Interim Director of Child Care

Benefits:

401(k) matching

Competitive salary

Dental insurance

Employee discounts

Health insurance

Paid time off

Vision insurance

Position Summary

Filling a maternity leave, the interim director will direct until December 23, 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.

Must meet one of the following education/experience pathways:

Site Supervisor Permit, OR

BA/BS in any field + 12 ECE units (including 3 admin units) + 1 year teaching experience, OR

BA/BS in ECE/CD + 3 admin units + 1 year teaching experience, OR

AA in ECE/CD + 3 admin units + 2 years teaching experience, OR

HS diploma/GED + 15 ECE units (including 3 admin units) + 4 years teaching experience

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