ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Early Childhood Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

ARK ACADEMY

Early Childhood Director

Irvine, CA · On-site

$65K - $73K/yr

Model best practices in early childhood education, including classroom management, instructional strategies, and developmentally appropriate teaching. * Support and reinforce a school culture ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsEarly Childhood JobsEarly Childhood Jobs in Riverside, CA

Early Childhood information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$9

$17

$27

How much do early childhood jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for early childhood in Riverside, CA is $17.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.81 and $19.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an early childhood job?

An Early Childhood job involves working with young children, typically from birth to around age eight, to support their learning, development, and well-being. Professionals in this field may work as teachers, caregivers, or specialists in preschools, daycare centers, or educational settings. Responsibilities often include creating engaging learning environments, fostering social and emotional growth, and ensuring children's safety. These roles require patience, creativity, and a strong understanding of child development principles.

What does a typical day look like for an early childhood professional?

A typical day for an early childhood professional involves creating and implementing age-appropriate lesson plans, leading group activities, monitoring children's safety, and assisting with daily routines like meals and playtime. You’ll frequently collaborate with other educators and communicate with parents or guardians to share updates on children's progress. Additionally, the role includes observing and documenting developmental milestones to tailor support for each child. This dynamic and interactive environment offers daily variety and opportunities to foster a lifelong love of learning in young children.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the early childhood position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Early Childhood roles, you need knowledge of child development, classroom management, and educational best practices, typically supported by a degree or certification in early childhood education. Familiarity with lesson planning software, assessment tools, and childcare licensing requirements is often expected. Exceptional patience, creativity, and strong communication skills help build positive relationships with children and families. These abilities are critical for fostering a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment that supports young children's growth.

What can you do with an early childhood degree?

An early childhood degree qualifies individuals for roles such as preschool teacher, childcare provider, or early childhood educator. These positions typically involve working with young children in educational or care settings and may require certifications like CPR or background checks.

What is a career in early childhood development?

A career in early childhood development involves working with young children, typically from birth to age eight, to support their growth, learning, and development. Roles include preschool teachers, childcare providers, and early intervention specialists, often requiring relevant certifications and strong communication skills. These careers are usually based in educational or childcare settings and may involve planning activities and assessing developmental progress.

What are the most commonly searched types of Early Childhood jobs in Riverside, CA?

The most popular types of Early Childhood jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Early Childhood jobs in Riverside, CA?

For Early Childhood jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Early Childhood jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Early Childhood jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Early Childhood jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Early Childhood job openings:

Early Childhood jobs near you
Infographic showing various Early Childhood job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, and 23% Part Time. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $36,895 per year, or $17.7 per hour.

Early Childhood Director

ARK ACADEMY

Irvine, CA • On-site

$65K - $73K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Training & development
  • Tuition assistance

Please submit a resume, a letter demonstrating your interest in the position, and the names and contact information for two references.
Position Summary
ARK Academy is seeking a talented, caring, and passionate Early Childhood Director to join our team ​​for the 2026-2027 academic year. The Director is responsible for leading and overseeing the Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten program, ensuring that every student experiences a high-quality classroom environment that fosters strong character development and supports their holistic growth. The Director is actively engaged in instruction, while guiding staff, curriculum, and program development. The Director works closely with the Principal to uphold the school’s mission, maintain regulatory compliance, and foster strong relationships with families and staff.
Key Responsibilities
Program Leadership & Classroom Leadership
  • Serve as both an instructional leader and active classroom teacher, dedicating a significant portion of time to teaching and student engagement.
  • Model best practices in early childhood education, including classroom management, instructional strategies, and developmentally appropriate teaching.
  • Support and reinforce a school culture grounded in strong character, compassion, and respect.
  • Collaborate with teachers to design and refine developmentally appropriate curriculum and learning plans that support language development, early literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional growth, while meeting regulatory requirements and family expectations.
  • Monitor and assess program effectiveness and make ongoing improvements.
Staff Leadership & Development 
  • Recruit, interview, and onboard early childhood staff.
  • Provide ongoing coaching, mentorship, and performance evaluations.
  • Conduct regular staff meetings and professional development sessions.
  • Foster a collaborative, supportive, and growth-oriented team culture.
  • Ensure staff adhere to school policies, procedures, and professional expectations.
Family Engagement
  • Build strong relationships with families through open, consistent communication.
  • Meet with parents to discuss student development, progress, and any academic or behavioral concerns.
  • Provide guidance and support to families on early childhood development and learning strategies.
  • Organize family engagement opportunities and events.
Operations & Facilities Management
  • Ensure the early childhood facility is safe, well-maintained, and fully stocked.
  • Oversee classroom organization and learning environments to ensure they are engaging and developmentally appropriate.
Administration & Compliance
  • Assist the Principal in managing the early childhood program budget and ensure effective use of resources.
  • Maintain accurate records, including licensing, attendance, and student documentation.
  • Support enrollment efforts and program growth as needed.
  • Ensure the program meets all state licensing requirements and maintains full compliance.
  • Lead or support efforts toward program accreditation, including preparation, documentation, and continuous quality improvement.
Professional Responsibilities
  • Stay current on best practices, regulations, and trends in early childhood education.
  • Participate in faculty meetings, school events, and collaborative planning as required. 
  • Uphold and reflect the mission, philosophy, and core values of ARK Academy in all professional interactions. 

Qualifications
Required:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field.
  • Minimum of 12 semester units in Early Childhood Education/Child Development.
  • At least 3 semester units in administration, leadership, or staff relations.
  • Valid Child Development Program Director Permit (or eligibility to obtain).
  • Minimum of 3–5 years years of teaching experience in a licensed child care center.
  • At least 1 year of leadership experience (e.g., Site Supervisor, Assistant Director, or equivalent).
  • Strong knowledge of licensing requirements through the California Department of Social Services.
  • Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.
Preferred:
  • Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education or Educational Leadership.
  • Experience opening or expanding a school program.
Regulatory Requirements:
  • CPR and First Aid Certification
  • Fingerprint clearance from the Department of Justice.
  • Health screening, including proof of Tuberculosis clearance.
  • Proof of eligibility to work in the United States.