Child Care Staffing in California

Permanent recruiting for preschools and child care centers across California.

Diverse group of preschoolers raising their hands
Hiring in California

Hiring here is different

Title 22 units

California’s Title 22 rules say a fully qualified teacher needs 12 core ECE units and 6 months of experience, and someone with 6 units can teach while finishing the rest, as long as they take at least 2 units a semester. That unit count is usually what separates a teacher from an aide, so we ask about it on the first call.

Universal TK

Since 2025-26, every child who turns 4 by September 1 can enroll in TK at their public school, and districts need credentialed teachers to staff those classrooms. That puts centers in competition with districts for the same early educators, and we recruit with that in mind.

CSPP permits

If you run California State Preschool Program (CSPP) classrooms, Title 22 units aren’t enough. Teachers need a Child Development Associate Teacher Permit from the CTC or higher, or an elementary teaching credential plus 12 ECE units or 2 years of experience. We ask about permit level before you interview anyone.

84,954 child care staff

California centers employ more child care staff than any other state.

9,523 child care centers

Private centers with paid staff across the state.

$42,896 average pay

Average annual pay per child care employee in 2025, including part-time staff (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Toddlers playing with musical instruments at a table

California FAQs

What schools in California ask us most.

WHAT ROLES DO YOU RECRUIT IN CALIFORNIA?

We recruit for every role in California centers, from lead and assistant teachers to cooks, assistant directors, center directors and regional leaders. Every hire is a permanent placement on your payroll.

WHERE IN CALIFORNIA DO YOU RECRUIT?

Anywhere in the state, including Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, the Bay Area, Sacramento and the Central Valley.

WHAT DO CHILD CARE STAFF EARN IN CALIFORNIA?

Child care employees in California averaged $42,896 a year in 2025, including part-time staff, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay depends on the role, credentials and the school.

WHAT DOES A CENTER DIRECTOR NEED IN CALIFORNIA?

Directors qualify one of several ways: a high school diploma plus 15 college units (12 core ECE and 3 administration) and 4 years of experience; an associate in ECE or child development with 3 administration units plus 2 years; a bachelor's in ECE or child development with 3 administration units plus 1 year; or a Child Development Site Supervisor or Program Director Permit. See the full California director rules.

WHAT DOES A TEACHER NEED IN CALIFORNIA?

Teachers must be 18. To be hired, they need at least 6 ECE units or a Child Development Assistant Permit, then 2 units each term until fully qualified: 12 ECE units plus 6 months of experience, a CDA plus 6 months, or a Child Development Associate Teacher Permit or higher. See the full California teacher rules.

WHAT IS QUALITY COUNTS CALIFORNIA?

Quality Counts California is the state's quality rating and improvement system. It is run locally through county consortia, so how it works depends on your county.

HOW FAST CAN YOU START?

We contact you within 24 hours of your request, and our sourcing team starts after a short intake call. Book a call to talk through your open roles.

Our process

We can help and this is how

We handle the search so you can run your school. From single classrooms to multi-site networks, we find the people who fit.

2. Sourcing
Our Sourcing Team finds educators who match your needs through resume reviews and outreach, saving you time.
4. Submittal
We provide recruiter notes and educator resumes so you can review the candidates who best match your needs.
1. Intake Call
We learn about the school’s openings, required qualifications, hard and soft skills, preferences, and culture.
3. Review & Screen
Our Recruiters conduct initial phone screenings with the educators who meet your criteria.
5. Interview Coordination
Our Account Managers arrange virtual or in-person interviews with your selected educators.

Find the right people now

Schedule a consultation and we will show you how to fill your open roles with passionate educators.