Interim Director of Child Care Center for 6 months July-Dec 2026

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary

Filling a maternity leave, interim director needed July-Dec 2026.

Since 1993, Children’s Cottage has provided award-winning early care and education for children ages 0–5 in the Napa Valley. We are a well-established, highly respected program with a long history of supporting working families while creating a warm, joyful environment for young children.

We are looking for an interim Director who is organized, dependable, calm under pressure, loves children, communicates well with adults, and understands that running a childcare center is part education, part leadership, and part “someone just spilled glitter in the hallway.”

This is a full-time, on-site leadership position.

Schedule

• Full-time, on-site position 
• Monday through Friday 
• Center hours: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM 
• Director is expected to work 40 hours per week physically at the center 

Occasionally, staff members may contact the Director after hours regarding scheduling or staffing situations (for example, a teacher calling out sick for the next day). Time spent handling these work-related matters outside normal work hours should be recorded and will be compensated.

Required Qualifications

Applicants must fully meet California Title 22 Director qualifications for a childcare combination center serving infants and preschool children.

Candidates should also have:

• Strong knowledge of California Community Care Licensing requirements 
• Experience supervising teachers and support staff 
• Excellent communication and organizational skills 
• Experience working in early childhood education programs 
• Ability to maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and a positive attitude 
• CPR/First Aid certification (or ability to obtain/maintain) 
• Livescan fingerprint clearance and all required employment clearances 

Responsibilities

Licensing & Compliance

• Maintain full compliance with California Title 22 regulations 
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and local requirements 
• Maintain required licensing documentation and records 
• Prepare for and respond to licensing visits and inspections 
• Ensure child files and staff files remain complete and current

Staffing & Scheduling

• Create and manage staff schedules 
• Maintain proper teacher-child ratios at all times 
• Coordinate classroom coverage when staff members are absent 
• Support and supervise teaching staff in daily operations 
• Help foster a positive, professional team culture 

Family Communication & Enrollment

• Communicate with parents in a warm, professional manner 
• Conduct tours for prospective families 
• Support enrollment and onboarding of new children and families 
• Build positive relationships with families and staff 

Center Operations

• Help ensure classrooms are organized, safe, and welcoming 
• Support a positive learning environment for children ages 0–5 
• Assist with center organization and daily operational flow 
• Handle the many unexpected moments that naturally happen in childcare

What We’re Looking For

We are seeking someone who:

• Can lead with confidence and kindness 
• Is dependable and highly organized 
• Understands that licensing compliance is essential 
• Can solve problems calmly and professionally 

Children’s Cottage has been part of Napa Valley families’ lives for more than 30 years. We are proud of the warm, caring culture we have built and are looking for the right person for the interim until December 23, 2026