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Children Program Director Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Clinical Program Director

San Diego, CA · On-site

$44.23 - $52.88/hr

... direct care, supervision, coaching, and program development. What You'll Do: * Provide clinical ... Experience working with children, adolescents, trauma, or at-risk populations * Strong leadership ...

As Program Operations Director, you are wholly responsible for the overall leadership, performance ... Voluntary Buy-Up Life Insurance (for self, spouse & children), Short-Term Disability and Long-Term ...

Showing results 41-60

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 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.

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, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

$31 - $32.90/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 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

Turning Point Community Programs is seeking an Assistant Program Director for our Adult Residential Treatment Services (ARTS) program in San Joaquin. 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.

GENERAL PURPOSE

Under the administrative supervision of the Program Director, this position is responsible for the supervision of Personal Service Coordinators and assisting the Program Director in the functioning of the program.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is an at-will leadership position within a program. 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.

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

  • Responsible for all coverage scheduling, including unexpected absences.
  • Makes recommendations for program improvement and design.
  • Ensures staff compliance with productivity standards to ensure fiscal viability of program.
  • Works closely with Program Director in coordination of duties.
  • Covers for absent staff to cover open shifts if no other coverage is possible.
  • Maintains petty cash account.
  • Conducts internal record audits and is responsible for maintaining staff personnel files in compliance with licensing requirements; conducts resident satisfaction interviews.
  • Ensures that site safety coordinator maintains monthly site inspections and safety records.
  • Oversees medication distribution and related charting.
  • Records in the log significant events of the shift and observations of individual clients which may be relevant to the client’s treatment and/or success or failure at Turning Point.
  • Completes Denial of Rights forms on a monthly basis.
  • 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; provides “on-the-spot” counseling that is both helpful to the residents and consistent with the philosophy of the program.
  • Ensures the safety, health and well-being of staff and residents.
  • Ensures program meets staffing/documentation requirements of CCL Title 22 or Title 17 as appropriate to program license at all times including particular sensitivity to such issues as requests for time off or scheduling of off-site trainings when the site is short staffed by more than one person per shift at any given time.
  • Provides all necessary reports to the County and Administration in a timely fashion.

Schedule: Monday – Friday, 4:00 pm - 12:00 pm, with 24/7 on-call responsibilities.

Compensation: $31.00 - $32.90 per hour

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!


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