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Children Program Director Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

What You'll Do The Director oversees daily operations of Children's Day Center and Preschool. This role includes program planning, staff leadership, regulatory compliance, and collaboration with the ...

School Director

Menomonee Falls, WI · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Our School Directors are responsible for carrying out the daily tasks and duties of management ... Our program serves preschool children 6 weeks - 12 years of age. Programs include Infant, Toddler ...

Showing results 21-40

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.

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 are the most commonly searched types of Children Program jobs in Wisconsin?

The most popular types of Children Program jobs in Wisconsin are:

What are popular job titles related to Children Program Director jobs in Wisconsin?

For Children Program Director jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Children Program Director jobs in Wisconsin look for?

The top searched job categories for Children Program Director jobs in Wisconsin are:

What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Children Program Director jobs?

Cities in Wisconsin with the most Children Program Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Children Program Director job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

$16.50 - $22/hr

Full-time

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Job description

Description

Northwest Community Partners in a collaborative effort with a county Department of Human Services (DHS) provides Mentoring, Daily Living Skills Education and Respite services for children and families that reside within the respective county.


Mentor Job Description

The Mentor meets with a designated youth in a structured partnership that focuses on the needs of the mentored participants while fostering a supportive and positive relationship. Within the mentoring relationship, the goal will be for the Mentor to facilitate and promote connections to the youth's natural supports in his/her community and encourage independence in daily living skills. The Mentor is responsible for assisting in developing the Mentor Plan with the team and implementing the plan. The goal is for the relationship to last at least a year; however, matches can be for the duration of the school year if you are unavailable in the summer.

Mentors meet one to two times per week with their mentee doing various activities in the community, including, but not limited to, bowling, miniature golfing, trampoline parks, hiking, movies, and baking while working on goals such as improving social skills, safety awareness, and the ability to manage emotions. You will collaborate with the program director to choose mentees that best fit your personality/interests/experience goals. This position is highly flexible in allowing you to choose as little or as many hours as you want, and shifts can be built around your other work/school/life schedules. Starting pay varies depending on child's needs and mentor's experience level. In addition to the hourly pay rate, there is a budget for activities as well as mileage reimbursement.


Mentor Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

  • Meet with youth on a regular basis to increase functional capacities that will lead to independence and help connect them to natural supports in their community
  • Attend the initial meeting with family, referring social worker, and Program Director to assist in creating the client's Mentoring Plan
  • Plan community outings and activities in cooperation with the mentee and his/her family.
  • Understand and implement client's Mentoring Plan
  • Document each meeting with the mentee according to program standards
  • Regularly communicate with mentee's parent/guardian and Program Director
  • May need to communicate with Social Worker-following conversation with the Program Director-regarding child's progress
  • Receive and participate in ongoing training with Program Director
  • Participate in regular supervision with Program Director which will take place individually as well as in groups.
  • Present yourself in a professional manner when representing Northwest Community Partners with the mentee, the mentee's family, and within the community
  • When transporting the child and/or adolescent, the Mentor is personally responsible for abiding by all state traffic rules and regulations and following agency transportation policies and procedures.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications - Education and/or Experience for Positions:

  • Possess some educational knowledge of children with developmental disabilities (DD) and severe emotional disturbance (SED).
  • Possess some work experience working primarily with children and families, including programs dealing with mental health, Autism, and DD.

Other Skills and Abilities:

  • Knowledge of child mental health, adult mental health, and AODA services
  • Knowledge of social, emotional, and physical behavior needs
  • Ability to build and maintain rapport with clients and families
  • Knowledge of community resources
  • Knowledge of guidelines for ethical and professional conduct
  • Ability to respond appropriately and effectively in crisis situations
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality
  • Ability to communicate clearly in oral and written form
  • Ability to relate with others in a credible and cooperative manner
  • Ability to assess client problems and determine service delivery needs
  • Ability to work well with a divergent group of people
  • Ability to relate and work with co-workers and organizations
  • Ability to maintain regular, consistent, and reliable attendance

Special Requirements:

  • Must be a licensed driver and have access to an insured vehicle.
  • Transport clients in personal vehicle as required.