1

Preschool Program Director Jobs in Riverside, CA

Preschool Teacher

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$26.66 - $30.66/hr

... comparable group child care program. Experience shall be verified as having been performed ... director under California Working as part of a team of professionals in a Head Start center a ...

Infant Teacher

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$25 - $28/hr

Relate to preschool children in a calm, caring, nurturing, soothing manner, responding to all cries ... Maintain supplies and submit a list to Program Director when additional items are needed. * Report ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Preschool Program Director information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$28.2K

$57K

$80.3K

How much do preschool program director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for preschool program director in Riverside, CA is $57,002.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,000.00 and $65,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Preschool Program Director do?

A Preschool Program Director oversees the daily operations of a preschool or early childhood education program. Their responsibilities include managing staff, developing curriculum, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations, and maintaining a safe, nurturing environment for children. They also communicate with parents, handle budgeting, and coordinate enrollment processes. The director plays a crucial leadership role in setting the tone and quality standards for the entire program.

What are the typical challenges a Preschool Program Director faces in balancing administrative duties with staff support?

Preschool Program Directors often juggle a variety of responsibilities, including curriculum planning, regulatory compliance, budgeting, and staff management. One common challenge is finding the right balance between administrative tasks and providing hands-on guidance and support to teachers and staff. Effective directors prioritize open communication, delegate tasks when possible, and establish efficient processes to ensure both the program's daily operations and team development needs are met. This balance is essential for fostering a positive learning environment and maintaining high program standards.

What is the difference between Preschool Program Director vs Preschool Teacher?

AspectPreschool Program DirectorPreschool Teacher
CredentialsEarly childhood education certification, management experienceChild development or early childhood education certification
Work EnvironmentAdministrative office, overseeing programsClassroom setting with children
ResponsibilitiesProgram planning, staff supervision, complianceTeaching children, implementing curriculum

The Preschool Program Director focuses on managing the overall program, staff, and compliance, while the Preschool Teacher directly educates and cares for children. Both roles require early childhood credentials, but the director's role is more administrative and supervisory, whereas the teacher's role is classroom-focused.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Preschool Program Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Preschool Program Director, you need a background in early childhood education, program management experience, and often a relevant bachelor's degree or higher. Familiarity with licensing regulations, curriculum development software, and child assessment tools is essential. Outstanding leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help foster a positive environment for staff, children, and families. These abilities ensure the preschool operates smoothly, meets educational standards, and provides a safe, nurturing space for young learners.
What job categories do people searching Preschool Program Director jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Preschool Program Director jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Preschool Program Director jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Preschool Program Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Preschool Program Director job openings in Riverside, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $57,002 per year, or $27.4 per hour.
CROSSROADS SCHOOL Preschool Assistant (full time)

CROSSROADS SCHOOL Preschool Assistant (full time)

CROSSROADS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

Corona, CA

$18.50/hr

Other

Medical, Vision, Life

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Description

General Description 

 Preschool Assistant is responsible for understanding and complying with all Title 22 Requirements, working under the directions of the teaching staff, supporting the teacher in the observation and supervision of each child assigned to their care at all times during scheduled work hours.  The Assistant shall be a Born-again, Evangelical Christian who feels called by God to teach in a Christian School. At all times assistant will model Christ-like character by engaging in behavior and conversations that are appropriate for children, parents, and co-workers.  


Essential Job Functions: 

 Understand and comply with all Title 22 requirements. 

 Support the philosophy of the school and the Director/Administration 

 Provide visual observation and supervision of each child assigned to your care at all times during scheduled work hours.   

 Interact and engage with children on their level. 

 Assist children with personal hygiene. 

 Assist children with snacks and lunch. 

 Provide needed first-aid or medical care.  Report any accidents/incidents immediately and complete appropriate paperwork as required. 

 Assist Teacher in with updating Parent Information Bulletin Board weekly, providing for parents updated schedules, menus, and activities.   

  Assist teacher with providing for each student with a labeled cubby and cot, and   verify receipt of extra clothes which are provided by parents and labeled with child's name.  Ensure clothes are replaced by parents when used. 

 Following teacher's directions and guidelines assist with:            curriculum/activities, playground supervision, daily prep, daily classroom cleaning, equipment and toy sanitization, & organizational needs. 

 Follow Administrator and Teacher's direction in carrying out discipline and/or behavior management plans. 

 Attend scheduled teaching assistants' meetings. 

Attend all required In-Service training meetings. 

 Be actively involved in supporting school events and family fellowship activities 

 Participate in school events (Open House, Spring Program, etc.) 

 Be pro-active in seeking solutions to problems following proper channels with Teacher, Team Leader, Program Coordinator, and/or Preschool Director. 

 Continually seek professional growth in the area of child development through course work, seminars, in-service training, and workshops.  Provide updated transcripts and/or attendance certificates to Director for placement in employee personnel files. 


Interacting with Students 

Assistants must be able to positively interact with all students and share the love of Christ. This includes difficult students, students who work below grade-level and students whose personalities may be difficult.  Assistants are required to put aside their own feelings in order to treat all students with respect, provide them all with equal opportunities for learning and make them feel comfortable in the learning environment.  


Supervision:  

Assistants report directly to the Preschool Assistant Director and work daily under the supervision of the teacher(s) in the classroom and on the playground.  This position is required to supervise all children in attendance at all times. 


Benefits offered to Full Time Positions:

  • Employer-Paid Benefits:
    • Life Insurance
    • Short Term Disability Insurance
    • Long Term Disability Insurance
    • Vision Insurance
    • Medical Insurance: Employer contributes toward premiums (employee portion applies) 
  • Optional Employee-Paid Benefits
    • Hospital Indemnity
    • Accident Insurance
    • Critical Illness
    • Pet Insurance

Requirements

Requirements

Education and Experience 

Must meet requirements of Title 22: section 101216.1 

Assistants are required to have the minimum 12 core Early Childhood Studies Units.  Though prior experience working in a preschool classroom is helpful, it is not required for hire.  Assistants are expected to continue seeking education in the field of Early Childhood Education through college courses, seminars, and in-service training.  


Working Conditions 

Able to work outside in inclement weather (50 or less, 90 or more, rain, wind,) to supervise children at all times. 

Able to stoop, kneel, bends at the waist, crawl, and reach on daily basis. 

Able to write on the whiteboard and prepare bulletin boards 

Able to lift and move up to 50 pounds occasionally. 

Able to climb stairs as needed 

Able to quickly summon help when an emergency arises either in the classroom, or on the playground. 

Able to render minimal first aid and CPR to students who may be injured while in the classroom or on the playground 

Able to escort and supervise children and move them from one area to another as a cohesive unit. 

Able to move freely inside the classroom to monitor students 


Mental Work Demands 

Regular and on-time attendance. 

Hours may include some evening events and activities  

Occasional travel to conferences and off campus meetings 

Ability to deal with difficult students and parents/guardians 

Manage classroom, including the supervision of assistants and aids assigned to work in your classroom 

Accept transitions/changes in schedule (due to weather/special activities/ programming) with a positive "can-do" attitude. 


CCS Pay Grade 2