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Children Program Director Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Head Start Program Director reports to the Director of Human Services, or their designee, leads ... children and families. Deep Head Start/Early Childhood expertise, with a strong command of ...

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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:
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.

$44 - $44.69/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


Turning Point Community Programs rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Description
Turning Point Community Programs is seeking a Program Director for our CORE Elk Grove program in Elk Grove. Position involves ability to cross cover all CORE sites (CORE Madison in North Highlands and CORE Rosin in Sacramento), ability to work different shifts on a rotational basis, and ability to drive. Turning Point Community Programs (TPCP) provides integrated, cost-effective mental health services, employment and housing for adults, children and their families that promote recovery, independence and self-sufficiency. We are committed to innovative and high quality services that assist adults and children with psychiatric, emotional and/or developmental disabilities in achieving their goals. Turning Point Community Programs (TPCP) has offered a path to mental health and recovery since 1976. We help people in our community every single day - creating a better space for all types of people in need. Join our mission of offering hope, respect and support to our clients on their journey to mental health and wellness.
Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm or 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Compensation: $44.00 - $44.69 per hour
GENERAL PURPOSE
Under administrative direction of the Regional Director, manages the day-to-day operations of an assigned program within a specific geographic region.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is an at-will leadership position within a program. This position is responsible for all aspects of program development, design, and implementation. Additionally, this position is responsible for the day-to-day supervision of assigned staff who perform the established duties of the program. This is a management position responsible for all phases of the management process within the assigned program.
The class is distinguished from the Regional Director by the latter's overall executive responsibility for multiple programs within a specified geographic region while the former focuses on a specific program.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES - (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)
The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that could be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class.
  • Ensures staff compliance with productivity standards to ensure fiscal viability of program.
  • Assesses, develops and implements plans to meet programming and service provision needs.
  • Provides "on-the-spot" support that is both helpful to the members and consistent with the philosophy of the program.
  • Represents the Program at community meetings as assigned.
  • Liaises with County personnel with regard to program design, audit and other regulatory issues of contract.
  • Conducts public relations activities in coordination with administration.
  • Works with program staff and members to develop planning and evaluation strategies.
  • Provides prompt intervention in the event of a crisis both to stop the crisis and to notify, when indicated, persons and agencies necessary for the resolution of the crisis situation.
  • Insures the safety, health, and well-being of staff and members.
  • Monitors safety status of facility; represents or assigns a representative to the safety committee.
  • Facilitates all-staff meetings.
  • Responsible for budget development in conjunction with Fiscal Department; monitors budget on a monthly and annual basis.
  • Insures overall compliance with contractual agreement with County provider including outcomes.
  • Insures program meets quality management standards for documentation, billing and service provision.
  • Provides all necessary reports to the County and Administration in a timely fashion.

Interested? Join us at our open interviews on Wednesdays from 2-4PM,
located at 10850 Gold Center Drive, Suite 325, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
-or-
CLICK HERE TO APPLY NOW!
Position Requirements
Education, Training and Experience
A typical way of obtaining the knowledge, skills and abilities outlined above is through graduation from an accredited college or university with a master's degree in Social Work, Psychology, or a related field and full licensure as a LMFT, LCSW or LPCC; four (4) years of varied experience as a provider of mental health services; minimum of one (1) year supervisory/ management experience.
Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements:
  • Registration with BBS or CA Board of Psychology
  • California driver's license & current vehicle insurance/registration
  • Reliable means of transportation capable of passing vehicle safety inspection if more than five years old excluding all modes of two-wheeled transport inclusive of bicycles, mopeds and motorcycles.

Full-Time/Part-Time
Full-Time
Shift
Days
Exempt/Non-Exempt
Exempt
Open Date
10/26/2023
Location
Core Elk Grove
EOE Statement
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.
adjustedSeniorityDate
None Specified
This position is currently accepting applications.

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