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Child Development Director Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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

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 ...

Sunny Days

Child Development Specialist

Sacramento, CA · Hybrid

$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 ...

Imh

Child Development Teacher

Solana Beach, CA · On-site

The Child Development Teacher promotes an environment of care for children that is safe and ... Provides direct supervision of children at all times. * Warmly interacts with children using ...

Destiny Arts Center

Development Director

Oakland, CA · On-site

No child is ever turned away for lack of funds. POSITION SUMMARY The Development Director is a strategic fundraising leader responsible for growing Destiny's philanthropic revenue, with a primary ...

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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 10, 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

Sunny Days

Fountain Valley, CA • Hybrid

$22.50 - $26.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Re-posted 13 hours ago

Job description

Child Development Specialist

Benefits:

  • Competitive Rates, Based on Experience ($35 / hour - $45 / hour)
  • Sign on Bonus up to $500
  • Professional Support & Development
  • Create your Own schedule
  • Sunny Days is entirely paperless, utilizing electronic signatures.
  • Flexible Schedules & Locations of Your Choice
  • Eligible for direct deposit
  • Eligible for Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits
  • Eligible for Sick Time

Looking for a flexible, challenging and rewarding opportunity to work with infants, toddlers and their families? Join our team of dedicated professionals who make a daily difference in the lives of young children by providing quality, home-based early intervention services.

Sunny Days of California, Inc. specializes in the area of early intervention, serving children with developmental needs from birth to three years of age. Sunny Days is a nationwide agency and has programs throughout the state of California. Our programs are multi-disciplinary, providing occupational, physical, and speech therapy, as well as child development services.

We are looking to grow our team of Child Development Specialists in your area!

Job Responsibilities:

  • Conduct developmental assessments, provide child development services utilizing the Parent Coaching Model (Rush & Sheldon)
  • Follow each childs Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) and work with the family to develop strategies to help each child reach their specific developmental goals
  • Utilize the family-centered parent coaching approach to build caregivers confidence and skills and to ensure that progress is generalized
  • Provide services in the childs natural environment, in families homes, daycare centers and/or other community settings.
  • Provide re-assessments and write progress reports (typically bi-annual)
  • Maintain confidentiality of information regarding children and families (in accordance with HIPAA and/or State/Federal regulations)

Requirements:

  • Bachelor's Degree - (Masters degree required in Orange County) in child development, early childhood, teaching or related field OR a special education teaching credential
  • Early Intervention Experience Preferred
  • Home-Based Service Delivery Experience Preferred
  • Strong Interpersonal Skills

Sunny Days is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, disability, age or covered veteran status. We will consider for employment all qualified Applicants, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws.

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