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Preschool Program Director Jobs in Riverside, CA

J4K Preschool Corona, Inc

Center Director

Corona, CA

$48K - $66K/yr

Lead the overall daily operations of the preschool center * Ensure full compliance with California ... Monitor operational expenses and support financial sustainability of the program * Model strong ...

Just 4 Kids Preschool

Center Director

Corona, CA · On-site

$48K - $66K/yr

Lead the overall daily operations of the preschool center * Ensure full compliance with California ... Monitor operational expenses and support financial sustainability of the program * Model strong ...

ARK ACADEMY

Early Childhood Director

Irvine, CA

$65K - $73K/yr

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 ...

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All JobsPreschool Program Director JobsPreschool Program Director Jobs in Riverside, CA

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 Jun 10, 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:
Preschool Program Director jobs near you

Center Director

J4K Preschool Corona, Inc

Corona, CA

$48K - $66K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Description

Job DescriptionCenter Director (Full-Time)

Do you believe the earliest years are the most powerful? We are seeking a compassionate, visionary, and driven Center Director who understands that strong leadership, nurturing care, and intentional play create the foundation for a thriving early learning environment. This role leads overall center operations, ensures regulatory compliance, manages fiscal and enrollment systems, and partners with educators and families to deliver exceptional care and education.

Our Mission

To illuminate young minds for a brighter tomorrow through research-based play, safeguard every child's day, and elevate educators' lives-hand in hand with families.

Our Vision
  • Give back
  • Teach 1,000 children daily
  • Build lasting opportunities for our communities
What You'll Do
  • Lead the overall daily operations of the preschool center
  • Ensure full compliance with California Title 22 and Title 5 licensing regulations and center policies
  • Supervise, coach, and develop teaching and administrative staff to ensure high-quality care and instruction
  • Create and sustain a safe, warm, and engaging learning environment across all classrooms
  • Oversee staffing, scheduling, ratios, and classroom coverage
  • Lead enrollment, admissions, tours, and family onboarding processes
  • Manage center budgeting, fiscal operations, and financial oversight in collaboration with leadership
  • Monitor operational expenses and support financial sustainability of the program
  • Model strong, nurturing, and responsive leadership with children, families, and staff
  • Oversee curriculum implementation and child assessment systems (including DRDP as applicable)
  • Maintain licensing readiness and lead preparation for inspections and audits
  • Foster a positive, collaborative, and mission-driven center culture
  • Serve as the primary liaison between families, staff, and leadership
Required Qualifications
  • ECE units required under California Title 22 and Title 5 for Director qualification
  • Must have completed administrative units 
  • Must hold a valid California Child Development Site Supervisor Permit OR be willing to obtain one upon hire
  • Ability to pass a criminal background check
  • CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain)
  • Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and financial management skills
  • Calm, solution-oriented, and nurturing leadership approach
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment
Preferred Qualifications
  • Previous experience as a Director or Assistant Director in a preschool setting
  • Experience with budgeting, fiscal oversight, and enrollment management
  • Experience with DRDP implementation and data-informed instruction
  • Familiarity with Environment Rating Scale (ERS)
  • Experience leading licensing visits and compliance processes
  • Strong background in staff development and team leadership

Position Details

  • Full-Time
  • Competitive pay based on experience and qualifications

Why You'll Love Working With Us

  • Medical, dental, and life insurance
  • Paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays
  • Retirement plan options
  • Ongoing professional development and paid training
  • Continued education support
  • Clear pathways for career growth
  • A supportive, collaborative, mission-driven environment that values educators

Requirements

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Staff Development
  • Lead and support teachers in implementing developmentally appropriate, play-based curriculum
  • Provide ongoing coaching, mentorship, and performance feedback
  • Ensure consistent routines while meeting individual child needs
  • Strengthen classroom management and positive behavior guidance practices
Health, Safety & Licensing Compliance
  • Ensure active supervision and child safety at all times
  • Maintain full compliance with licensing regulations and policies
  • Oversee health, sanitation, and emergency procedures
  • Ensure facility readiness, cleanliness, and safety standards are consistently met
Family Partnerships & Enrollment
  • Build strong, respectful, and collaborative relationships with families
  • Oversee enrollment, admissions, tours, and onboarding processes
  • Communicate program updates and respond to family needs
  • Support conferences, events, and family engagement initiatives
Administrative, Fiscal & Operational Leadership
  • Oversee staffing, scheduling, and daily operational efficiency
  • Manage center budgeting, financial planning, and expense oversight
  • Support revenue goals through strong enrollment and retention practices
  • Ensure accurate documentation, records, and compliance files
  • Lead hiring, onboarding, and staff development processes
  • Collaborate with leadership on program growth and quality improvement
  • Uphold confidentiality and professional standards at all times
Physical Requirements
  • Ability to respond quickly in emergencies
  • Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and reaching
  • Occasional lifting of children up to 40 pounds
  • Ability to supervise classrooms actively and continuously
  • Participation in facility support tasks as needed

Join Our Team

If you are ready to lead with purpose, elevate early childhood education, and be part of a community that believes in giving back and lifting one another up, we would be honored to welcome you as our Center Director.

Apply