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Children Program Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Friendly House

Children's Program Cook

Portland, OR · On-site

$23.16/hr

Report to - Dan Hupala, Director of Preschool Work environment - Work is performed at the Friendly ... The Children's Program Cook will prepare breakfast, lunch, and snacks for 3 preschool classrooms.

Friendly House Inc

Children's Program Cook

Portland, OR · On-site

$23.16/hr

Report to - Dan Hupala, Director of Preschool Work environment - Work is performed at the Friendly ... The Children's Program Cook will prepare breakfast, lunch, and snacks for 3 preschool classrooms.

Buckner International

Children's Program Aide

Dallas, TX · On-site

The Children's Program Aide serves in a strategic function at Buckner Children and Family Services ... Implement program changes as directed. * Maintain records, daily report sheets and incident reports ...

Buckner International

Children's Program Aide

Dallas, TX · On-site

The Children's Program Aide serves in a strategic function at Buckner Children and Family Services ... Implement program changes as directed. * Maintain records, daily report sheets and incident reports ...

The Belle Center

Youth Program Director

Buffalo, NY · On-site

$20/hr

About This Role The Youth Program Director, reporting to the Executive Director, is in charge of ... Must have a New York State Children's Program Administrator Credential or School Age Child Care ...

The Greater Ridgewood Youth Council,Inc.

Be Seen First

After School Program Director

Queens, NY · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

New York State Children's Program Administrator Credential and at least two (2) years of direct experience working with children under the age of 13, including one (1) year in a supervisory role ...

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Children Program Director information

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$29.5K

$78.2K

$137K

How much do children program director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 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.

How much does a director of children's services make?

The salary for a Children’s Program Director typically ranges from $40,000 to $70,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Higher salaries are common in larger organizations or urban areas, and the role often requires strong leadership, program management skills, and relevant certifications.

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 highest paying job in child development?

The highest paying roles in child development often include senior positions such as Child Development Director or Pediatric Healthcare Executive, which require advanced degrees and extensive experience. These roles typically involve leadership, policy development, or specialized clinical skills and can offer salaries exceeding $100,000 annually.

What is the highest paid job in childcare?

The highest paid roles in childcare often include executive positions such as Childcare Center Directors or Owners, who manage large facilities and oversee staff and budgets. These roles typically require extensive experience, advanced certifications, and strong leadership skills, with salaries varying based on location and facility size.

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.

What qualifications do you need to be a program director?

Children Program Directors typically need a bachelor's degree in education, social work, or a related field, along with experience working with children and in program management. Strong leadership, communication skills, and knowledge of safety regulations are also important. Some positions may require certifications such as CPR or first aid.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Children Program Director, and why are they important?

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.
More about Children Program Director jobs
What cities are hiring for Children Program Director jobs? Cities with the most Children Program Director job openings:
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:
Children Program Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Children Program Director job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,196 per year, or $37.6 per hour.

Children's Program Director

Welsh & Associates, Inc.

Jackson, MI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

The Community Action Agency is seeking an experienced Children's Program Director to lead early childhood programs serving children and families across Hillsdale, Jackson, and Lenawee counties. Working alongside the CEO you'll provide strategic leadership for Head Start, Early Head Start, GSRP, WIC, and other Birth-to-Five initiatives. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact by strengthening programs, developing leaders, and improving outcomes for children and families throughout our communities.

As the Children's Program Director you will...

  • Provide strategic and operational leadership for multiple early childhood programs
  • Ensure compliance with federal, state, and licensing requirements
  • Lead program planning, quality improvement, and performance management
  • Oversee budgets, grants, reporting, and organizational systems
  • Build strong partnerships with community organizations and stakeholders
  • Supervise and develop a multidisciplinary leadership team
  • Champion a culture of collaboration, accountability, and trauma-informed care
To be qualified you will possess...
  • Master's degree in Human Services, Public Administration, Social Work, Education, or a related field
  • 7+ years of leadership experience
  • Experience leading teams, managing budgets, and driving organizational success
  • Head Start, GSRP, WIC, or other early childhood program experience

If you're a collaborative leader who is passionate about early childhood, community impact, and building high-performing teams, we'd love to hear from you.