Preschool Director Jobs in California
Preschool Director jobs in California represent one of the most active markets in the country, concentrated across public school districts, Head Start programs, and privately operated early childhood centers that serve the state's large and growing under-five population. Most hiring is centered in Los Angeles, San Diego, and the San Francisco Bay Area, where established employers such as Bright Horizons, KinderCare Learning Centers, and the Los Angeles Unified School District maintain ongoing demand. The most sought-after specialties include bilingual program administration, special education integration, and Title I compliance leadership. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Job Title: Assistant Preschool Director
Location: Huntington Beach, CA (on-site)
Type: Full-time (30–40 hours/week, hourly)
School Summary
Community United Methodist Church (CUMC) operates a community-focused preschool serving families through a relationship-driven and safety-first approach. The program emphasizes high-quality early childhood education, strong family communication, and consistent operational standards. Leadership collaborates closely with a governing board and church community to maintain a stable, welcoming, and mission-aligned environment.
Position Summary
The Assistant Preschool Director supports daily preschool operations while training to transition into the Director role. This position combines classroom support, administrative responsibilities, and leadership development under the guidance of the current Director. The role is designed as a succession pathway, preparing the selected candidate to assume full Director responsibilities.
Key Responsibilities
Operations and Classroom Support
- Support daily classroom coverage and ensure proper staff-to-child ratios
- Step into classrooms as needed to maintain smooth program operations
- Assist with staff scheduling and coverage coordination
Licensing and Compliance
- Support maintenance of child, staff, and program records in accordance with California Title 22 requirements
- Assist with licensing compliance, audits, and inspection readiness
- Help implement and maintain required safety and emergency plans
Administrative Support
- Maintain organized enrollment, health, and personnel records
- Support day-to-day office operations and communication workflows
- Assist with enrollment tracking and operational reporting
Leadership Development
- Shadow and support the Preschool Director in program oversight and decision-making
- Act as Director when needed, including managing staff and parent interactions
- Participate in staff supervision, coaching, and performance discussions
Staff and Family Support
- Support teachers with classroom needs, guidance, and problem-solving
- Communicate with families and assist in resolving questions or concerns
- Help facilitate consistent parent communication through established channels
Community and Program Engagement
- Support school events, open houses, and family engagement activities
- Participate in church-related and community programming connected to the preschool
Qualifications
Candidates must meet one of the following education and experience pathways:
- Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development
o Minimum 1 year experience in an early childhood setting as a lead teacher and/or in an administrative role
- Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development
o Minimum 2 years experience in an early childhood setting as a lead teacher and/or in an administrative role
- Minimum 15 units in Early Childhood Education (including at least 3 units in administration)
o Minimum 4 years experience in an early childhood setting as a lead teacher and/or in an administrative role
Additional requirements:
- Experience in a licensed preschool or childcare setting
- Demonstrated leadership capability in a classroom or administrative environment
- Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills
- Ability and interest in progressing into a Preschool Director role
- Growth Opportunity: This role is designed as a pathway into the Preschool Director position. Upon transition to Director, the position will be full-time, exempt
Pay: $28.00 - $32.00 per hour
Expected hours: 30.0 – 40.0 per week
Benefits:
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
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Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Preschool Director Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in preschool director jobs across California.
- Active California Child Development Director Permit issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing
- Bachelor's degree in early childhood education, child development, or a closely related field
- Minimum three years of lead teacher or program supervisor experience in a licensed childcare setting
- Working knowledge of California Department of Social Services Title 22 licensing regulations
- Experience managing program budgets, staff supervision, and enrollment operations for a childcare center
- Current pediatric first aid, CPR certification, and completed health and safety training as required by California licensing
Preschool Director Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a preschool director in California?
Becoming a preschool director in California requires a California Child Development Director Permit, issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. To qualify, candidates must complete a combination of early childhood education units and supervised work experience in a licensed childcare program as specified by the Commission. Most employers also expect at least a bachelor's degree in child development or a related field. The permit must be renewed periodically through continuing education.
Which companies hire preschool directors in California?
Companies currently hiring preschool directors in California include Learning Care, The Learning Experience UK, and YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. California's large and diverse population sustains demand across both large national childcare chains and locally operated independent centers, many of which receive state or federal subsidy funding that drives steady director-level openings.
Which California cities have the most preschool director jobs?
San Jose, Los Angeles, and Davis have the most preschool director openings in California. Los Angeles dominates because of its sheer population size and the concentration of LAUSD-affiliated and Head Start-funded programs, while San Diego and Bay Area cities such as San Jose attract openings through large suburban childcare operators and employer-sponsored childcare centers connected to major tech and healthcare campuses.
Are there remote preschool director jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Preschool director roles are inherently on-site because state licensing requires a qualified director to be physically present and accountable for daily operations. About 5% of preschool director openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, and those tend to be regional oversight or curriculum coordination roles rather than single-site director positions.
How can I get hired as a preschool director in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is to work as a lead teacher or site supervisor in a California-licensed childcare center while completing the coursework required for the California Child Development Director Permit. Large operators such as Bright Horizons and KinderCare promote internally from assistant director and lead teacher roles, and Head Start grantees across Los Angeles, Fresno, and Sacramento regularly hire site supervisors who can move into director positions within a year or two. Earning the Director Permit before applying puts candidates ahead of others with equivalent classroom experience.
Where can I find and apply to preschool director jobs in California?
You can find and apply to preschool director jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers hiring in the state right now. Search the listings, find the roles that fit your experience and location, and apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 32 Preschool Director Jobs in California
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