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Children Program Director Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Bright Future Early Learning Center

Be Seen First

Program Director

Oakland, CA · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Bright Future is an inclusive, play-based learning community serving children ages 3 months to 5 years old. The Program Director will support strong daily operations, guide teacher development ...

MarSell Wellness Center

Program Director

Colton, CA · On-site

$109K/yr

The Program Director will plan, direct, or coordinate the work for specific marketing projects ... Travel to include transportation of children to parents/sponsor on rotation with other positions.

MarSell Wellness Center

Program Director

San Diego, CA · On-site

$117K/yr

Program Director Department: Family Services Location: San Diego Reports To: Regional Family ... Travel to include transportation of children to parents/sponsor on rotation with other positions.

Community Bridges

PROGRAM DIRECTOR

CA · On-site

$52.28 - $65.12/hr

Administrates all aspects of the Children's Centers, ensuring compliance with Federal and State ... The minimum requirements to obtain a Program Director Permit are as follows: * BA degree with 24 ...

Kiddie Academy

Program Director

La Verne, CA · On-site

Academy Director - Kiddie Academy Location: La Verne Type: Full-Time Kiddie Academy, a leader in ... for children, families, and staff, while championing our mission of "Awakening possibilities ...

Steps Therapy Inc

Program Director

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$27 - $35/hr

As a Program Director, you are responsible for designing and implementing behavior intervention programs to young children with special needs and providing families with training to reinforce learned ...

Steps Therapy Inc

Program Director

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$27 - $35/hr

As a Program Director, you are responsible for designing and implementing behavior intervention programs to young children with special needs and providing families with training to reinforce learned ...

Kiddie Academy

Program Director

La Verne, CA · On-site

Academy Director - Kiddie Academy Location: La Verne Type: Full-Time Kiddie Academy, a leader in ... for children, families, and staff, while championing our mission of "Awakening possibilities ...

Adventist Health

Program Director

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$351K - $405K/yr

The Program Director must ensure continuing accreditation of the program by comprehending and ... women's and children's services. As a major teaching hospital, White Memorial also plays an ...

Adventist Health

Program Director

Inglewood, CA

$351K - $405K/yr

The Program Director must ensure continuing accreditation of the program by comprehending and ... women's and children's services. As a major teaching hospital, White Memorial also plays an ...

Adventist Health

Program Director

Torrance, CA · On-site

$351K - $405K/yr

The Program Director must ensure continuing accreditation of the program by comprehending and ... women's and children's services. As a major teaching hospital, White Memorial also plays an ...

Adventist Health

Program Director

Montebello, CA · On-site

$351K - $405K/yr

The Program Director must ensure continuing accreditation of the program by comprehending and ... women's and children's services. As a major teaching hospital, White Memorial also plays an ...

Adventist Health

Program Director

Mckinleyville, CA

$351K - $405K/yr

The Program Director must ensure continuing accreditation of the program by comprehending and ... women's and children's services. As a major teaching hospital, White Memorial also plays an ...

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All JobsChildren Program JobsChildren Program Director JobsChildren Program Director Jobs in California

Children Program Director information

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 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 are the responsibilities of a Children Program Director?

A Children Program Director is responsible for planning, organizing, and overseeing children's activities and educational programs. They coordinate staff, ensure safety and compliance with regulations, and develop age-appropriate curriculum to promote children's development and engagement. Strong leadership, communication skills, and knowledge of child development are essential for this role.

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 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 the most commonly searched types of Children Program jobs in California? The most popular types of Children Program jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Children Program Director jobs in California? For Children Program Director jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Children Program Director jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Children Program Director jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Children Program Director jobs? Cities in California with the most Children Program Director job openings:
Children Program Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Children Program Director job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Children's Activity Coordinator P/T Fri, Sat & Sun

Friends Outside

Jamestown, CA • On-site

$20 - $21/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Friends Outside
Children's Program Coordinator
P/T = Friday, Saturday and Sunday Only 24 hours p/wk
Visitor Center Program
There is a Children's Program Coordinator at each Visitor Center. He/she is responsible for the safe and appropriate care of children over the age of six years who are left at the Visitor Center for a brief time (less than 3 hours) while the parent is visiting an incarcerated friend or family member. The Children's Program Coordinator reports to the Visitor Center Program Director.
QUALIFICATIONS:
  • High school diploma or GED and three units of Early Childhood Education coursework completed by the date of hire OR one year of formal related work experience with children may be substitutes for the Early Childhood Education units
  • Certified in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

DUTIES:
  • Develop, coordinate, plan and provide age-appropriate children's activities.
  • Attend to children's personal needs, and maintain the children's play area, toys and equipment to an appropriate standard of hygiene and safety.
  • Coordinate with the institution Visiting Staff and the Transportation Coordinator a plan for transportation of children from the Visitor Center to the institution visiting area and back again, where appropriate to do so.
  • Maintain and prepare accurate record keeping of childcare registration and safety log.
  • Ensure all childcare related activities are clean, sanitized, and free of broken/loose parts.
  • Supervise, train and evaluate children's program volunteers.
  • Using appropriate childcare skills and practices, provide competent and capable role modeling, information and assistance where needed.
  • Participate with other Visitor Center employees to maintain a clean, sheltered, safe, and appropriate work environment.
  • Participate in mandatory training as required for the position, including institution and

off-site training that may occur outside of regularly scheduled work days.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Maintain physical fitness sufficient to:
  • Lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.
  • Use hands to handle and/or feel objects, tools and controls.
  • Stand, walk, sit, climb stairs, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch and crawl.
  • Talk and hear.
  • Move quickly/run in case of emergency.
  • Vision ability to include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision,

depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
  • Demonstrate good interpersonal skills, and a courteous and professional demeanor.
  • Obtain and maintain a California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation security

clearance.
  • Obtain and maintain a Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation certificate.
  • Fulfillment of TB test, annually or as required.

  • Perform all tasks in a manner consistent with Friends Outside policies and procedures
  • Treat colleagues, clients, and other employees with respect and dignity
  • Perform all other duties as instructed by the Executive Director.

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