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Children Program Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Children's Program Manager

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$72K - $82K/yr

Deputy Director/Leadership Department: Children's Program Job Location: Tacoma, WA; In-person work required. Salary: $72,013.03 - $82,338.98 Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance; LTD; Term ...

Program Director positions require individuals who can take direction and collaborate well with ... The Children's Program - The Children's Program is open to ages 2 - 16 years of age, and is ...

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.

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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.

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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 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 ...

Program Director

Bronx, NY · On-site

$65K - $66K/yr

The Program Director is responsible for the management and supervision of the extended day programs ... Design and implement programming that meets the educational, social and emotional needs of children ...

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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 10, 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.
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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:

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

Position:Children’s Director

Reports to:VP of Programs and Services

JOB SUMMARY

Is responsible for the planning, organizing, directing and quality assurance of Easterseals West Georgia, Inc.’s therapeutic childcare program. Works with President/CEO and VP of Programs and Services to assure optimum utilization of facilities, funds and human resources in achievement of program goals and objectives. Works in conjunction with the Administrative Team (President/CEO, VP of Programs and Services, Children’s and Adult Directors, VP of Facility Management and Development, Nurse/ Health and Safety Director, Assessment Specialists, Behavioral Specialist, Quality Assurance and Training Specialist, Family Support Manager) to ensure all aspects of the program development and delivery are consistent with ESWG’s mission. Assumes all duties and responsibilities of program operation in the absence of other Administrative Team members.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  1. Directs and supervises the day-to-day operation of the program, rehabilitation, special education, preschool, early intervention and childcare for children less than 21 years of age.
    • Develops quarterly targets for the Children’s Program and ensures attainment of program goals.
    • Develops and maintains a work program schedule for staff.
    • Ensures adequate classroom ratios are maintained at all times.
    • Ensures that ESWG policies and procedures are met by all staff persons; recommends needed endorsements to manual when recognized.
    • Supervises directly: Children’s Lead Teachers, Children’s Teacher’s Aides, and Volunteers.
    • Conducts initial interviewing process and selection.
    • Works with the QA&T Specialist to ensures all new personnel are properly trained and new employee instructional orientation and training is provided in assigned classroom. Covering the following:
      • Overview of classroom and children
      • IPP’s / POCs/ ISP/ Goals of assigned children
      • Lesson plans / progress notes
      • Governing bodies rules and regulations (DECAL, Quality Rated, accrediting body, Medicaid, etc.)
    • Prepares & presents staff with 1, 2, and 3-month initial evaluations and thereafter semi-annual evaluations.
    • Documents all counseling sessions and reports any concern with proposed correction plan to VP of Programs and Services for approval. Ensures progressive discipline procedures are implemented.
    • Works with the QA&T Specialist to ensure an ongoing training program and ensure that continuing education requirements are met for all staff annually.
    • Works with QA&T Specialist to ensure annual individual development planning is conducted with each staff to promote professional growth.
    • Conducts review of monthly and daily progress notes, weekly lesson plans, ISP goals and objectives.
    • Organizes & conducts staff meetings monthly, with the exception of the 2 summer months.
    • Be an active presence within the childcare classrooms. Provide guidance on an itinerant basis in classrooms at least 1‑2 hours/ day.
    • Ensures quality programming that is culturally relevant, age appropriate and maximizes independence and participant choice.
    • Ensures all aspects of new participant’s and ongoing enrollment are complete.
    • Conducts parent tours.
    • Enrolls all children.
    • Ensures timely review and filing of new and updated applications.
    • Coordinates children’s schedules.
    • Ensure children’s transition to the appropriate classroom as they age.
    • Assists therapists in coordinating inpatient children’s therapies.
    • Maintains attendance at required levels.
    • Maintains a positive working relationship with parents and caregivers. Ensures prompt responses are provided when replying to parent/ caregiver questions, concerns, inquiries and/or replying to new family inquiries.
    • Maintains adequate records of service, which may include assisting with:
      • Ensuring progress notes and planning records are maintained up-to-date and are filed in a timely manner.
      • Participates in the designing of IPP/ISP/POCs within 1 month of assessment, as needed.
      • Ensuring daily implementation of all IPP/ISP/POC’s.
      • Ensuring all director-driven documents (e.g., participant lists, waiting lists, etc.) remain in an up-to-date status.
    • Participates in Support Intensity Scale, Individual Support Plan and Plan of Care meetings as needed to ensure an accurate reflection of the participant and his/her abilities.
    • Ensures that all aspects of Medicaid requirements are maintained and updated as needed. Assists with Medicaid related duties.
    • Works with VP of Programs and Services to ensure that ESWG meets all licensing requirements and accreditation standards. Maintains and complies with all municipal, state, and federal regulations.
    • Participates on quality improvement committees.
    • Reports activities to VP of Programs and Services.
    • Coordinates and completes children’s referrals to community agencies.
    • Works cooperatively with the Administrative Team to establish and maintain a functioning resource center. Submits materials needed to VP of Programs and Services.
    • Acts as a resource for parents, staff and volunteers.
    • Ensures that all forms, contracts, and handbooks are current for the children’s program. This includes but is not limited to participant’s handbook; applications; service and therapy contracts; medication and emergency forms.
  2. Reports any problems relating to potential Easterseals’ liability; any accidents the clients incur; any problems with staff, parents or the public to the President / CEO or VP of Programs and Services.
  3. Reports any needed maintenance to the President / CEO or VP of Programs and Services for building or grounds.
  4. Reports any evidence of child/adult neglect and/or abuse to the President / CEO and Administrative Team for further investigation and possible reporting.
  5. Advises VP of Programs and Services on activities within classrooms affecting program objectives, staff and relationships with parents and the public.
  6. Respects and preserves the dignity, personal safety and confidentially of all persons served by or employed by ESWG.
  7. Works with state & local community agencies, school systems and health professionals as liaison for this program.
  8. Administers medications as needed.
  9. Works cooperatively with the Administrative Team to establish and maintain a functioning resource center. Submits needed materials list to VP of Programs and Services.
  10. Successfully completes at least 20 hours of approved training per year.
  11. Performs all other duties as assigned or requested.
WORKING EXPECTATIONS
  • Staff will always exercise professionalism in the presence of participants, visitors, and other staff.
  • Staff will ensure that all activities and conversations are always geared toward what is appropriate.
  • Participants are supervised at all times, under no circumstances are participants to be left unattended.
  • To ensure quality of services provided, staff are expected to receive a rating of 20 (meets expectation) or higher on all performance reviews. Scoring under 20 will result in the staff member being placed on a 1‑3 month probation until the level of quality is improved or termination may result.
QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in administration and/or field related to rehabilitation, special education, or education.
  • Four years experience working with children and/ or adults with disabilities.
  • One-year experience in Administration.
  • Good interpersonal and organizational skills. Ability to communicate well orally and in writing. Ability to interpret and carry out written and oral instructions.
  • Maintains current certification in First Aid and CPR.
  • Must have the ability to plan and manage resources and services with minimal supervision.
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