Site Supervisor Permit California - post

Working as a site supervisor in California is a big job. You help children stay safe and happy, support teachers, and make sure your program runs smoothly. Many people in California do this work with a Child Development Site Supervisor Permit.

This guide explains what a site supervisor is, what the job looks like, how the permit works, and what training can help you grow.

What is a Site Supervisor in California?
In California, a “site supervisor” often means a person who can lead a child care and development program at one location (one site). The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) says a Child Development Site Supervisor Permit allows you to supervise a program at a single site, work with children, and coordinate curriculum and staff development.

In simple words, a site supervisor is a leader who helps the program stay high-quality every day. #CaliforniaChildCare

What does a site supervisor do each day?
A site supervisor wears many hats. Some tasks are about people, and some are about paperwork and planning.

Here are common daily and weekly duties:

• Support teachers

  • Observe classrooms

  • Give helpful feedback

  • Model positive teaching skills

• Keep children safe

  • Check routines for health and safety

  • Help staff follow rules and policies

• Help the program stay organized

  • Keep schedules running on time

  • Make sure forms and records are up to date

• Work with families

  • Answer questions kindly

  • Handle concerns in a calm, respectful way

• Build program quality

  • Support lesson planning

  • Help improve the learning environment

A strong site supervisor helps everyone feel supported—children, staff, and families. #ECELeadership

How do you qualify for the Child Development Site Supervisor Permit?
CTC lists a few different ways (options) to qualify. The details can feel confusing, so here is a clear, simple summary.

Many applicants qualify by showing they have:

• College education (like an associate degree or a higher degree, depending on the option)

• Coursework in administration and supervision

• Adult supervision training (special training focused on supervising adults)

• Work experience in a child care program

• Experience supervising adults (CTC’s option includes supervising adults as part of the experience requirement)

For example, one option includes an associate degree (or 60 semester units), extra units in administration/supervision, adult supervision units, and work experience that includes supervising adults.

Tip for non-native English speakers: If the CTC language feels hard to read, ask your college advisor or permit office to explain the steps in simple terms. You are not alone!

What is the difference between a Site Supervisor and a Program Director permit?
Many people mix these up.

• A Site Supervisor Permit is for supervising a program at one site.

• A Program Director Permit can cover leadership across one site or multiple sites.

If you are leading one center or one school site, site supervisor is often the right match.

How long is the permit good for, and how do renewals work?
CTC says the Child Development Site Supervisor Permit is issued for five years and is renewable every five years with 105 hours of professional growth.

That renewal requirement is a big reason many site supervisors look for training plans early—so they are not rushing at the last minute.

How can you renew your Site Supervisor Permit in California without stress?
Renewal is easier when you plan ahead. Here is a simple plan you can follow:

• Start early

  • Don’t wait until the last year

  • Try to do a little training each month

• Track your hours

  • Save certificates right away

  • Keep a folder on your computer called “Permit Renewal”

• Choose training that fits your job

  • Supervision, leadership, coaching, and program quality are great topics for site supervisors

• Double-check your total hours

  • Make sure you reach 105 hours before renewal time

If you want one organized option built for this renewal goal, ChildCareEd has a bundle made for California site supervisors:
https://www.childcareed.com/bundle-36-california-child-development-site-supervisor-permit-renewal-training-bundle.html

ChildCareEd explains this bundle is tailored to support California’s 105-hour renewal requirement and includes 105 hours of professional growth training. #PermitRenewal

What training courses on ChildCareEd are most helpful for California site supervisors?
Below are 3 training options from ChildCareEd that match site supervisor work (leadership, supervision, and program operations). Each one links directly to the course or bundle page.

• California Child Development Site Supervisor Permit Renewal Training Bundle (designed for the 105-hour renewal goal)
  https://www.childcareed.com/bundle-36-california-child-development-site-supervisor-permit-renewal-training-bundle.html

• Supervision with Intent for Admin (helps you observe staff and give useful feedback)
  https://www.childcareed.com/courses-supervision-with-intent-for-admin.html

• 45 Hours Director-Administration ONLINE (builds strong skills in leading and managing a child care program)
  https://www.childcareed.com/courses-45-hours-director-administration.html

These choices fit what site supervisors do: lead staff, guide quality, and keep the program running smoothly.

How can site supervisors stay compliant with staffing and ratios?
One of the most important parts of the job is making sure staffing is safe and meets rules.

A helpful ChildCareEd resource for admin teams is here:
https://www.childcareed.com/r-00296-staff-qualifications-and-ratios-admin.html

Here are practical ways to stay on track:

• Make a simple classroom staffing chart for each day

• Plan for breaks and lunches (don’t forget coverage!)

• Keep a short list of trained substitutes

• Check staff files monthly (training, onboarding, required forms)

When ratios and qualifications are organized, your whole program feels calmer.

Where can you learn more about required trainings for child care staff in California?
California training rules can feel complicated, especially because different roles may have different requirements.

This ChildCareEd article is a good place to start:
https://www.childcareed.com/a/which-trainings-are-required-for-childcare-staff-in-california.html

It can help you understand common training expectations and how to plan training for your team.

Where can you get ongoing tips and support as a site supervisor?
Site supervisors are busy. It helps to get quick reminders and simple ideas you can use right away.

Follow ChildCareEd on Instagram for training tips, child care leadership support, and new course updates:
https://instagram.com/childcareed