Child Development Program Director California - post

If you work in child care in California, you may hear the words “Child Development Program Director.” This usually means you are leading a child care and development program and holding (or working toward) the Child Development Program Director Permit from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).

Below is a simple, practical guide to what this job is, what you do every day, and how to earn (and renew) your permit in California.

What does a Child Development Program Director do in California?

A Program Director is the leader of a child care and development program. You may lead one site or multiple sites. Your job is to make sure children are safe, learning, and cared for—and that your staff and program are running well.

Common Program Director responsibilities include:

• Supporting teachers and staff (coaching, training, and feedback)

• Building strong relationships with families

• Planning schedules and staffing

• Setting program goals and improving quality

• Making sure your program follows rules and licensing

• Keeping records and handling paperwork

• Creating a positive culture where children and staff can thrive

This is a big job—but it can also be a very meaningful one. #ChildCareLeadership

What is the California Child Development Program Director Permit?

In California, the CTC issues Child Development Permits, including the Program Director level.
This permit shows you have the education and experience to direct a child care and development program.

Important notes (in simple terms):

• The permit is usually issued for five years.

• To renew, most permit levels (including Program Director) use professional growth hours.

How do you become a Program Director in California?

Many people take different paths to become a Program Director. The main idea is the same: you build the right mix of education + experience, then you apply.

Here are practical steps that help most people:

• Step 1: Learn the official requirements.
  Start with the CTC Child Development Permit pages so you can match your plan to the correct permit level.

• Step 2: Collect your education documents.
  Keep copies of transcripts, training certificates, and any degrees.

• Step 3: Track your work experience.
  Save job descriptions, pay stubs (if needed), and letters that show your role and dates.

• Step 4: Build leadership skills while you work.
  Even before you are the director, you can lead in small ways:

  • Mentor a new teacher

  • Run a family event

  • Help update policies

  • Lead a staff meeting

• Step 5: Apply when you are ready.
  Follow CTC steps and timelines so you do not miss deadlines.

#CaliforniaECE tip: Don’t wait until the last minute to gather documents. A simple folder (paper or digital) can save you hours later.

How do you renew a Program Director Permit in California?

Most California Child Development Permits can be renewed by showing 105 clock-hours of professional growth activities.
Professional growth is learning you do to improve your skills as an educator and leader.

A few key renewal points:

• Your permit is typically valid for 5 years, so you plan your growth across that time.

• You must plan professional growth with a Professional Growth Advisor (someone who guides your plan).

• Keep good records of your hours, certificates, and completed activities.

If your goal is renewal hours that focus on leadership and program quality, this bundle is made for that:

• ChildCareEd course bundle (California renewal): https://www.childcareed.com/bundle-37-california-child-development-program-director-permit-renewal-training-bundle.html

What training helps you succeed as a Program Director?

Being a director is not only about meeting requirements. It is also about learning how to lead people, manage a program, and keep improving.

Here are ChildCareEd trainings that match real Program Director needs:

• Permit renewal hours (California):
  https://www.childcareed.com/bundle-37-california-child-development-program-director-permit-renewal-training-bundle.html

• Program planning, budgeting, staffing, and leadership skills:
  https://www.childcareed.com/courses-early-childhood-program-administration.html

• Strong basics for running a child care program day-to-day:
  https://www.childcareed.com/courses-child-care-administration.html

These types of courses can help you feel more confident with:

• Hiring and supervising staff

• Communication with families

• Policies and professionalism

• Budgeting and planning

• Program quality improvement

#EarlyChildhoodEducation and #ProgramDirector life gets easier when you have systems, tools, and training that support you.

How can you support your staff’s continuing education?

Program Directors are often responsible for helping staff stay trained and up to date. A simple plan can help:

• Make an annual training calendar

• Track certificates in one place

• Set learning goals during staff reviews

• Choose training that matches your program goals (not just “random hours”)

This ChildCareEd resource can help you think through continuing education for staff:

• ChildCareEd resource: https://www.childcareed.com/r-00259-continuing-education-for-staff-admin.html

Where can you find free or low-cost training ideas in California?

Many directors want to grow their skills without spending a lot. This ChildCareEd article shares ideas for free online training options in California:

• Related ChildCareEd article: https://www.childcareed.com/a/free-online-childcare-training-in-california.html

What are simple “next steps” you can take today?

If you are just starting (or you are close to renewal), try this quick checklist:

• ✅ Look up your permit level and dates on the CTC site

• ✅ Pick a Professional Growth Advisor and start a plan

• ✅ Create a folder for certificates and records

• ✅ Choose training that matches your director goals (leadership, staff support, program quality)

• ✅ Start logging hours monthly so you don’t scramble later

Want more director tips and training updates? Follow ChildCareEd

For quick ideas, reminders, and helpful posts for child care pros, follow ChildCareEd on social media here: https://linktr.ee/childcaree