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Executive Child Development Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Executive Director

Napa, CA · On-site

$230 - $270/hr

... child and adult with or with the potential for a developmental disability, while promoting the ... The Executive Director is entrusted with helping create the conditions in which individuals with ...

Chief Executive Officer

Berkeley, CA · On-site

$200 - $230/hr

Elevating the agency's public profile and advocacy presence in the child welfare field ... Collaborate with the Development team to build and execute a diversified, data-informed fund ...

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Executive Child Development information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an executive child development professional?

To thrive as an Executive in Child Development, you need advanced knowledge of early childhood education, program management, and often a master's degree in education or a related field. Familiarity with curriculum development software, regulatory compliance systems, and accreditation standards is typically required. Exceptional leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help in guiding teams and building relationships with families and stakeholders. These competencies ensure the effective delivery of high-quality programs and the overall growth and well-being of children and staff.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in executive child development roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Executive Child Development roles often face challenges such as balancing administrative duties with direct program oversight, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and supporting staff professional development. Navigating limited resources while maintaining high-quality programs can also be demanding. Success often relies on strong leadership, effective communication, and building collaborative relationships with educators, families, and community partners. Staying informed about best practices and investing in continuous learning can help address these challenges and foster a positive organizational culture.

What is an executive child development professional?

An Executive Child Development professional typically refers to someone in a leadership or administrative role within an organization that serves children, such as a childcare center, preschool, or early childhood education program. These professionals oversee program development, staff management, compliance with regulations, and often work on curriculum planning and parent communication. Their goal is to ensure a high standard of care and education for young children while managing the operational and strategic aspects of the organization.

What is the difference between Executive Child Development vs Child Development Specialist?

AspectExecutive Child DevelopmentChild Development Specialist
CredentialsBachelor’s or Master’s in Child Development, Education, or related field; certifications may varyDegree in Child Development, Education, Psychology, or related field; certifications often required
Work EnvironmentAdministrative roles, program oversight, policy development in educational or childcare organizationsDirect interaction with children, implementing developmental programs, assessments in schools or clinics
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, government agencies, educational institutionsPreschools, daycare centers, clinics, community programs

Executive Child Development roles focus on program management, policy, and administrative oversight, often requiring leadership skills. Child Development Specialists work directly with children, assessing and supporting their developmental needs. Both roles require relevant education and certifications but differ mainly in responsibilities and work settings.

What are the most commonly searched types of Child Development jobs in California?

The most popular types of Child Development jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Executive Child Development jobs?

Cities in California with the most Executive Child Development job openings:

Child Development Consultant

Department of Social Services

Sacramento, CA • On-site

$8.2K - $10K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Under the direction of the Bureau Chief /Education Administrator I (EA I) of the Program Quality & Improvement (PQI) Central Bureau in CCDD, the Child Development Consultant (CDC) works cooperatively with program units and managers throughout CDSS. The CDC is responsible for working collaboratively with various early child care and development programs funded by federal and/or state funds. The CDC serves in an educational leadership role for promoting quality program implementation at the local, regional, and state levels. Extensive travel exceeding 50% is required for fieldwork in this position.
The Department of Social Services does not participate in E-Verify for employment authorization purposes. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship by the start date of employment.
If you would like to share how you learned about this career opportunity, please take a moment to complete our brief Recruitment Survey .
Need help with applying for positions, taking an examination, or preparing for interviews? Our team is here to support you, reach out anytime at Recruiter@dss.ca.gov For guidance on applying for a state job, visit Three Steps to a State Job .
Follow us on LinkedIn to stay up to date on our latest opportunities.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Working Conditions
This position will be located in one of the following counties: Fresno, Los Angeles, or Sacramento.
This position may be eligible for Hybrid work. In-person attendance is required based on the operational needs of the position and in accordance with Executive Order N-22-25 the Statewide Hybrid Telework Policy, Government Code section 14200, and any applicable department telework requirements. The successful candidate must reside in California at the time of appointment. Proof of California residency may be required .
Please note: Regular commute is not compensable.
Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
  • CHILD DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT
Additional Documents
  • Job Application Package Checklist
  • Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-527128
Position #(s):
800-361-2834-503
Working Title:
Child Development Consultant
Classification:
CHILD DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT $8,237.00 - $10,310.00 A
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
United States
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Department Information
Are you interested in making a difference in the lives of fellow Californians while achieving your career goals? Do you set high standards for yourself and enjoy a collaborative and challenging work environment? The mission of the California Department of Social Services is to serve, protect, and support the people of California experiencing need in ways that empower wellbeing and disrupt systemic inequities. The vision of the California Department of Social Services is to provide quality services with a commitment to an inclusive, diverse, and equitable California where all people can thrive.
The mission of the Child Care and Development Division (CCDD) is to build, strengthen and maintain an equitable, comprehensive, quality and affordable child care and development system for the children and families in our state; to integrate child care with other department programs and services that serve the whole child and the whole family; to address social determinants of health and adverse childhood experiences which significantly impact long-term outcomes for children; and to provide vital supports to the child care and development workforce and programs for children to have access to equitable and stable child care and development opportunities. The CCDD provides planning, policy direction, and oversight of the majority of state-supported child care and development programs and services in California. These include programs that provide a variety of state-subsidized child care services, quality improvement plan activities, local child care and developmental planning councils, and child care resource and referral programs. The CCDD seeks to implement data-informed programs and policies, while providing robust technical assistance and support to counties, contractors, and child care partners.
CDSS Guiding Principles
Diversity. Equity. Inclusion. Accessibility. Belonging.
We ensure opportunities for everyone to participate in a meaningful way in fulfilling the mission and vision of CDSS.
Community Engagement
We prioritize the lived experiences of community members as a driving force behind the creation, implementation, desired impact, or change of programs and services.
Empowerment
We engage, operate, and advocate from the understanding that each community and person has desires and capabilities to lead in their own life.
Quality Services
We provide services that align intent and impact by ensuring that they are accessible, community driven, interconnected, and continuously improved.
Data Defined Outcomes
We equitably collect and analyze data, take data-driven action, and measure outcomes relevant to those we serve, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Special Requirements
Please Note: A Statement of Qualifications or Supplemental Questionnaire must be submitted along with your application to be considered for this position. Applications submitted without an SOQ may be disqualified for this position.
Do not include any confidential information on any documents (i.e., application, resume, or transcripts) you submit for this job vacancy. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents include but is not limited to: Social Security Number (SSN), birthday and/or age, photos, student/other ID number, driver's license number (unless required), basis of eligibility, exam results, LEAP status, and marital status. Confidential information submitted via a CalCareer Account (electronic application) is automatically redacted upon submission.
The Statement of Qualifications must be no more than two pages in length, typed in 12-point Arial font, singlespaced, and answer the question below:
1. Please describe how your professional experience qualifies you for the position. Please include your working knowledge of state or federal polices related to child care and development programs, experience developing proposals, and collaboration with other local or state agencies to support children and families. You may include relevant personal experience as applicable.
You are required to complete employment history on the application form (STD 678). You may be disqualified from the hiring and selection process if the employment history is not complete. Resumes will not take the place of employment history.
If you are meeting minimum qualifications with education, you must include your unofficial transcripts for verification. If selected, you may be required to provide official transcripts at the time of hire.
Candidates who reside outside of the State of California may be admitted to the job interview, but they must provide proof of residence in California prior to being eligible for appointment.
Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 8/13/2026
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Department of Social Services
California Department of Social Services
Attn: Classification & Pay Unit
P. O. Box 944243 - MS 8-15-58
Sacramento , CA 94244-2430
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Department of Social Services
California Department of Social Services
Classification & Pay Unit
744 P Street, MS 8-15-58
Sacramento , CA 95814
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
  • Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
  • Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
  • Statement of Qualifications -
    (SOQ) Please see the Special Requirements section of this job advertisement for detailed instructions for the SOQ submission.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.
Desirable Qualifications In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
• Knowledge of early childhood education, and the state system for subsidized child care and development programs
• Effective and professional oral and written communication skills
• Effective project management skills
• Effective public speaking skills
• Effective relationship building
• Experience problem solving and provision of customer service
Benefits
There are many benefits to joining our team! The State of California has a generous benefits package that includes medical coverage, CalPERS pension upon retirement, two weeks paid vacation per year, two weeks paid sick leave per year, two paid Professional Development Days, one paid Personal Holiday, pre-tax parking fee program.
TRANSPORTATION REIMBURSEMENT
  • Public transit (mass transit) passes.
    • 100 percent discount on public transit passes sold by state agencies, up to the monthly exclusion amount provided by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
    • 100 percent reimbursement on public transit passes purchased by state employees, up to the monthly exclusion amount provided by the IRS.
  • Vanpool drivers and riders
    • 100 percent reimbursement on the monthly fee, up to the monthly exclusion amount provided by the IRS.

Click here to view all the attractive benefits available to state employees!
Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.
Contact Information
The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Hiring Unit Contact:
Romy Ewing
(916) 839-0825
Romy.Ewing@dss.ca.gov
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
EEO Office
(916) 657-2326
EEOoffice@dss.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.
Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025
Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025 - Salaries do not reflect reductions from the Personal Leave Program, please see the applicable Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for additional information on the length and percentage of reductions.
Examination Information
Those interested in obtaining employment with any state agency must apply and compete through the state hiring and recruitment process.
To apply for the examination for this position, click on the link below to search for the examination and follow the "How to Apply" instructions in the examination announcement:
CalCareers Exam/Assessment Search
Successful examination applicants are placed on an eligibility list. If you already have list eligibility for this classification, you do not need to ret