Childcare Site Director (Youth Services Program Specialist)

City of San Luis Obispo; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PERS retirement

Health insurance options

Vacation and holidays

Wellness program

Tuition reimbursement

Flexible work schedule

Job summary

The City of San Luis Obispo is seeking a dedicated Childcare Site Director (Youth Services Program Specialist) to lead high-quality, inclusive programs that support children, families, and our vibrant city community.

The successful candidate will oversee daily operations for school-age childcare, ensure licensing compliance, plan enrichment activities, supervise staff, and collaborate with schools and families to provide a safe, engaging environment for up to 150 children.

Qualifications

• Twelve college-level qualifying semester units in early childhood education, child development, family studies, physical education, elementary education, recreation, or related field.
• Two years of experience working in a childcare setting or in a structured program for school-age children.
• Three units of coursework related to childcare administration and three units of coursework related to nutrition or ability to obtain within one year of hire.
• First Aid and CPR certificate required within six months of hire.
• AB 1207 certificate required within the first month of hire.

Responsibilities

• Oversees daily operations for school age childcare programs at an assigned site.
• Ensure licensing compliance and maintain accurate records for each child.
• Plan weekly themed curriculum and enrichment opportunities with school/community partners.
• Direct staff, manage schedules, and arrange substitutes as needed.
• Collaborate with families, schools, and community partners to support children's growth.

Skills

Child development

Positive guidance

Curriculum development

Staff supervision

Safety procedures

Education

12 college-level units in ECE/related

Two years childcare experience

Three units childcare admin + three nutrition units

First Aid & CPR certification within six months

AB 1207 certification within first month

Tools

Word processing

Spreadsheets

Job description

Job Description

The City of San Luis Obispo is seeking a dedicated Childcare Site Director (Youth Services Program Specialist) to lead high-quality, inclusive programs that support children, families, and our vibrant city community.

This recruitment will remain open until the positions are filled. Applications submitted by 11:59 PM on Monday, November 16, 2026, will receive first consideration. As this is a continuous recruitment, the posting may close at any time without notice; interested applicants are encouraged to apply promptly.

Candidates selected to move forward will be invited to in‑person interviews on Thursday, December 3, 2026. Please hold that date.

Successful Candidate

The successful candidate is a skilled and adaptable leader with hands‑on experience working with school‑aged youth in a large group childcare setting. They bring strong knowledge of child development, create innovative and inclusive curriculum, and excel at managing a fast‑paced environment with up to 150 students. They demonstrate sound judgment, clear communication, and the ability to modify plans quickly while maintaining a safe, enriching, and welcoming space for all children.

This individual collaborates effectively with school partners, families, and staff; confidently navigates difficult conversations; and consistently upholds organizational policies and licensing requirements. They are an organized, proactive supervisor who is enthusiastic about mentoring staff, fostering positive guidance, and ensuring high‑quality programming that supports every child’s growth and discovery.

Job Summary

Oversees daily operations for school age childcare programs at an assigned childcare site, including administrative oversight, state licensing compliance, daily attendance and financial tracking, staff direction, engagement with children and families utilizing the City’s positive guidance philosophy, curriculum planning and implementation, planning enrichment opportunities, collaboration with school and community partners, ensuring an equitable and inclusive environment, and upholding division standards.

Class Characteristics

Positions in this journey‑level classification independently perform a variety of duties required to oversee daily operations of childcare programming at a specific childcare site. This classification is distinguished from the Youth Services Coordinator in that the latter has responsibility for broader program operations. This classification is distinguished from the Youth Services Program Assistant in that the latter primarily provides administrative support to the Youth Services Division.

Supervision

Receives general supervision from a Recreation Supervisor and functional direction from a Youth Services Coordinator.

Directs and monitors the work of part‑time childcare staff.

Examples Of Duties And Responsibilities

• Oversees large group care programs serving youth with a staff‑child ratio of 1:14. During the school year, programs may serve more than 150 children and operate from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at select school sites. During out‑of‑school breaks, programs typically provide full‑day camp experiences for up to 120 children.
• Supports, directs, and communicates expectations to staff on a daily and on‑going basis; provides regular feedback, performance development opportunities, and ongoing training; conducts bi‑weekly site staff meetings in out of program time.
• Ensures staff are accountable for tracking worked hours and absences; supports administrative staff to find substitutes, often in late evening or early morning hours.
• Ensures site wellness and safety through supply management, safe food preparation, regular maintenance and safety checks, adherence to pertinent laws and policies, cleaning schedules, updating room environment, and clear expectations to staff.
• Works with Supervisor to address concerns and opportunities for staff growth, challenges, and solutions.
• Works collaboratively with school administrators, staff, and outside agencies to support the needs of the children.
• Ensures a positive environment, demonstrating healthy communication strategies.
• Models and trains staff in positive guidance practices to promote healthy child behaviors.
• Ensures compliance with Community Care Licensing Title 22 regulations at the program site:
  • Ensures staff and children ratios are maintained.
  • Conducts ongoing safety and maintenance checks.
  • Coordinates monthly safety drills and ensures disaster kit is stocked.
  • Completes and updates legal paperwork as required on a daily basis.
  • Maintains accurate records for each child.
  • Ensures licensing compliance at all times.
• Plans and directs staff in daily activities, including preparation and clean up, supervision of the children, administration of snacks, tending to injuries and emergencies, and communicating with families and other guests.
• Works with Coordinator and Supervisor when behaviors of children create an emotionally or physically unsafe environment.
• Plans and implements weekly themed curriculum and enrichment opportunities, such as guest speakers, trips, and special events.
• Collaborates on program development year‑round.
• Attends weekly Director meetings during program hours.
• Assists in providing applicable staff training programs to ensure staff are motivated and program goals are met.
• Follows and upholds City of San Luis Obispo Parks and Recreation Department policies and philosophies.
• Performs related duties similar to the above in scope and function as required.

Knowledge And Abilities

Knowledge of

• Child development, positive guidance, and curriculum development.
• Large group childcare management.
• Staff oversight and delegation.
• Teambuilding and working in a team with a diverse group of individuals.
• First aid and pediatric CPR.
• Mandated child abuse reporting policies and practices.
• Age‑appropriate behaviors for youth ages 4 to 12 years old.
• General surrounding awareness.
• Title 22 Community Care Licensing standards.
• Record keeping and filing principles and practices.
• Correct business English, including vocabulary, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Computer applications related to the work, including basic word processing and basic spreadsheet applications.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to youth program customers, the public, and City staff, in person and over the telephone.
• Applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
• Safety procedures related to the work.

Ability To

• React and respond to emergencies with common sense and communicate appropriately in the moment and for follow up.
• Perform administrative duties, such as tracking attendance and account balances; completing and maintaining documentation, records, and files; ordering food and supplies; and responding to customers.
• Be aware of and conduct all activities occurring in the childcare programs during program hours, including staff, children, family, and school partner interactions.
• Facilitate staff training.
• Manage staff schedules, communicate shifts, and find substitutes (or step in as a substitute) when needed.
• Engage large group of children in enriching activities while ensuring safety for all participants, often while other programs and events are occurring on the same school site.
• Implement changing protocols and policies as related to licensed childcare facilities.
• Interpret and implement policies and procedures, and use computer applications related to the department or organizational unit to which assigned.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Use independent judgment within established procedural guidelines and written directions.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
• Be called to work to cover other shifts, if necessary.

Typical Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Twelve college‑level qualifying semester units in early childhood education, child development, family studies, physical education, elementary education, recreation, or related field;

and

Two years of experience working in a childcare setting or in a structured program for school‑age children.

or

An equivalent combination of education and experience.

Three units of coursework related to childcare administration and three units of coursework related to nutrition or ability to obtain within one year of hire.

Possession And Maintenance Of

• First Aid and CPR certificate required within six months of hire.
• AB 1207 certificate required within the first month of hire.

THIS POSITION WILL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING BEFORE A FINAL OFFER IS MADE:

• Live Scan Fingerprinting (DOJ and FBI)
• Child Abuse Index check
• Proof of Immunization: MMR, TDAP, and Influenza (or Statement to Decline)
• Satisfactory Health Screening
• Tuberculosis clearance within the 12 months prior to start date
• Provide copies of college transcripts.

Equal Opportunity & Language Access Notice

The City of San Luis Obispo values diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We are committed to fostering a community where all individuals are treated with dignity, respect, and inclusion, and where everyone can thrive. Our job posting site is compatible with tools such as Google Translate, which applicants may use to view postings in their preferred language. Please note that all application materials and responses must be submitted in English, as English is the working language of the City.

La Ciudad de San Luis Obispo valora la diversidad, la equidad, la inclusión y el sentido de pertenencia. Estamos comprometidos a fomentar una comunidad donde todas las personas sean tratadas con dignidad, respeto e inclusión, y donde todos puedan prosperar. Nuestro sitio de publicación de empleos es compatible con herramientas como Google Translate, que los solicitantes pueden usar para ver las publicaciones en su idioma preferido. Tenga en cuenta que todos los materiales de la solicitud y las respuestas deben enviarse en inglés, ya que el inglés es el idioma de trabajo de la Ciudad.

Benefits

For a detailed spreadsheet of employee benefits by bargaining group, please view our Benefits Summary.

Retirement: California Public Employee's Retirement System (PERS). The City participates only in the medicare portion of Social Security.

Health: the City has a cafeteria plan for health, dental and vision insurance and contributes towards medical insurance. Employees may choose from several health insurance options. There are also two dental plans to choose from. See the Benefits Summary link to determine the contribution amount.

Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance: group term life and AD&D insurance is provided for all regular employees. The amount of coverage varies depending on the classification. Employees may purchase additional life and AD&D insurance for themselves and their dependents.

Vacation: employees receive 12 days per year increasing to 20 days after 20 years.

Holidays: employees receive 12-13 days per year depending on the classification.

Sick Leave: employees receive 12 days per year.

Administrative Leave: is a benefit available to management employees. The number of administrative leave hours varies depending on the classification.

Flexible Work Schedule: is available to many positions within the City organization.

Long Term Disability Insurance: is available for regular employees. The amount of benefit and contribution by employee varies by classification.

Deferred Compensation: is available for employees to set aside a portion of their salary on a pre‑tax basis to supplement retirement.

Wellness Program: offered to help employees gain knowledge, skills and motivation to improve the quality of their lives and well‑being.

Employee Assistance Program: a counseling and consultation service designed to help employees and eligible family members with a wide range of personal issues.

Flexible Benefits Program: available to help employees save taxes on: (1) Pre‑tax health insurance premium deductions, (2) Unreimbursed/ uncovered medical expenses, and (3) Dependent care expenses.

Tuition Reimbursement: up to $1500 annually for job‑related educational costs is available to employees who have passed probation.

Trip Reduction Incentive Program (TRIP): incentives are available for employees who voluntarily participate in alternative forms of transportation to and from work.

Computer Purchase Program: interest‑free loans to employees who have passed probation and who purchase computers for personal use with City approved software configuration.

Professional Association for City Employees (PACE): voluntary organization for professional development training classes, monthly membership meetings with a variety of speakers, and social functions designed to facilitate interaction with employees from all departments in a relaxed setting away from work.

For questions or assistance, please contact [e-mail].