Program Director

Position Overview
The Program Director is responsible for the daily leadership, supervision, and coordination of Bright Future Early Learning Program. This role ensures that classrooms, staff, and family services operate smoothly and reflect the program’s mission and values.

The Program Director supports program excellence guided by Community, Curriculum, Culture, Compliance, Communication, Capacity, and Continuous Improvement.

Bright Future is an inclusive learning community grounded in play-based pedagogy. This role ensures strong daily operations, supports teacher development, strengthens family communication, and maintains compliance with California childcare licensing regulations.

Key Responsibilities

Early Childhood Program Leadership

• Oversee daily implementation of infant, toddler, and preschool programs (ages 6 weeks to 6 years)

• Ensure classrooms follow developmentally appropriate practices and play-based learning

• Support teachers in planning curriculum (discipline, language, sensory play, outdoor learning, field trips)

• Observe classrooms and provide guidance for engagement and organization

• Support selection and maintenance of classroom materials and equipment

• Serve as a child development resource for staff and families

• Ensure proper use of assessments (ASQ, ASQ-SE, DRDP)

• Support teachers with parent-teacher conferences

• Help connect families with community resources

Daily Program Operations

• Oversee daily program coordination and classroom flow

• Maintain staffing schedules and Title 22 ratio compliance

• Coordinate substitute coverage when needed

• Ensure clear routines, transitions, and communication

• Monitor supervision to maintain child safety

• Ensure accurate attendance, incident reports, and documentation

• Maintain compliance with California Title 22 regulations

Staff Supervision and Professional Development

• Supervise teaching staff and support instructional growth

• Observe classrooms and provide feedback

• Guide classroom environments that support exploration and independence

• Support onboarding and training of new staff

• Participate in staff evaluations

• Lead staff meetings and professional development

• Promote a positive and collaborative workplace culture

Parent and Family Communication

• Ensure clear, consistent communication with families

• Share updates on classroom activities and learning experiences

• Communicate child development progress and milestones

• Explain program routines, expectations, and policies

• Support teachers in responding to parent concerns

• Build strong relationships with families

• Foster a sense of community and partnership

Program Culture and Community

• Promote a culture of respect, collaboration, and professionalism

• Ensure children feel safe, valued, and encouraged

• Strengthen relationships between staff, children, and families

• Support community-building events

• Maintain a positive and team-oriented environment

Reporting Relationships

• Reports directly to the Executive Director

• Works closely with staff, families, and community partners

• Provides daily supervision and support to teaching staff

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, squat, and reach throughout the day

• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds

• Ability to move throughout classrooms and outdoor areas

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Child Development, Early Childhood Education, or related field (preferred)

• Valid Child Development Director Permit

• Strong knowledge of California Title 22 regulations

• 3–5 years experience in a licensed childcare program

• Supervisory or mentoring experience preferred

• Strong communication, organization, and conflict-resolution skills

• CPR and First Aid certification

• Bilingual candidates preferred

• Experience with childcare software systems preferred

Compensation

• Salary range: Competitive, depending on education and experience