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Children Program Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Children's Program House Manager

Assonet, MA · On-site

$54K - $58K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Join Crystal Springs as a full-time Children's Program House Manager and help change lives in the ... Direct reporting is to the director of residential services. OUR COMPANY Crystal Springs is a ...

Program Director

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$66K - $68K/yr

The Program Director role is located at our Salome Ureña Campus site and is responsible for the ... Children's Aid Mission: To help children in poverty to succeed and thrive. We do this by providing ...

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Program Director - North Star Academy, Newburgh

Newburgh, NY · On-site

$50K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Program Director will oversee program quality, staff performance, and student outcomes, ensuring compliance with all regulations while fostering a supportive environment for children under six.

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Program Director - North Star Academy, Newburgh

Newburgh, NY · On-site

$50K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Program Director will oversee program quality, staff performance, and student outcomes, ensuring compliance with all regulations while fostering a supportive environment for children under six.

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Program Director - North Star Academy, Newburgh

Newburgh, NY · On-site

$50K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Program Director will oversee program quality, staff performance, and student outcomes, ensuring compliance with all regulations while fostering a supportive environment for children under six.

PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Bethlehem, PA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

At The Children's Home of Reading , we believe every person deserves the opportunity to live a ... Supervises all direct program staff including the Lead Clinician, Lead Case Manager, Lead Medical ...

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Children Program Director information

See salary details

$29.5K

$78.2K

$137K

How much do children program director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for children program director in the United States is $78,196.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,000.00 and $92,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a children program director do?

A Children Program Director is responsible for designing, managing, and evaluating programs and activities for children, often within educational, recreational, or community settings. They oversee staff, develop age-appropriate curricula, ensure the safety and well-being of participants, and coordinate with parents and community organizations. Their role involves budgeting, scheduling, and maintaining compliance with relevant regulations to create a positive and enriching environment for children.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a children program director?

To thrive as a Children Program Director, you need a background in education, child development, or a related field, often with a bachelor's degree and experience in program management. Familiarity with curriculum planning tools, child safety regulations, and management software is typically required. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help you inspire staff, engage families, and respond effectively to challenges. These competencies are essential for creating enriching, safe, and effective programs that support children's growth and well-being.

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

Children Program Directors often face challenges such as balancing diverse needs of children, managing staff, and ensuring program compliance with safety and educational standards. Effective management involves maintaining clear communication with team members, staying updated on best practices in child development, and fostering strong relationships with parents and community partners. Proactively addressing staff training and seeking regular feedback can also help create a positive, adaptable program environment.

What is the difference between Children Program Director vs Children Activities Coordinator?

Children Program DirectorChildren Activities Coordinator
Develops and oversees overall program strategies and policiesPlans and executes specific activities and events for children
Requires higher-level management skills and experienceFocuses on day-to-day activity coordination
Typically holds a bachelor's degree in education, recreation, or related fieldMay require similar certifications but less managerial experience
Works in community centers, schools, or religious organizationsWorks in similar environments, often under supervision

The Children Program Director focuses on strategic planning and program management, while the Children Activities Coordinator handles the execution of specific activities. Both roles require relevant certifications and work in similar settings, but the director has broader responsibilities and leadership duties.

How to become a children program director?

To become a children program director, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in education, child development, or a related field, along with experience working with children and in program management. Relevant skills include leadership, communication, and organizational abilities, and some positions may require certifications such as CPR or first aid. Gaining experience through volunteering or entry-level roles in youth programs can also be beneficial.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Children Program jobs?

The most popular types of Children Program jobs are:

What states have the most Children Program Director jobs?

States with the most job openings for Children Program Director jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Children Program Director jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Children Program Director jobs are:

Infographic showing various Children Program Director job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,196 per year, or $37.6 per hour.

Part-time

Posted 5 days ago


Buckner International rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Buckner Children and Family Services Community: Family Hope Center Program

Location: Dallas, TX - Onsite 

Address: 3300 Lombardy

Job Schedule: Part-Time 

We are seeking a Children's Program Aide to join our Family Hope Center Program. As a Children's Program Aide, you will Shine Hope by being responsible for assisting in the daily operations of all children programs including summer programs, after-school programs, field trips, tutoring programs and Saturday activities. You will be a positive role model through your interactions in providing guidance, supervision, nurturing, assisting with program activities and creating an environment of consistent structure. Join our team and shine hope in the lives of others! 

What you'll do:

  • Provide an environment that is growth producing and which stimulates self-confidence and trust and a respect of people. Remain attentive to the physical, emotional, spiritual, and academic growth of the children under supervision. Ensure that the environment is age appropriate, culturally sensitive and allows for children's personal expression.
  • Participate with youth in character development/enhancement activities and service learning projects.
  • Maintain a positive attitude and approach when working with the children, parents, guests and coworkers.
  • Report to supervisor any special needs or problems of individual children.
  • Support the program in place for the children in care and have a regularly scheduled daily plan, which includes elements of recreation, responsibility and spirituality.
  • Maintain an awareness of the needs of children with an openness and flexibility for creative program changes when necessary. Implement program changes as directed.
  • Assist youth with homework, arts, and crafts projects and implement recreation activities.
  • Provide safe transportation for children in van or other Buckner vehicle as required.
  • Attend and participate in meeting and in-service training, including CPR and First Aid training.

 What you'll bring:

  • High School Diploma (or G.E.D.) required.
  • Requires ability to read, write, and speak English professionally. 
  • Requires current CPR and First Aid certifications; must attend CPR, First Aid and restraint training as required.
  • Requires ability to drive assigned vehicle(s) or personal vehicle, with appropriate state license, following all laws applicable; must provide proof of liability insurance and must be eligible to be insured under Buckner's insurance policy. Must be age 21 or older to drive on behalf of Buckner.
  • Requires ability to use up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force continuously to move objects and/or people.
  • Requires ability to walk, stand and sit, sometimes for prolonged periods of time.

The above description reflects the details considered necessary to describe the essential functions of the job and should not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be performed in the job. 

About Buckner Children and Family Services:

Since 1879 Buckner has been transforming lives through hands-on ministry, serving the most vulnerable from the beginning to the ending of life. Buckner is one of the oldest and most unique faith-based social service organizations of its kind, serving hundreds of thousands of people each year in the United States and around the world. Learn more about our programs and ministry at buckner.org.  Buckner is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  


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