports of Medical Visits, IFSPs, IEPs, assessments, and Medi-Cal documentation.
  • Other duties as outlined in the position description.

Education and Experience:
  • A minimum of a B.A., B.S. degree in Special Education, Child Development, Orientation and Mobility, Infant or Early Childhood, Social Work, or another related field from an accredited university is required.
  • Bilingual (Spanish), preferred.
  • Familiarity with services available to infants, young children, and their families with vision loss and multiple disabilities in California preferred.
  • Valid CA Driver License with a minimum of three (3) years good driving history and must be approved by the agency's insurance carrier to drive agency vehicles.

Benefits: Wayfinder is committed to providing our employees with a benefits program that is both comprehensive and competitive which includes:
  • Paid Time Off: Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) policy, 11 paid holidays, plus five winter holidays
  • Medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance
  • 401(k) retirement plan with employer match up to 4%
  • Employee referral program: Encourage your colleagues to join us
  • Education tuition assistance program: Invest in your career development
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible
  • Flexible spending account (FSA) plans
  • Eligibility and other benefits are outlined in plan documents

Additional Benefits Offered for this role :
  • Training and professional development

Wayfinder Family Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We support a drug-free workplace and conduct pre-employment background and drug screenings.

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